Comprehensive Beginner Guide to Monster Hunter: World

Introduction

“Monster Hunter: World” (MHW), developed and published by Capcom, is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game known for its immersive gameplay, intricate mechanics, and rich ecosystem. For beginners entering the world of Monster Hunter, the game can initially seem daunting due to its complexity and depth. This comprehensive beginner guide aims to provide new players with essential information, tips, and strategies to navigate their early stages in MHW effectively.

Understanding the World of Monster Hunter

Overview of the Game

MHW is set in a vibrant and diverse ecosystem known as the New World, where players assume the role of a Hunter belonging to the Research Commission. The primary objective is to study and hunt various monsters inhabiting the world, which range from small creatures to colossal Elder Dragons. The game offers a seamless open-world experience divided into distinct regions, each with its unique environmental hazards, flora, and fauna.

Key Concepts and Gameplay Mechanics

Core Gameplay Loop

1. Hunting and Gathering: The core of MHW revolves around hunting monsters for resources and materials. Players gather items from the environment, track monster footprints, and engage in combat to progress through the game.
2. Crafting and Upgrading: Gathering materials from monsters and the environment allows players to craft weapons, armor, and consumables. Upgrading gear enhances combat capabilities and resilience against tougher foes.
3. Quests and Expeditions: Players undertake various quests, including story-driven missions, optional hunts, investigations for specific monster hunts, and expeditions for exploration and gathering.
4. Multiplayer and Cooperative Play: MHW supports multiplayer sessions where up to four players can team up to tackle quests and hunts cooperatively. Multiplayer offers strategic advantages and social interaction opportunities.

Getting Started: Character Creation and Controls

Setting Up Your Hunter

1. Character Creation: Begin by creating your Hunter, customizing their appearance, gender, facial features, and voice. Choose a starting weapon type that suits your playstyle, such as swords, bows, or heavy weapons like hammers.
2. Controls and UI: Familiarize yourself with the controls for movement, combat, item management, and interacting with NPCs. The user interface (UI) provides essential information, including health, stamina, map, and quest objectives.

Early Gameplay Tips and Progression

Starting in Astera: The Research Commission’s Base

Orientation and Initial Quests

1. Introduction to Astera: Upon starting the game, players are introduced to Astera, the Research Commission’s main base of operations in the New World. Explore Astera to interact with NPCs, access facilities like the Workshop for crafting, the Canteen for meals that boost stats, and the Botanical Research for cultivating resources.
2. Main Story Quests: Begin with assigned main story quests that introduce gameplay mechanics, combat basics, and the narrative. These quests unlock new areas, monsters, and game features as players progress.

Essential Gameplay Mechanics

Mastering Combat and Weaponry

1. Weapon Types: Experiment with different weapon types to find one that suits your playstyle. Each weapon type offers unique movesets, combos, and attributes that impact gameplay. Examples include fast-paced Dual Blades, versatile Sword and Shield, and heavy-hitting Great Sword.
2. Combat Strategies: Learn monster behaviors, weak points, and attack patterns to effectively engage in combat. Utilize dodging, blocking, and evasive maneuvers to avoid damage and capitalize on openings.
3. Sharpness and Stamina: Monitor weapon sharpness to maintain damage output. Manage stamina for dodging, running, and performing weapon actions by consuming rations, well-done steaks, or using the Canteen for stat-boosting meals.

Gathering and Resource Management

Gathering Essential Materials

1. Resource Nodes: Collect herbs, ores, bones, and other materials from resource nodes scattered throughout environments. Use these materials for crafting potions, traps, and upgrading equipment.
2. Palico Companion: Your Palico (feline companion) assists in combat, gathers resources, and provides support during hunts. Customize Palico equipment and abilities to complement your playstyle.

Progression and Hunter Ranks (HR)

Advancing in the New World

1. Hunter Ranks: Progress through Hunter Ranks (HR) by completing quests, hunting monsters, and achieving objectives. Higher HR unlocks access to more challenging quests, tempered monsters, and endgame content.
2. Village and Ecological Research: Visit the Ecological Research center to track monster footprints, gather research points, and unlock additional information about monster weaknesses, habitats, and behaviors.

Advanced Gameplay Strategies and Tips

Weapon and Armor Customization

Enhancing Combat Effectiveness

1. Forge and Upgrade: Use materials gathered from monster hunts to forge new weapons and armor sets at the Workshop in Astera. Upgrade equipment using armor spheres for increased defense and charms for additional skills.
2. Skill Bonuses: Equip armor sets that provide skill bonuses enhancing attack, defense, elemental resistance, and other attributes. Mix and match armor pieces to create custom builds that suit specific hunting strategies and playstyles.

Monster Hunting Techniques

Effective Strategies for Hunts

1. Tracking and Preparation: Use Scoutflies to track monster trails and footprints, indicating their location and behavior. Prepare for hunts by stocking up on potions, traps, and specialized items like flash pods and barrel bombs.
2. Capturing vs. Slaying: Choose between capturing or slaying monsters based on quest objectives and desired rewards. Capturing monsters yields unique materials and higher quest rewards but requires specific traps and timing.

Multiplayer Collaboration

Team-Based Hunting Strategies

1. Squad and Multiplayer Sessions: Join or create Squads for coordinated multiplayer sessions. Communicate with teammates using voice chat or text to strategize hunts, share resources, and maximize quest completion rates.
2. Role Specialization: Coordinate roles within the hunting party, such as tanking with heavy weapons, providing ranged support with bows or gunlances, and healing support with hunting horns or insect glaives.

Endgame Content and Challenges

Pursuing High-Rank Hunts

1. Tempered Monsters: Engage in tempered monster hunts for rare decorations and augmented equipment. Tempered monsters possess increased resilience and deal higher damage, requiring advanced combat skills and team coordination.
2. Elder Dragon Hunts: Confront Elder Dragons, the apex predators of the New World, in epic battles that test player mastery of combat mechanics, environmental hazards, and elemental resistances.

Conclusion

“Monster Hunter: World” offers a deep and rewarding gameplay experience for beginners willing to immerse themselves in its intricate world of monster hunting, crafting, and exploration. By understanding core mechanics, mastering combat strategies, and progressing through quests and hunts, new players can embark on an unforgettable journey in the New World.

This comprehensive beginner guide provides essential information and tips to help new players navigate the early stages of MHW effectively. From character creation and basic controls to advanced combat techniques and multiplayer collaboration, mastering these fundamentals lays the foundation for becoming a skilled and successful Monster Hunter.

As players gain experience, experiment with weapon types, and tackle more challenging hunts, they will discover the depth and complexity that define “Monster Hunter: World” as a standout title in the action RPG genre. Embrace the adventure, hone your hunting skills, and prepare for the ultimate challenge of becoming a legendary Hunter in the New World.