The Ultimate Monster Hunter: World Armor Guide
So, you’ve decided to take up the mantle of a Monster Hunter and dive headfirst into the world of fierce beasts and epic battles. One of the most thrilling aspects of Monster Hunter: World is the wide array of armor sets you can choose from. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie looking to get your bearings, knowing the ins and outs of armor can make your journey a lot smoother—and a whole lot more fun.
Best Armor Sets
Let's be honest, standing out in Monster Hunter: World is just as much about what you’re wearing as it is about your skill with the weapon. But hey, looking good doesn't mean sacrificing effectiveness. Here are some of my favorite armor sets that cater to different playstyles:
The Elemental Master: Kirin Armor Set
If magic and elemental damage is your thing, then the Kirin Armor Set is your go-to. This legendary set isn't just fashionable (those glowing horns though!); it's also incredibly functional for elemental builds.
- Skills and Bonuses: High Thunder Resistance, Critical Eye
- Perfect For: Bow and Light Bowgun users
Pro Tip: Pair this with the Thunder Elemental Bow, and you’ll be a storm of destruction on the battlefield.
The Damage Dealer: Nergigante Armor Set
When it comes to raw power and dishing out maximum damage, nothing can quite match the Nergigante Armor Set.
- Skills and Bonuses: Attack Boost, Maximum Might, Agitator
- Perfect For: Great Sword and Hammer users
I remember using this set while facing off against Kulve Taroth for the first time. Let’s just say it was love at first smash!
The All-Rounder: Rathalos Armor Set
For hunters who prefer versatility, the Rathalos Armor Set strikes an excellent balance between offense and defense.
- Skills and Bonuses: Fire Resistance, Weakness Exploit, Critical Boost
- Perfect For: Sword and Shield users or for those who like to switch things up frequently
Fun Anecdote: I once had a Rathalos set all dolled up in “Azure” colors, and whenever I jumped into my hunting lobby, it was a topic of endless admiration.
Armor Skills and Bonuses
Okay, so you’ve picked out your shiny new armor. But what are these skills and bonuses it’s boasting about? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Attack Boost: Increases your raw attack power. Essential for heavy-hitters.
- Elemental Resistance: Buffs your defenses against specific elemental attacks. Lifesavers against certain Elder Dragons.
- Critical Eye: Improves affinity, making you land more critical hits.
- Evade Window: Extends the invulnerability period during evasion; great for dodging out of harm’s way.
Rhetorical Question: Ever found yourself narrowly dodging a Diablos charge? That’s when you’ll truly appreciate having Evade Window maxed out.
Let's not forget the beauty of set bonuses. When you equip a complete set or specific pieces of certain armor sets, you often unlock additional bonuses that can give you the upper hand in hunts. Always check what set bonuses you're close to completing; sometimes mixing and matching can net you a combination of skills that turn you into an absolute beast!
Armor Upgrading and Augmentation
Upgrading your armor isn't just about making it look pretty; it’s about making sure your trusty gear can withstand tougher monsters as you progress through the game.
Step-By-Step Upgrading Guide:
- Gather Materials: Hunt down monsters and gather the necessary materials. Sometimes, this is easier said than done, but boy, it’s worth the grind.
- Visit the Smithy: Head over to the Smithy in Astera. This place will become your second home.
- Upgrade: Select the armor piece you want to upgrade and see what materials and Zenny (in-game currency) you need. If you’re low on Zenny, a few optional quests can quickly fill your coffers.
Personal Insight: I once spent an entire weekend farming for Bazelgeuse talons to upgrade my favorite dual blades set. The grind was real, but the satisfaction of finally netting the elusive pieces? Pure bliss!
Augmentation
Now, for the crème de la crème of armor enhancement: Augmentation. This feature unlocks late in the game and allows you to significantly bolster your armor’s stats.
- What You Need: Streamstones. These can be a rare drop from Tempered Elder Dragon investigations.
- How To Augment: Head back to the Smithy, and you’ll see an option to augment your armor (or weapons). Depending on the augmentation type (defense, health, skill boost), select the one that best aligns with your playstyle.
Thought-Provoking Statement: Imagine facing off against a Tempered Nergigante with fully augmented, top-tier armor. Not only will you feel nearly invincible, but you’ll also dish out damage like never before.
Wrapping It Up
Armor in Monster Hunter: World isn't just about protection; it's a reflection of your style and strategy. Choosing the right sets, understanding their skills and bonuses, and upgrading them can make the difference between a successful hunt and a cart back to camp. So, hunters, dive into the armory, experiment with different combinations, and find what makes you feel like the ultimate monster slayer.
Call-to-Action: Ready to test your mettle? Suit up in your favorite armor set and head out on a grand adventure. Don’t forget to share your epic hunts and stylish screenshots with us in the comments below! And if you have any armor combos you swear by, I’d love to hear about them. Happy hunting!
