Monster Hunter World: A Detailed Walkthrough

Embarking on the grand quest that is Monster Hunter World (MHW), players around the globe ready their weapons, seeking the thrill of the hunt and the glory of the capture or kill. Venturing into this expansive world teeming with formidable beasts and breathtaking environments, a hunter must be well-prepared and strategically savvy. From the lush Ancient Forest to the desolate wastelands of the Elder's Recess, your journey through the New World is fraught with peril and excitement in equal measure. This guide is your roadmap through the early skirmishes, mid-game challenges, and the daunting endgame scenarios that await every aspiring hunter.

Early Game Strategy

The commencement of your journey in MHW is all about laying down the groundwork and familiarizing yourself with the fundamental mechanics that will define your hunting career. Here's how to kickstart your adventure on the right foot.

Gear Up Smartly

Initially, equip yourself with gear that aligns with your preferred playstyle. Adept at close combat? The Great Sword or Dual Blades may be your weapons of choice. Prefer keeping your distance? The Bow or one of the Bowguns might suit your fancy. Remember, each weapon has its unique attributes and learning curve, so spend some time in the training area to get the hang of your chosen arsenal.

Master the Environment

The New World is as much an ally as it is a battlefield. Learn to use the environment to your advantage -- environmental traps and endemic life can turn the tide in your favor during a hunt. From leading monsters into natural traps like vines or using the terrain to evade attacks, adaptability and environmental awareness are critical.

Tack on Those Assignments

Progression in MHW is primarily driven through Assignments. These quests push the narrative forward and unlock new areas and monsters to hunt. Early on, focus on completing these Assignments to quickly enhance your skills and gear. Complement these with Optional Quests for additional resources and upgrades.

Mid Game Tactics

As you advance, MHW unfurls its complexity, offering a deeper strategy layer and introducing more fearsome monsters. Here's how to navigate the mid-game minefield.

Tailor Your Loadouts

You'll encounter a wider variety of monsters with unique strengths and weaknesses. This is where crafting and tailoring multiple gear loadouts based on elemental resistances and weapon advantages become paramount. Keeping a versatile arsenal at your disposal allows for quick adaptation to any threat.

Cultivate Your Ecosystem

Don't ignore the Botanical Research Center -- cultivating plants, mushrooms, and insects here ensures a steady supply of crafting materials for potions, traps, and other essentials. Efficiency in preparation equals efficacy in execution.

Join the Hunt

The mid-game is where multiplayer becomes incredibly advantageous. Joining forces with other hunters via SOS flares or forming your own hunting party can make tackling the tougher monsters more manageable and far more engaging. Plus, it's a great way to acquire rare materials and experience different hunting styles.

Late Game Advice

Upon reaching the late game, you're no longer a neophyte hunter. You've faced down fearsome beasts and survived. But the New World's greatest challenges still lie ahead.

Specialize Your Skills

At this stage, fine-tuning your equipment to synergize with your chosen weapon and playstyle is crucial. Incorporate skills that enhance your strengths or mitigate your weaknesses. Armor sets and decorations offer a plethora of options to tailor your build.

Engage with Elder Dragons

Elder Dragons represent the pinnacle of Monster Hunting. These encounters will test every skill you've honed so far. Research is your ally -- knowing each Elder Dragon's elemental weakness and attack patterns can drastically increase your success rate.

The Tempered Threat

Tempered monsters are even more formidable versions of the beasts you've already encountered. Hunting these not only requires all your skill and knowledge but rewards you with Streamstones for weapon augmentations. This endgame content is where hunters truly shine.

Detailed Quest Walkthroughs

For hunters seeking guidance on specific encounters, here are detailed walkthroughs for pivotal quests that mark your passage through the New World.

Facing Anjanath

The Anjanath in the Ancient Forest tests early game mettle. This brute is susceptible to water, so equipping a weapon with this element or packing Watermoss can give you an edge. Use the dense foliage and verticality of the Ancient Forest to your advantage, and watch out for its fire breath attack. Patience and persistence win this hunt.

The Nergigante Showdown

Nergigante, the flagship monster of MHW, is a true test of mid-game mastery. Focus on breaking its spikes to prevent its most devastating attacks. Mobility and defensive gear can make a significant difference here. Nergigante is relentless, so maintaining stamina and keeping health topped up is essential.

Conquering Xeno'jiiva

In the culmination of the main storyline, Xeno'jiiva challenges hunters with its massive size and powerful elemental attacks. Sticking close to its underbelly and avoiding its energy blasts are key strategies. Equip gear with high elemental resistance, and don't hesitate to utilize the SOS feature to tackle this behemoth with fellow hunters.

Endgame Scenarios

Beyond the storyline, the endgame of MHW unfolds with a barrage of content aimed at the most dedicated hunters. Here are strategies to thrive in these elite hunting grounds.

The Grind for Decorations

Jewels or decorations are pivotal for fine-tuning your build in the endgame. The most efficient way to acquire these is through Tempered Monster Investigations, particularly Threat Level 2 and 3. Prioritize these Investigations to enhance your gear with specific skills.

Arch-Tempered Elder Dragons

These are the zenith of hunting challenges, offering unique armor sets and layered armor for those who can conquer them. Each Arch-Tempered Elder Dragon demands the utmost preparation and skill, not to mention coordinated teamwork in multiplayer.

Exploring the Guiding Lands

The Guiding Lands offer a dynamic ecosystem with exclusive monsters and materials necessary for the highest level of crafting and augmentation. Managing your region levels to lure out specific monsters is a deep strategic element unique to this endgame area.

MHW is a game of patience, preparation, and prowess, offering a rewarding journey for those willing to master its complexities. Whether you're setting out on your first expedition or preparing to face down the mightiest Elder Dragons, the New World is a land of endless adventure and danger. With this guide in hand, the path to becoming an elite hunter is clear. Gather your gear, rally your comrades, and happy hunting!