Monster Hunter World: Character Building Guide

Embarking on a journey in Monster Hunter World (MHW) is no small feat. This sprawling title throws you into a vividly realized ecosystem where every encounter could be your last. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or fresh off the boat, understanding the nuances of character building is critical to mastering the New World. This sprawling guide will dissect the intricacies of tailoring your warrior, from selecting the right attributes to implementing advanced tactics that would make even the Sapphire Star proud.

Choosing Attributes

At the outset, MHW might seem like any other hack-and-slash adventure, but veterans know that what lies beneath is a complex ballet of stats, gear, and monster knowledge. Your journey begins not when you first draw your weapon, but when you're deciding the foundation of your hunter.

Physique and Aesthetics

While the physical appearance of your character might not directly influence your combat capabilities, it sets the tone for your journey. Take your time. This is the visage that will stand toe to toe with elder dragons and come out unscathed.

Primary Attributes

Unlike traditional RPGs, MHW eschews fixed character classes for a more fluid approach based on your equipment. However, your choice of weapon can be seen as your "class," with each armament bestowing its own rhythm and style upon your hunt.

Attack Power (AP): This straightforward stat determines how much damage you inflict with each blow. Weapons like the Great Sword or Hammer will see significant benefits from prioritizing AP.
Affinity: Often overlooked by novices, affinity represents your chance to land critical hits. Snappy weapons like the Dual Blades or Long Sword flourish with high affinity, turning quick strikes into devastating flurries.
Defense: Your safety net. While the best offense is a good defense, don't neglect your protective stats. A well-timed roll might dodge one attack, but a sturdy defense rating can see you through the unexpected.

Skill Selection

The soul of your build lies in your skill choices. MHW offers a labyrinthine network of skills, but discerning hunters know that synergy is the name of the game.

Essential Skills

Attack Boost: A no-brainer for any build, providing additional attack power and, at higher levels, affinity.
Critical Eye: Increases affinity, synergizing well with fast-hitting or critical-focused weapons.
Health Boost: Offers a flat increase to your health pool, granting you more breathing room in tight encounters.

Specialized Skills

Handicraft: Essential for melee combatants seeking to maintain or extend their weapon's sharpness.
Weakness Exploit: A boon for those adept at targeting monster weak spots, significantly increasing affinity against vulnerable areas.
Earplugs: For hunters who want uninterrupted combos, nullifying monster roars can be a game-changer.

It's not merely about stacking the highest numbers but weaving a tapestry of skills that complement your weapon and play style. Experimentation is key.

Ideal Builds

Your weapon choice is the crucible in which your build is forged. Let's dive into a few archetypal builds that have proven their worth in the field.

The Glass Cannon (Great Sword)

Focus: Speeds up your charge times, allowing for quicker delivery of devastating blows.
Critical Draw: A perfect match for hit-and-run tactics, ensuring that your first attack hits with increased critical chance.
Attack Boost & Critical Eye: Elevates your damage output to astronomical levels.

This build revolves around evading your quarry's attacks, only to retaliate with bone-crushing force. Timing and positioning are everything.

The Immovable Object (Lance)

Guard: Increases your blocking capabilities, allowing you to stand your ground against the fiercest assaults.
Guard Up: Enables you to block unblockable attacks, making you a veritable fortress.
Health Boost & Divine Blessing: Enhances your survivability, ensuring that when you do take hits, they're mere scratches.

As the bulwark for your team, your role is to anchor the fight, controlling the monster's attention and weathering its wrath.

The Elemental Fury (Bow)

Elemental Attack: Boosts the damage of your elemental attacks, crucial for exploiting monster weaknesses.
Constitution: Reduces stamina depletion, allowing for a constant barrage of arrows.
Bow Charge Plus: Enhances your charge levels, leading to more potent volleys.

This build capitalizes on agility and precision, raining down an elemental onslaught that can adapt to any monster's vulnerability.

Leveling Strategies

Grinding in MHW isn't just about hacking away at monsters. It's about choosing your battles wisely and leveraging the resources at your disposal.

Targeted Hunts

Don't just hunt; hunt smart. Identify which monsters drop the materials you need for your desired gear and focus your efforts there. Investigation missions, with their bonus rewards, can be particularly lucrative.

Cooperative Play

Joining up with fellow hunters not only makes battles more manageable but also more rewarding. The camaraderie of a well-coordinated team is unparalleled, and the strategic possibilities expand exponentially.

Event Quests and Limited Bounties

Keep an eye on rotating quests and bounties. These often offer enhanced rewards and can be a significant boost to your progression. The game's seasonal festivals are especially generous.

Advanced Tactics

Beyond the basics, true mastery of the hunt comes from understanding its subtler aspects.

Environmental Awareness

The Coral Highlands or the Rotten Vale aren't just backdrops for your battles; they're participants. Learn to use the environment to your advantage, whether it's leading a monster into a trap of vines or dropping a stalactite on its head.

Tailoring Your Approach

Each monster presents its own puzzle. The brute force that fells a Rathalos might barely scratch a Nergigante. Study your quarry, learn its patterns, and adapt. The Hunter's Notes are an invaluable resource for this.

Consumables and Crafting

Don't overlook the power of items. Flash Pods can blind a monster, giving you a precious window of opportunity, while traps can immobilize them for a barrage of attacks. Experiment with crafting to discover combinations that complement your play style.

Monster hunting is an art as much as it is a science. No two hunters approach the game the same way, and that's the beauty of MHW. This guide lays the foundation, but the New World is vast and full of secrets. Forge your path, make your mark, and above all, happy hunting.