Monster Hunter World: Your Ultimate Starter Build Guide

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Alright, hunters, let's talk about Monster Hunter World (MHW)! If you're just diving into this epic game, or maybe you're a returning player looking for a fresh start, figuring out the best starter build can feel like a quest in itself. Don't worry, I got you, fam! This guide is designed to help you craft a solid build that'll take you from those early hunts to the point where you're comfortably taking down bigger, badder monsters. We'll be focusing on building for survival and efficiency, because let's be real, surviving is kinda the whole point, right?

Understanding the Basics: Weapons, Armor, and Skills

Before we dive into specific builds, let's go over the essentials. In MHW, your success depends on three key things: your weapon, your armor, and your skills. Let's break it down:

  • Weapons: There are 14 weapon types in MHW, each with its own unique playstyle. Some are great for beginners, while others have a steeper learning curve. We'll touch on a couple of solid beginner weapons later.
  • Armor: Armor provides defense, elemental resistances, and skills. Skills are the real game-changers; they boost your stats and give you special abilities. We'll prioritize armor with skills that are beneficial for beginners.
  • Skills: Skills are activated when you have enough points in a specific skill. These points come from the armor pieces and decorations you equip. The higher the level of a skill, the better the effect. For example, the Health Boost skill increases your maximum health, which is incredibly useful for staying alive.

Now, let's talk about some general advice. Early in the game, don't stress too much about min-maxing your build. Focus on survival and learning the monsters' attack patterns. Try out different weapons to see what clicks. And most importantly, have fun! That's the most crucial element in this incredible game. Remember that this is a journey. Experimenting is part of the fun of Monster Hunter World.

The Great Sword: A Beginner's Best Friend

For many new players, the Great Sword is a fantastic choice. It's slow, yes, but it packs a serious punch, and it's surprisingly versatile. Its attacks are very strong, allowing you to hit hard and deal some major damage. If you're the type who likes to deal with big damage numbers, this is your weapon. Plus, the Great Sword has some great defensive options, too. Let's look at a starter build:

  • Weapon: Iron Great Sword (Upgrade this as you progress.)

  • Armor: Bone Armor Set (This is easily craftable early in the game and provides decent defense.)

    • Head: Bone Helm
    • Chest: Bone Mail
    • Arms: Bone Vambraces
    • Waist: Bone Coil
    • Legs: Bone Greaves

  • Skills: The Bone Armor set gives you some nice starting skills:

    • Defense Boost: Increases your defense.

    • Health Boost: This one is absent from this set, but you can add a decoration for this.

    • If you find that your hits are being deflected, add the skill Focus, which will help to charge your attacks quickly.

  • Strategy: With the Great Sword, you'll want to focus on landing powerful charged attacks. Learn to predict the monster's movements and position yourself to land a Strong Charged Slash when the monster is vulnerable. The Great Sword's Tackle can also be used to absorb hits. Just be careful when the monster is enraged. It's a great way to deal with the monster's attack and use it as a counter. Get to know your weapon movesets; the way that you position your hits can influence your gameplay. It's all about managing your stamina and positioning yourself to hit the sweet spots on the monster.

The Sword and Shield: A Versatile Choice

For those who prefer a more mobile and adaptable playstyle, the Sword and Shield is a top-tier choice. It allows you to attack quickly, block, and even use items while your weapon is drawn. It's a great all-around weapon. The Sword and Shield is known for its versatility. The combination of attack, defense, and mobility makes it a favorite among hunters. You can block attacks with your shield and also use items without sheathing your weapon.

  • Weapon: Iron Sword and Shield (Upgrade this as you progress.)

  • Armor: Alloy Armor Set (Offers good defense and some useful skills.)

    • Head: Alloy Helm
    • Chest: Alloy Mail
    • Arms: Alloy Vambraces
    • Waist: Alloy Coil
    • Legs: Alloy Greaves

  • Skills: The Alloy Armor provides:

    • Defense Boost: Increases your defense.
    • Health Boost: Add this with decorations.

  • Strategy: With the Sword and Shield, you want to be up close and personal with the monster. Use quick combos and be ready to block incoming attacks. The ability to use items while your weapon is drawn is a lifesaver. Take advantage of this to heal or apply buffs without losing precious time. You can use your slinger to throw rocks to interrupt the monster's actions. Experiment with different movesets to find what you like. The Sword and Shield is one of the most balanced weapons for beginners, so have fun!

Early Game Tips and Tricks for Survival

Regardless of your chosen weapon, here are some general tips to help you survive and thrive in the early game of Monster Hunter World:

  • Learn Monster Attack Patterns: This is the most important skill in the game. Watch the monsters, learn their tells (the movements they make before attacking), and learn how to dodge or block accordingly. Knowing when to strike and when to back off will make all the difference.
  • Eat Before Every Hunt: Always eat at the canteen before heading out. This gives you health and stamina buffs, which are incredibly valuable.
  • Use Your Environment: The environment is your friend! Use ledges for jumping attacks, walls for wall-running, and traps to stun monsters. Learn how to use your slinger to create opportunities. You can often make the environment work to your advantage.
  • Gather Everything: Pick up herbs, bugs, and bones whenever you see them. You'll need them to craft potions, traps, and other useful items. Gather items to help you. These small things will add up over time and help you to craft better equipment and other important resources. This game is all about resources, so use them wisely.
  • Upgrade Your Equipment: Keep upgrading your weapon and armor as you progress. Don't be afraid to experiment with different weapon types and armor sets to find what works best for you. Upgrade your weapon and armor frequently. This will increase your stats and add other skill options.
  • Don't Be Afraid to SOS: If you're struggling with a hunt, don't hesitate to send out an SOS flare. Other players can join your quest and help you out. It's a great way to learn from more experienced hunters.

Transitioning to Mid-Game and Beyond

Once you've cleared the early-game hunts and are ready to move on, you'll want to start thinking about your builds. Experiment with different armor sets and skills to see what works best for your playstyle. A great way to start is the Anjanath Armor Set, which will provide a mix of offensive and defensive skills. You will also start to focus on skills like Attack Boost, Critical Eye, and Weakness Exploit. These skills will significantly increase your damage output.

For weapons, you will want to focus on upgrading your weapon trees. The first step to start dealing more damage is understanding your weapon. Understanding the damage numbers, critical hits, and the movesets is the key to mastering your weapon. This is also the time when you will start to consider elemental damage and status effects (like poison or paralysis) to give you an edge.

As you progress into the late game, you'll be able to craft more specialized builds with powerful skills and more advanced weapons. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things. That is the best part of this game!

Conclusion: Embrace the Hunt!

There you have it, folks! With these starter builds and tips, you should be well on your way to becoming a seasoned hunter in Monster Hunter World. Remember to have fun, experiment, and don't be afraid to fail. The hunt is a journey, and with each successful hunt, you'll become a better hunter. Good luck, and happy hunting!