Monster Hunter World: Beginner's Tutorial

Hey guys! So, you're diving into the awesome world of Monster Hunter World? That's fantastic! But let's be real, this game can feel overwhelming when you're just starting out. There's so much to learn, from crafting weapons to tracking down behemoths. Don't worry, though, this guide is here to get you started on the right foot and turn you from a wide-eyed newbie into a confident hunter. Let's jump right in!

Understanding the Basics: Your Hunter's Journey

Monster Hunter World throws you into the role of a hunter, tasked with investigating strange phenomena and, well, hunting monsters. The game revolves around completing quests, gathering resources, crafting better gear, and then taking on even bigger and badder monsters. It's a rewarding cycle, but understanding the core mechanics is key.

Character Creation and the Handler

First things first, you'll create your hunter. Don't stress too much about the appearance; you can change it later with in-game items or even DLC. Once you're in the game, you'll meet your Handler. Think of her as your sidekick and quest giver. She'll provide information, guide you on hunts, and generally keep you on track. Pay attention to what she says; she often drops valuable hints.

The Hub: Astera and Seliana

Astera (and later Seliana in the Iceborne expansion) is your home base. This is where you'll find all the essential facilities: the Smithy for crafting weapons and armor, the Resource Center for managing investigations, the Canteen for boosting your stats with meals, and your own private quarters for changing equipment and managing your Palico (more on that later!). Take some time to explore Astera and familiarize yourself with the locations of these key areas. Knowing where to go will save you a lot of time in the long run.

Quests and Expeditions

There are two main ways to interact with the world: Quests and Expeditions. Quests are structured missions with specific objectives, usually hunting or capturing a particular monster. Expeditions are free-roam explorations of the various environments, allowing you to gather resources and practice your hunting skills without the pressure of a time limit. Early on, focus on completing the main story quests to unlock new areas and features. Don't neglect Expeditions, though; they're great for resource gathering and learning the monster's behaviors.

Combat Essentials: Weapons, Armor, and Palicoes

Now let's get to the heart of Monster Hunter World: the combat. Choosing the right weapon, crafting effective armor, and utilizing your Palico are crucial for survival.

Choosing Your Weapon

Monster Hunter World boasts 14 different weapon types, each with its own unique moveset and playstyle. There's something for everyone, from the rapid-fire Dual Blades to the heavy-hitting Greatsword. Experiment with different weapons to find one that clicks with you. The Training Area (accessible from your room) is a great place to try them out without risking failure on a quest. Don't be afraid to switch weapons based on the monster you're hunting; some weapons are more effective against certain monsters than others. Some of the popular choices among beginners are:

• Sword and Shield: A versatile option with good offense and defense.
• Dual Blades: Fast and agile, perfect for dealing rapid damage.
• Greatsword: Slow but powerful, capable of dealing massive damage with each swing.
• Long Sword: A good balance of speed and power, with a unique spirit gauge mechanic.

Understanding Armor and Skills

Armor provides defense against monster attacks, but it also comes with skills. Skills are passive abilities that enhance your hunter's capabilities, such as increasing attack power, improving evasion, or providing resistance to elemental damage. Pay attention to the skills on your armor when choosing your gear. It's often better to prioritize skills that complement your weapon and playstyle rather than simply picking the armor with the highest defense. As you progress, you'll be able to mix and match armor pieces to create custom builds with specific skill combinations. Don't forget to upgrade your armor at the Smithy using armor spheres to increase its defense.

Your Trusty Palico

Your Palico is your feline companion who will assist you in hunts. They can attack monsters, provide healing, and even buff your stats. You can customize your Palico's gear and skills to suit your playstyle. Experiment with different Palico gadgets, such as the Vigorwasp Spray (which heals you and your team) or the Flashfly Cage (which stuns monsters). Your Palico is more than just a cute sidekick; they're a valuable asset in combat.

Mastering the Hunt: Tracking, Weaknesses, and Traps

Hunting monsters in Monster Hunter World is more than just running in and swinging your weapon. It's about understanding your prey, exploiting their weaknesses, and using the environment to your advantage.

Tracking Your Quarry

Before you can hunt a monster, you need to find it. Use the Scoutflies to track monsters by following their footprints, markings, and other clues. As you gather more tracks, your Scoutflies will level up, making it easier to track the monster and providing more information about its location and behavior. Pay attention to the environment; monsters often leave trails that can lead you directly to them.

Exploiting Weaknesses

Every monster has its own unique weaknesses, both elemental and physical. Some monsters are weak to fire, while others are vulnerable to thunder. Some monsters have specific body parts that are more susceptible to damage. Experiment with different weapons and elements to find what works best against each monster. The Hunter's Notes provide valuable information about monster weaknesses and resistances. Use this information to your advantage when preparing for a hunt.

Utilizing Traps and Items

Traps and items are essential tools for hunting monsters. Pitfall Traps and Shock Traps can immobilize monsters, giving you a chance to deal damage or set up other attacks. Flash Bombs can blind monsters, creating an opening for attack. Sonic Bombs can disrupt monsters that rely on sound. Bring a variety of traps and items with you on every hunt, and don't be afraid to use them. They can often turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Crafting and Gathering: The Circle of Life

Crafting and gathering are integral parts of Monster Hunter World. You'll need to gather resources to craft weapons, armor, items, and ammunition. The more you gather, the more you can craft, and the better equipped you'll be to take on tougher monsters.

Gathering Resources

Gathering resources is as simple as interacting with gathering points scattered throughout the environment. These points can yield a variety of materials, such as plants, ores, insects, and bones. Keep an eye out for rare gathering points, which can provide valuable materials for crafting rare items. Don't forget to use your Palico to gather resources as well; they can often find materials that you might miss.

Crafting Weapons and Armor

Crafting weapons and armor is done at the Smithy. You'll need specific materials to craft each item. As you progress, you'll unlock new weapons and armor to craft. Don't be afraid to experiment with different crafting options to find the gear that suits your playstyle. Remember to upgrade your weapons and armor regularly to keep them competitive.

Cultivating Resources at the Botanical Research Center

The Botanical Research Center allows you to cultivate plants and insects, providing a steady supply of crafting materials. Unlock new cultivation slots by completing quests and investigations. Experiment with different fertilizers to increase the yield and speed of your cultivations. The Botanical Research Center is a great way to automate resource gathering and ensure that you always have the materials you need.

Essential Tips for Beginners

Alright, let's wrap up with some essential tips that will help you survive and thrive in Monster Hunter World:

• Eat before every hunt: Meals at the Canteen provide valuable stat boosts that can make a big difference in combat.
• Sharpen your weapon regularly: A dull weapon deals less damage. Use a Whetstone to keep your weapon sharp.
• Use the environment to your advantage: Climb ledges, slide down slopes, and use environmental traps to gain an edge in combat.
• Don't be afraid to fail: Failure is part of the learning process. Learn from your mistakes and try again.
• Join a hunting party: Hunting with friends or other players can make the game more fun and easier.
• Read the Hunter's Notes: This invaluable resource provides information about monster weaknesses, behaviors, and habitats.
• Experiment with different weapons and armor: Find the gear that suits your playstyle and complements your strengths.
• Most Importantly, Have Fun! Monster Hunter World is a challenging but rewarding game. Enjoy the journey and don't be afraid to ask for help.

So, there you have it! A beginner's guide to Monster Hunter World that should get you started on your hunting adventure. Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Happy hunting, guys!