Monster Hunter World guide: strategy and advice for hunting in Astera

Monster Hunter World is here. Armor-up, grab a switch axe and begin your quest.

Monster Hunter World is the next big entry in the long-running action RPG series from Capcom and it's an absolute hit with the critics.

Don't be fooled by the title; World is the next core entry in the Monster Hunter series, not another spin-off or remake. After many years of bouncing between portables, where admittedly it thrived, Monster Hunter is set to make a big splash on the most popular home platforms.

It's had a serious overhaul, too. Monster Hunter World puts a thoroughly modern spin on the classic series formula, retaining the basic hub, quest and hunting structure we all love so much, but generously throwing new features in and updating existing systems.

This series has always had the potential to go really big, and Monster Hunter World looks set to do just that. Don't be left on the sidelines wondering what's happening; get across Monster Hunter World now – and get hype.

Starter's guide: multiplayer, online, crafting and bounties
How to invite, join a party and play with friends in online multiplayer

You can play Monster Hunter World solo and it's still a great game. But multiplayer should enhance your enjoyment ten-fold. There are a few odd rules that you'll need to get used to, and this guide will spell them out and make everything clear so you can be hunting with your buddies in no time. And just to make it clear: there is no local co-op for Monster Hunter World.
Beginner's Tips & Tricks: How to do quests, track monsters, use items, crafting, scoutflies, bounties

Now you're playing with friends you'll want to understand the basics as they're essential to rounding out your character and making the most of Monster Hunter World. There's a lot to get your head around; scoutflies, the world of Astera, crafting and smithing, eating, customizing your pouch, bounties, daily bonuses – we've got it all covered.
Capture Guide: how to bring in monsters large and small alive for research and pets

It's not just the giant lumbering creatures you'll want to capture in Monster Hunter World. You can also grab yourself animals and keep them in your room as pets. What are you waiting for?

Weapons, armor and building your hunter
Which weapon should you choose? All 14 types evaluated

There are 14 different weapon types in Monster Hunter World, each one suited different attacks, creatures and hunt styles. There's a lot to learn, but don't be overwhelmed. here we cover the basics, from sword and shield, to gunlance, insect glaive and switch axe.
All armor skills and every armor set

There's no point being armed to the teeth if you can't take a punch or two. Here we tell you how to forage and smith new armor, the defensive value of all armor and all the asrmor skills granted to you by the gear that you wear.
Affinity Guide: understanding and managing the weapon affinity stat

Monster Hunter World doesn't have classes, nor do you level up in the traditional RPG sense. Instead, your gear needs to be balanced using Affinity, which determines the amount of damage you do. It's not a difficult concept, and understanding it is key to taking down beasts on high-level hunts.
Here's the best High Rank armor build going – Odogaron Dragonking

If you've reached High Rank in Monster Hunter World, you're going to be dealing with hard-hitting quests that'll really challenge your hunting skills – but this particular armor build will really help you to stay alive.
How to get the Aloy Armor and bow for your hunter and watcher machine set for your Palico

PlayStation 4 owners are lucky enough to grab some bonus outfits for themselves and their Palico. Any they're based on last year's massive hit, Horizon Zero Dawn.
How to get the USJ Azure Star long sword and Palico set even if you're outside of Japan

The USJ Azure Star set is, officially, available only to Japanese players. But, there's a way for those outside of Japan to still get the gear.

Monsters: Every Monster profiled, boss strategies and where to find Rare Loot Materials
Monsters List: strengths, waeknesses, carves, loot and rewards for every boss monster

This is the big one: every boss in the game profiled with advice on how it attacks, where to find them and most importantly – how to kill it, complete with strengths and weaknesses. Also features drop lists so you know exactly what loot you'll be getting for your efforts. Know your enemy!
How to kill Anjanath in the Ancient Forest – weaknesses, farming, drops and more

Anjanath is the first major, full-on, properly challenging boss encounter in Monster Hunter World, and this dinosaur lookalike won't go down all that easily.
Where to find the aqua sac, poison sac, electro sac and flame sac

Don't underestimate these sacs – they're elemental items that can imbue your weapons or armor with very useful elemental properties when used in various upgrades. You'll definitely want some of these as you upgrade your hunter, so here's how to find them.

Monster Hunter World: your questions answered

There are a few common misconceptions about Monster Hunter World. Let's address them right now.
Does Monster Hunter World have local co-op?

Monster Hunter World does not have local split screen co-op. It does have 4-player online multiplayer though, and you'll be missing out if you don't get invovled as it absolutely suits the game. Try it out, you won't regret it.
Does Monster Hunter World have cross-platform play?

In a word: no. Monster Hunter World does not have cross-platform multiplayer. Although we'd really love to see it happen so all out PC, PS4 and Xbox One buddies can group up, Capcom has ruled it out.

People are saying Monster Hunter World has cross-platform play because of a slightly ambiguous comment during Monster Hunter World's E3 2017 announce about everyone playing together. This refers to Capcom's decision to axe regional matchmaking restrictions, so players in the US and Europe can play together with Japanese veterans. This should make it easier to find groups to play with.
Which platform is best for Monster Hunter World?

Monster Hunter World is coming to PC, and is out now on PS4 and Xbox One. The PC version of Monster Hunter World isn't due until the end of the year. On consoles, Monster Hunter World's frame rate is locked to 30 fps. Capcom isn't ready to talk about the PC version's performance yet.

Monster Hunter World is not coming to Nintendo Switch, even though – as a franchise that has previously worked so well in portable formats – it would suit the on-the-go console perfectly. A shame, that, but it may have something to do with Capcom and Nintendo's arrangements for other Monster Hunter titles on 3DS.
Are the Trophies and Achievements difficult to get?

There's a whole list of Trophies and Achievements for Monster Hunter World. Is it a difficult platinum? You'll have to be the judge of that.
Can I change my Character Appearance after I've started the game?

No. Well – not entirely. Monster Hunter World will let you change basic aspects of your character appearance such as hair or makeup after you've finished character creation, but you'll be locked out of changing things like skin color, body build and face shape forever once you press start game – unless you set up a new character. Keep this in mind when creating characters! Capcom has said if there's enough demand, they'll add in a character editing option, so let your voice be heard!