Monster Hunter World guide: strategy and advice for hunting in the New World

Monster Hunter World is finally out on PC! Armor-up, grab a switch axe and begin your quest with this collection of guides to walk you through the New World.

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.

Technical guide:
Best Monster Hunter World PC Settings: Tips for hitting 60 FPS

First things first, if you're playing on PC you need to get your config right. If you've got the tech to make the most of 4K – or even if you don't – then we can show you how to fiddle with the settings to make the New World pop.
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.
A cheat sheet for all monster weaknesses and resistances

For those times you just want to quickly lookup what the monster you're hunting is weak against, and spec your gear accordingly without having to read a list of tactics.
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, mantles 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.
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. Also, here's part two of the quest, all about Aloy's armor.
How to get the Street Fighter Ryu armor, hadouken and shoryuken emotes and other bonus items

Monster Hunter World's Street Fighter cross-over has begun – here's how to get the new gear it adds.
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.
Monster Hunter World Mantles: How to get them all

• How to get the Impact Mantle and Apothecary Mantle
• How to get the Evasion Mantle
• Here's how to get the Rocksteady Mantle
  

Weapon Tutorials & Gear Builds
Charge Blade guide – how to get the best from your builds and combos

Our guide to the Charge Blade, one of Monster Hunter World's most interesting and tactical weapons. Master it and you'll be doing blistering damage with your builds and combos.
Longsword tutorial – how to get the best from your builds and combos

Our Longsword tutorial is packed with info on how to get the best out of your builds and combos.
Bow Tutorial – How to use ranged weapons, understanding Critical Distance, and the best combos

Of all the distance weapons, the bow will feel the most familiar to melee aficionados, and has a great many strengths that make it a worthwhile choice. It's less limiting of movement that other ranged weapons, which makes it more wieldy to handle. Here we detail how to best use this weapon.
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.
The best mixed set for farming bone piles and mining outcrops

If you're mining, this gear set will help you get the absolute most from your efforts.

Monsters: Every Monster profiled, boss strategies and more
Monsters List: strengths, weaknesses, 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!