Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in Capcom’s acclaimed action RPG series, promises to deliver an even more immersive and challenging hunting experience. One of the core mechanics that players must master to survive the treacherous landscapes and formidable monsters is armor upgrading. Upgrading your armor not only enhances your defense but also unlocks powerful skills and resistances, making it essential for tackling the game’s toughest foes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading armor in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Why Upgrade Your Armor?

Armor is your first line of defense against the relentless attacks of monsters. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the difficulty ramps up significantly as you progress, and even the most skilled hunters will find themselves in dire situations without proper protection. Upgrading your armor provides several key benefits:

1. Increased Defense: Higher defense stats reduce the damage you take from monster attacks, giving you more room for error during hunts.
2. Skill Activation: Many armor pieces come with unique skills that can enhance your abilities, such as boosting attack power, improving evasion, or increasing elemental resistances.
3. Elemental Resistance: Upgraded armor often provides better resistance to elemental damage (fire, water, thunder, ice, and dragon), which is crucial when facing monsters with specific elemental attacks.
4. Fashion Hunting: Let’s not forget the importance of looking good while hunting! Upgrading armor can also unlock new visual designs, allowing you to customize your hunter’s appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Armor

Upgrading armor in Monster Hunter Wilds is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and resource management. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather Materials

To upgrade your armor, you’ll need specific materials. These can include:

• Monster Parts: Obtained by carving monsters after a hunt or breaking specific parts during combat.
• Ores and Bones: Mined from gathering points or collected from bone piles in the environment.
• Special Items: Some upgrades may require rare items like gems, plates, or mantles, which have low drop rates from certain monsters.

Make sure to check the upgrade requirements for your desired armor piece before heading out on a hunt. This will help you focus on gathering the necessary materials efficiently.

2. Visit the Smithy

The Smithy is your go-to location for all armor-related upgrades. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Smithy is likely to be located in the game’s central hub, alongside other essential services like the Item Shop and Canteen. Interact with the Smithy to access the armor upgrade menu.

3. Select the Armor Piece to Upgrade

Navigate through your armor sets and select the piece you want to upgrade. Each piece will display its current level, defense stats, and required materials for the next upgrade. Pay attention to the skills and resistances the armor provides, as these can influence your decision.

4. Confirm the Upgrade

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, confirm the upgrade. The Smithy will enhance your armor, increasing its defense and potentially unlocking new skills or resistances. Keep in mind that some upgrades may have multiple levels, so you’ll need to repeat the process to maximize your armor’s potential.

5. Augmentations (Optional)

In Monster Hunter Wilds, there may be an additional layer of customization called Augmentations. Augmentations allow you to further enhance your armor by adding unique bonuses, such as increased health regeneration, additional skill slots, or improved elemental resistance. These upgrades often require rare materials, so save them for your most valuable armor sets.

Tips for Efficient Armor Upgrading

1. Prioritize Key Armor Sets: Focus on upgrading armor sets that complement your preferred weapon type and playstyle. For example, if you’re a melee fighter, prioritize armor with high physical defense and attack-boosting skills.
2. Elemental Awareness: Pay attention to the elemental strengths and weaknesses of the monsters you’re hunting. Upgrade armor with resistances to the elements you’ll be facing most often.
3. Resource Management: Some materials are rare and difficult to obtain. Use them wisely and avoid upgrading low-tier armor that you’ll eventually replace.
4. Experiment with Skills: Don’t be afraid to mix and match armor pieces from different sets to create a build that suits your needs. Monster Hunter Wilds encourages creativity in armor customization.
5. Stay Updated: As you progress through the game, new monsters and materials will become available. Regularly check the Smithy for new upgrade options and keep your armor up to date.

Advanced Strategies for Armor Upgrading

For seasoned hunters looking to optimize their builds, here are some advanced strategies:

• Set Bonuses: Some armor sets provide unique bonuses when multiple pieces are equipped. These bonuses can significantly enhance your abilities, so consider building around them.
• Layered Armor: If you’re concerned about aesthetics, look into layered armor options. These allow you to customize your appearance without sacrificing stats.
• Endgame Upgrades: In the late game, you’ll unlock access to high-tier materials and powerful upgrades. Focus on creating a versatile set of armor that can handle a variety of challenges.

Conclusion

Upgrading armor in Monster Hunter Wilds is a vital aspect of the game that can mean the difference between victory and defeat. By gathering the right materials, visiting the Smithy, and strategically enhancing your armor, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the game’s most fearsome monsters. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran hunter, mastering the art of armor upgrading will ensure you’re always ready for the next hunt.

So, sharpen your weapons, don your upgraded armor, and venture into the wilds with confidence. Happy hunting!