Part 2: Build Progression
Table of Contents
- 1. When to Use Progression Builds
- 2. Story Progression Guide
- 3. Early Post-Game Progression Guide
- 4. Late Post-Game Progression Guide
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1. When to Use Progression Builds
This progression Guide is aimed at players who are new to the franchise, feel overwhelmed
by all the options and choices the game offers, and those who are just looking for a refresher or need
some pointers for what to look out for during progression.
The Sets themselves aim to support you, from the start of the game all the way until the
Endgame. From there, you should be in a great spot to follow the Endgame sets, accessible through
the sidemenu or the buttons at the end of the page.
All headlines are collapsible, in order to read the paragraphs, press
this button to their left side.
Do note that the entirety of this guide consists mainly of Spoilers!
Proceed at your own digression.
2. Story Progression Guide
Chapter 1
Monster Hunter Wilds Progression has an extremely railroaded Low Rank Story, that consists of a
total of 20 hunts. Most of the sets don’t really do a whole lot of anything, usually providing, at best, a
higher defense stat, which is somewhat important very early on in order to press Full Release more.
Hope Axe II is upgradable from the moment you unlock upgrading, Gemma provides the mats for it.
Most hunts are not very challenging, and the majority of sets are strictly not worth it.
Fig. 2.1A - Chapter 1 Prog Set
One of the available Weapons early on is the Lala Barina Axe, which ends up having good stats in
endgame. Power Phial is strictly preferred in this game, and sharpness is a major pain point, so
having a solid bar of the highest available tier is really, really good.
Once you unlock the Doshaguma hunt, its set becomes available. The 4 Piece Set bonus it gives
grants +25 Attack after a successful offset. If you’re good with those, it’s the first actual offensive Set
available, but overall not worth the effort.
This should easily bring you into Chapter 2.
Chapter 2
After the Rey hunt in early chapter 2, Hope Axe 3 becomes craftable as an upgrade. 2 hunts later,
Hirabami is unlocked. As previously noted, the main purpose of this set is having more than 5
defense, so that Full Release and Counter are less likely to end with a cart. Evade Window 5 is nice,
but ultimately doesn’t do much if you’re already Countering and Full Releasing (which you should be).
Fig. 2.2A - Chapter 2 Prog Set
Shortly after Hirabami, you will unlock a set that perfectly captures the Spirit of Set building in this
title in its current state:
Fig. 2.2B - Capcom’s set skill competency on full display
Nu Udra at the end of Chapter 2 is a contender too, equipping any 2 pieces with a total of at least 1
level of resentment grants some extra damage, sometimes, while resentment is active. As before, it is
very optional to go for it.
Chapter 3
The second hunt in Chapter 3, and we finally unlock a set with actual skills on it.
Guardian Rathalos Feet and Arms are recommended to craft here. The helmet is good too, but
requires a plate to make. If you don’t have that, it’s completely fine to skip.
After a bit of story, Guardian Ebony is unlocked, which is a set favoured by many people. The Coil in
particular is easy to make and provides 1 level of Burst, which is better than most other pieces at this
point in the game.
Immediately after, Xu Wu is unlocked, which has one of the best craftable Swaxes in the game. It’s a
strong consideration to make it, but due to how the later sets shape up to be, it’s unlikely to see the
use a weapon with its stats deserves.
A little bit later, Guardian Arkveld unlocks as one of the final hunts of the story. With it’s helmet and
chest, the previously started set can be rounded out nicely, resulting in the following:
Fig. 2.3A - Final LR Set
3. Early Post-Game Progression Guide
Chapter 4:
After the Junky chicken hunt, we leave the railroad and finally get to do our thing. Of the monsters that
now unlock, the biggest ones are the two Raths.
Los comes with built-in Critical Boost 3, which is really nice for budget (read: deco poor) sets, and will
be the recommended from here on out. Make sure you hunt a Chatacabra and Rathian, as those
materials are required to craft the Weakness Exploit I charm.
The resulting set will last you for pretty much the rest of the game:
Fig. 3.4A - Early HR Prog Set
From this point onward, the recommended way to progress is doing Side Quests. They unlock the
“farms”, some new systems like random villagers inviting you to dinner, the Power and Armor charm
for some free Raw, aswell as some decoration melding options.
After doing them, you should be well on your way to Hunter Rank 40, which is the current final
monster unlock of the game.
4. Late Post-Game Progression Guide
HR30:
Like most sets before, this one is largely optional, but showcases the general idea the Sets in this
game are going.
The G. Los Set bonus really just exists and its impact (or lack thereof) will not be missed.
It requires 1 Weakness Exploit decoration, which shouldn’t be too rare, but in case you can’t find it,
don’t sweat it.
Generally speaking, more affinity is wanted. One of the best skills for swaxe currently is Counter
Strike, which is a 2-Slot skill and heavily recommended.
4.1A - Early Late Game Set
HR40:
The final unlock of the game. The following set serves as a good (budget) entrance to the endgame
grind.
The 2 piece Guardian Arkveld set makes for a very comfy base, as every wound pop heals you for 25
Health. Gore is the main source of affinity, and Wex is Wex. By this point, the upgrade for Exploiter
Charm I becomes available, with which you can drop the Tenderizer Decoration.
Despite the nerfs to Crit, it’s not only the best direction to build a set, it’s also with even less
competition, because most other skills are either nerfed even worse or bugged out.
4.1B - Final HR Prog Set
From here, consider following the Endgame Guide via the Side Menu or the buttons on the bottom of
the page.