Building a strong character in Monster Hunter Outlanders requires more than simply increasing your level. There are several progression systems that can improve your damage, defense, elemental abilities, and overall hunting performance. From upgrading equipment to training Buddies, each system plays an important role in making your character stronger.
The good thing is that Monster Hunter Outlanders gives players plenty of opportunities to collect materials. You can keep hunting monsters to craft new weapons and armor without worrying about a limited number of hunts. If you are still learning the game, here are 9 ways to strengthen your characters and improve your hunting performance.
One of the coolest aspects of Monster Hunter Outlanders is how much room you have to gather up materials. You can dive deep into hunts for monsters, crafting up new weapons and armor each time without feeling stressed about running out of hunts. And if you’re just starting to find your footing in the game, let me share 9 awesome ways for you to level up your characters and really up your hunting game!
1. Increase Your Character Level and Ecology Rank
The first and foremost way to boost your character’s strength is by leveling them up. Head over to the character upgrade menu, where you can pour some materials into improving their stats. Just keep in mind that your character’s max level is tied to your Ecology Rank, which means you can’t just collect materials endlessly and expect to unlock everything. A bit of strategy will be needed here!
2. Use Engraving to Unlock Additional Character Effects
Engraving is another way to improve your characters in Monster Hunter Outlanders. This system provides additional effects that can help increase your character’s performance during hunts. However, activating these bonuses requires Zenny, so you should be careful when deciding which characters to prioritize.
For beginners, it is better to focus on your main character first instead of spending all your Zenny on every character you own. If you have Midori, she can also be worth prioritizing because her Engraving effects provide useful bonuses.
Some tips for using the Engraving system include:
- Prioritize your main DPS character first.
- Consider upgrading Midori if you regularly use her.
- Check the available effects before spending Zenny.
- Save your Zenny if you still need it for other important upgrades.
Engraving can consume a considerable amount of Zenny, especially when you activate several effects. You do not need to unlock everything immediately, so wait until you have enough resources before investing heavily in this system.
3. Craft and Upgrade Weapons and Armor
Equipment is one of the most important parts of character progression in Monster Hunter Outlanders. Weapons and armor provide different stats and abilities, while certain armor combinations also activate special set effects. This means you should not simply equip items based on their rarity or defense value.
For weapons, always consider the elemental weakness of the monster you are hunting. For example, if your target monster is weak against Thunder, using a Thunder weapon can help you deal more damage. You can craft different weapon types at the Forge Weapon menu, including Hammers and Long Swords.
Armor also has different set bonuses depending on the monster it comes from. For example, you can combine three pieces of Anjanath armor to increase Fire damage and use two Rathian pieces to activate another useful effect. One example is Flawless, which increases damage dealt by 3% while your health is full.
You should also pay attention to these equipment features:
- Elemental Weapons: Prepare Fire, Water, Thunder, and other elemental weapons to counter different monsters.
- Armor Set Effects: Combine armor pieces to activate bonuses from two-piece or three-piece sets.
- Equipment Upgrades: Increase your equipment rarity when you have the required materials.
- Dismantling: Break down unwanted equipment to obtain materials for other upgrades.
One useful feature is that early-game equipment can still be upgraded to higher rarities. You do not always need to replace your entire armor set when reaching a higher level. Instead, collect the required materials and improve your existing equipment whenever possible.
- Boost your Adventure Rank by progressing through the game’s story and quests.
- Complete various challenges to unlock higher levels of your Ecology Rank.
- Always check your Ecology Rank before going for that next upgrade for your character.
- While you’re hunting, don’t forget to gather those character upgrade materials!
Think of Ecology Rank as your ticket to character progression within the game world. The higher your rank, the more progression options you’ll have at your disposal to really develop your characters the way you want.
2. Use Engraving to Unlock Additional Character Effects
Another fantastic method to enhance your characters in Monster Hunter Outlanders is through Engraving. This neat system adds extra effects that can boost your character’s performance during those epic hunts. Just a heads up, activating these bonuses will cost you some Zenny, so you’ll need to choose wisely about which characters you want to prioritize for engravings!
If you’re just starting out, I recommend focusing on leveling up your main character before trying to spend all your Zenny on everyone in your roster. If you happen to have Midori in your lineup, she’s definitely a solid investment as her Engraving effects can give you some really handy bonuses for your hunts.
Here’s a little insight to help you with the Engraving system:
- Make your top DPS character your priority when it comes to enhancements.
- If Midori is a regular on your squad, it might be worth it to invest in upgrading her.
- Before you dive into spending Zenny, take a moment to review the effects that are available.
- It’s a good idea to hang on to your Zenny if you still have other vital upgrades in mind.
Engraving can really eat up your Zenny, particularly when you’re activating multiple effects at once. Keep in mind that you don’t have to rush to unlock everything right away. Take your time and wait until you’ve got the resources you need before making any major investments into this system.
3. Craft and Upgrade Weapons and Armor
Your equipment plays a crucial part in leveling up your characters in Monster Hunter Outlanders. Each piece of weaponry and armor brings its own unique stats and abilities to the table. Not to mention, combining certain armor pieces can trigger special set effects! So, don’t just pick items based on their rarity or defense stats—there’s more to it than meets the eye.
When it comes to weapons, it’s essential to take the elemental weaknesses of the monster you’re hunting into account. For instance, if you’re tracking a monster that’s vulnerable to Thunder, having a Thunder weapon in your arsenal can massively amplify your damage output. At the Forge Weapon menu, you can whip up a variety of weapon types, like Hammers and Long Swords, tailored to your hunting needs.
Armor sets also come with their own special bonuses depending on which monster they originate from. For example, equipping three pieces of Anjanath armor can ramp up your Fire damage significantly, while wearing two pieces of Rathian armor can unleash another advantageous effect. A great example of this is the Flawless set bonus, which boosts your damage dealt by 3% as long as your health is at max.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the essential features of your gear!
- Elemental Weapons: Get ready with Fire, Water, Thunder, and other elemental weapons so you’re well-equipped to take down a variety of monsters.
- Armor Set Effects: Make sure to mix and match your armor pieces—activating bonuses from two-piece or three-piece sets can really enhance your resilience in battles.
- Equipment Upgrades: When you gather the necessary materials, don’t hesitate to boost your equipment to higher rarities, making them even more formidable.
- Dismantling: Got some old gear lying around? Dismantling unwanted equipment allows you to salvage materials which you can use for upgrades on your more preferred items!
Here’s a handy tip: even the gear you start off with can be pushed to higher rarities! There’s no need to completely overhaul your armor set just because you’ve leveled up. Instead, focus on gathering those necessary materials and take the opportunity to upgrade your existing gear whenever you can. It’s a nice way to keep your favorite pieces in the mix!
4. Create Elemental Loadouts for Different Monsters
As your collection of weapons and armor grows, keeping track of everything can get a bit overwhelming. Luckily, Monster Hunter Outlanders has a fantastic Loadout feature that lets you save different combinations of equipment. This means you won’t have to manually swap items every time you head into battle. What a relief, right?
You can customize separate loadouts tailored to different elemental builds. For instance, starting with loadouts for Water, Thunder, and Fire is a smart strategy, as these elements target many of the monsters you’ll encounter early on. Whenever you’re ready to hunt a creature with a certain weakness, just select the corresponding loadout before diving into the fight!
The Loadout feature is super convenient because it can automatically adjust your equipment and Visage cards, streamlining your preparation for various enemies. Plus, you can even set up distinct loadouts for your support characters, allowing you to cover more ground rather than focusing solely on your main hero. This way, you’re always ready for whatever challenges lie ahead!
It’s important to note that your character’s elemental focus isn’t strictly tied to their name. Take Pyro, for instance — they don’t have to stick solely to Fire equipment. Feel free to switch things up and tweak your element and gear to better prepare for the monster you’re up against. Adaptability is key in your adventures!
To boost your effectiveness in combat, it’s a great strategy to align your weapon’s element with the bonuses provided by your armor. For instance, if you wield a Fire weapon, pairing it with armor that enhances Fire damage will give your damage output a nice little nudge. It’s all about creating synergy within your loadout!
5. Train and Upgrade Your Buddies
Buddies play a crucial role in enhancing your character’s growth and performance. These companions can really make a difference during hunts by offering various helpful abilities, such as healing and buffs to elemental damage. But remember, while it might be tempting to select a Buddy just because they have a lofty rarity, it’s way more effective to pick one based on the specific roles and abilities they bring to the table.
For instance, if your character’s strategy revolves around dealing elemental damage, Ikarus can be an excellent choice thanks to its elemental damage bonus. Don’t overlook the unique effects that other Buddies might provide, either — taking a moment to evaluate their abilities can lead you to the perfect companion for your playstyle.
4. Create Elemental Loadouts for Different Monsters
Once you have several weapons and armor pieces, managing your equipment manually can become annoying. Fortunately, Monster Hunter Outlanders has a Loadout feature that allows you to save different equipment combinations.
You can create separate loadouts for different elemental builds. For example, having Water, Thunder, and Fire loadouts is a good starting point because these elements are useful against many early-game monsters. When you want to fight a monster with a specific weakness, simply select the matching loadout before starting the hunt.
The Loadout feature can automatically switch your equipment and Visage cards, making it easier to prepare for different enemies. You can also create separate loadouts for your support characters instead of only focusing on your main character.
Remember that character elements are not always fixed based on their names. For example, Pyro does not necessarily have to use Fire equipment. You can adjust the element and equipment setup to match the monster you are fighting.
For better results, make sure your weapon element matches your armor bonuses. Using a Fire weapon with armor that increases Fire damage is a simple way to improve your overall damage output.
5. Train and Upgrade Your Buddies
Buddies are another important part of character progression. These companions provide additional abilities that can help you during hunts, including healing and elemental damage bonuses. However, you should choose a Buddy based on its role and abilities instead of simply picking one with a higher rarity.
For example, if your character focuses on dealing elemental damage, Ikarus can be a useful choice because of its elemental damage bonus. Other Buddies may provide different effects, so check their abilities before deciding which one to use.
You can improve your Buddies through the Training section by spending the required Buddy Token materials. Upgrading them can improve their abilities and make their support effects more useful during battles.
Here are some tips for managing your Buddies:
- Match the Buddy’s role with your character’s needs.
- Check their abilities before selecting one.
- Prioritize Buddies that provide useful healing or damage bonuses.
- Upgrade their levels using Buddy Token materials.
- Collect additional Buddies through the recruitment system.
You can also obtain higher-rarity Buddies from the Exchange Shop. Both SR and SSR options are available, although SSR Buddies require more exchange resources. These resources can be obtained through recruitment, so keep an eye on your available vouchers and exchange currency.
6. Collect and Upgrade Visage Cards
Visage cards are another equipment system that can provide additional bonuses to your characters. They become available as you progress through the main story and reach the required Adventure Rank. Similar to armor, these cards have individual stats and set effects that can improve your overall build.
For example, the Pukei-Pukei Visage set provides different bonuses depending on how many pieces you equip. Its two-piece effect increases Ultimate Charge Rate by 5%, which can be useful for Disruptor characters that need more time to charge their abilities.
Meanwhile, its four-piece effect provides an additional 6.5% squad buff for 60 seconds when the Adventurer receives a buff. This makes it useful for builds that rely on supporting the entire team.
When choosing Visage cards, consider the following:
- DPS Characters: Prioritize cards that increase damage or elemental damage.
- Support Characters: Look for cards that improve healing and squad buffs.
- Disruptors: Consider Ultimate Charge Rate bonuses to activate abilities more frequently.
- Elemental Builds: Match your cards with the element used by your weapon.
You can obtain Visage cards through the Daily Hunts feature in the Field Hunts section. These activities also provide other materials needed for character progression.
Card rarity also depends on your progression level. According to the drop rates shown in the guide, Blue cards have a 100% drop rate up to level 9. Purple card chances start at 30% at level 10 and increase by 10% with each level until reaching 100% at level 17.
At level 18, you can start getting Yellow cards with a 30% drop chance. Therefore, keep progressing through higher-level content if you want to collect better Visage cards.
7. Upgrade and Resketch Your Visage Cards
Collecting Visage cards is only the beginning because you can also upgrade and resketch them to improve their stats. This system allows you to adjust your cards based on the build you want to use.
Card upgrades require specific materials, so make sure to collect them through hunts and other activities. Once you have enough resources, open the Visage menu and select the card you want to improve.
The Resketch feature is particularly useful because it allows you to obtain different additional stats. For example, you might get Elemental Critical Damage or other bonuses that improve your character’s performance.
However, not every stat will be useful for your current build. Some bonuses may not match your weapon or equipment setup, so pay attention to the effects you receive.
Here are some things to consider when upgrading Visage cards:
- Upgrade cards that match your character’s role.
- Look for elemental damage bonuses that match your weapon.
- Use Resketch to obtain additional stats.
- Avoid investing too many materials in cards you do not plan to use.
- Check whether the card’s additional effects match your current equipment.
For example, if you are using a Water weapon, prioritize Visage effects that improve Water damage instead of investing in bonuses for another element.
6. Collect and Upgrade Visage Cards
Visage cards are another cool aspect of your character’s gear that can provide extra advantages. You’ll unlock these as you make progress through the main story and hit specific Adventure Rank milestones. Just like your armor, these cards have distinct stats and set effects that can really elevate your overall build, adding more depth to your character customization.
Take the Pukei-Pukei Visage set, for example — it offers varied bonuses depending on how many pieces you decide to equip. With just two pieces, you’ll gain a 5% increase in Ultimate Charge Rate, which is fantastic for those Disruptor characters that need a bit more time to recharge their skills. It’s all about finding that perfect balance to suit your gameplay style!
Additionally, when you get all four pieces of this set, you’ll enjoy a lovely little bonus: a 6.5% squad buff lasting a full 60 seconds whenever the Adventurer gets any kind of buff. This is fantastic for those of you who are all about building synergy within your team, ensuring everyone feels the love and gains that sweet edge in battle.
If you’re diving into the world of Visage cards, here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re making your selections:
- DPS Characters: Focus on cards that amp up damage or elemental damage to really make those hits count.
- Support Characters: Seek out cards that enhance healing abilities and provide solid squad buffs, because a team that supports each other is a team that thrives.
- Disruptors: Look for those shiny Ultimate Charge Rate bonuses — they’ll help you unleash your abilities more often and keep the pressure on your enemies.
- Elemental Builds: Make sure the cards you choose complement the element your weapon is associated with; it’s all about harmony in your build!
You can snag some Visage cards by participating in the Daily Hunts available in the Field Hunts section. Not only will you be collecting cards, but you’ll also gather other vital materials that will help you level up and advance your characters, so it’s well worth your time!
The rarity of the cards you’ll find is closely tied to how far you’ve progressed in the game. For instance, based on the drop rates noted in the guide, Blue cards are super generous with a 100% drop rate until you hit level 9. As for Purple cards, your chances begin at 30% once you reach level 10, gradually increasing by 10% with every level until you max out at a whopping 100% by level 17.
Once you reach level 18, the game rewards your hard work by giving you access to Yellow cards with a 30% drop chance. So, if you’re on the hunt for those top-tier Visage cards, keep pushing through those higher-level challenges — it’ll pay off in the long run!
7. Upgrade and Resketch Your Visage Cards
Diving into the world of Visage cards is just the start of your adventure! Once you’ve collected a bunch of them, you also have the chance to upgrade and resketch these cards to really amp up their stats. This neat feature gives you the flexibility to tweak your cards in line with the build you want to create. So whether you’re aiming for a defensive powerhouse or an elemental damage dealer, you can customize your cards to fit your gameplay style perfectly.
When it comes time to upgrade those cards, be mindful that you’ll need to gather certain materials first. You’ll earn these resources from various hunts and activities throughout the game. Once you’ve collected enough goodies, simply head into the Visage menu and pick out the card you’re keen on enhancing. It’s a straightforward process that lets you bring out the best in your cards with the right components!
The Resketch feature truly shines, granting you the chance to gain different additional stats! For instance, it might bless you with Elemental Critical Damage or other nifty bonuses that can greatly enhance your character’s performance in battle. This option allows for a fun level of experimentation, as you work to find the perfect stats that will complement your playstyle and strategy.
That said, it’s crucial to remember that not every stat you come across will benefit your current build. Some bonuses may not align well with the weapons or equipment you’re using, so be sure to keep an eye on the effects you’re triggering. Understanding what fits your setup is key to maximizing your character’s effectiveness!
As you think about upgrading your Visage cards, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Focus on upgrading cards that suit your character’s role to get the most out of your enhancements.
- Look for elemental damage bonuses that resonate with your weapon for a seamless synergy.
- Feel free to use Resketch to explore the breadth of additional stats available.
- Try to avoid sinking too many materials into cards that aren’t part of your main strategy.
- Always check if the added effects on a card mesh well with your current gear setup.
If you’re rocking a Water weapon, then it’s a no-brainer to focus on those Visage effects that crank up your Water damage. Don’t waste your time sinking points into bonuses for other elements when you can supercharge your favorite playstyle!
8. Use Insight and Proof of Mastery
Let’s talk about Insight, which is a handy progression system that grants your character some sweet bonuses. You can dive into it by clicking the book icon nestled in the bottom-right corner of your character menu. It resembles a character duplicate system where gathering additional copies of characters can earn you valuable Insight points, giving you an edge in battle.
With those Insight points in your pocket, you can unlock various effects tailored to your weapon type. For instance, if you’re wielding a Bow, you’ve got the option to choose bonuses that enhance your Ultimate Charge Rate or boost your damage potential. It’s all about customizing your gameplay!
Now, bear in mind that each effect has its own point cost, and some of the more powerful bonuses might set you back up to 30 points! If you’re feeling a bit short on points, don’t sweat it—just focus on activating whatever effects you can while you gather more points for those top-tier bonuses.
Also worth noting is that Insight can be utilized across various characters, so it’s smart to tweak the bonuses you apply based on the weapon and role of the character you’re using. If you’re working with SR characters, you’re in luck! They tend to develop more quickly through this system because getting their duplicates is often an easier feat.
Another cool progression feature to check out is Proof of Mastery, which you can find nestled in the Explorer section of the main menu. This fantastic system provides additional bonuses, supercharging your characters and your Adventure Squad as a whole. It’s a great way to unlock even more potential and take your gameplay to the next level!
Let’s talk about some enticing rewards from the Explorer Season! One particular reward you might be looking forward to gives you:
- A nice boost of 65 Physical Attack
- An impressive 32 Elemental Attack
That said, leveling up your Proof of Mastery rank isn’t just a walk in the park. You’ll need to fulfill specific requirements to make it happen. Some of the upgrades hinge on achieving a set amount of Adventure Power—specifically, you’ll need to rack up 5,220 Adventure Power to unlock these enhancements.
If your characters haven’t quite hit the necessary power levels yet, no worries! Just keep enhancing their weapons, armor, Visage cards, and other progression avenues. It’s all about building up your strength and gear before diving back into the challenge.
9. Use Food Buffs and Target Monster Weaknesses
Speaking of preparation, don’t overlook food as a secret weapon to boost your game before heading out on a hunt! In Monster Hunter Outlanders, there’s a cool cooking system where you can whip up various dishes, each with unique effects. These culinary delights can ramp up your damage, enhance your capability to break parts off monsters, minimize damage taken, or even grant you a slew of other beneficial bonuses—all you need to do is cook!
Some of these delicious dishes can grant you a tasty 5% increase in damage. And if you’re lucky enough to discover some of the higher-rarity recipes, you could unlock even more potent effects! You’ll also find food buffs that can help you take a 9% hit reduction in damage or boost your attack power by as much as 15%. Eating well is definitely part of the hunt!
To get the most out of the recipes, remember that you first need to unlock them. Many of these culinary secrets are found through various quests, so it would be wise to keep an eye on your active missions. Make sure to tackle those objectives to expand your cooking repertoire!
Some recipes come with a twist—they require unique ingredients to whip up the magic! As an example, one recipe aimed at enhancing your damage output asks for a hefty 75 Heaven Berries. If you’re wondering where to snag these special items, don’t forget to check out the Local Specialty section for all the info you need on their locations.
While food buffs definitely help you during hunts, getting a firm grasp on your foes’ weaknesses is just as crucial. Before you set out to take down a monster, always peek at the monster information to discover the elemental weapon and weapon type that would work best against it.
Take the Radiant Barroth as a prime example—it has a weakness to Fire. By equipping a Fire weapon, you’ll be dishing out much more damage to it! Plus, the game does a solid job of suggesting weapons that are particularly effective for breaking specific parts of the monster for good measure.
To help you out even more, here’s a handy list of weapon suggestions based on monster parts that you can aim for:
- Bow and Heavy Bowgun: Perfect for taking down those elusive monster wings.
- Hammer: Your go-to choice for smashing heads and delivering blows to the body.
- Long Sword: A solid pick for striking at forelegs, hind legs, and even the tail.
- Great Sword: Great for dealing damage to several significant parts of a monster.
- Dual Blades: Excellent for relentless attacks on the legs and tail.
- Lance: Can target the beast’s legs along with other key sections.
- Charge Blade: Another fantastic option that’s great for breaking those tough monster parts.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on those Radiant monster mechanics! When you notice a Radiant effect lighting up a particular body part, go ahead and zero in on that area. Make sure to target it using the elemental weakness the monster has—that’s how you’ll really pack a punch!
To illustrate, let’s say the Radiant effect pops up on the monster’s head. That’s your cue to unleash your attacks right there! If the effect shows up on its hands instead, simply pivot your focus. Adaptability is key when battling these beasts!
There are tons of ways to power up your characters in Monster Hunter Outlanders, and it’s crucial not to limit yourself to just one upgrade path, especially when you’re up against tougher foes. Be sure to level up your character, pour some time into Engraving, craft awesome gear, and don’t underestimate the value of Visage cards, Buddies, and Insight; they all contribute to making your hunter more formidable!
And remember, always tailor your gear to the specific monster you plan to hunt! Having a versatile arsenal of elemental weapons and armor sets will smooth out those challenging battles, especially when you’re facing foes with various weaknesses. Keep grinding away, gather those materials, and keep leveling up your gear to form a truly powerful team!
Visit Monster Hunter Outlanders for more details.
Strengthening your character effectively can make all the difference in the hunts to come.