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 fantastic aspects of Monster Hunter Outlanders is the abundance of opportunities to gather materials. You can continue hunting down those formidable monsters tirelessly, crafting new weapons and armor without any concern for a limited number of hunts. If you’re still getting a grip on the game, here are 9 helpful ways to bolster your characters and enhance your hunting prowess.
1. Increase Your Character Level and Ecology Rank
Your journey toward making your character stronger begins with leveling them up. You can achieve this through the character upgrade menu, where you get to spend the necessary materials to enhance their stats. But keep in mind, your maximum character level is also influenced by your Ecology Rank, so just hoarding those upgrade materials won’t cut it if you’re aiming to unlock every level available.
For instance, hitting that coveted character level 60 necessitates reaching Ecology Rank 5. To elevate your Ecology Rank, you’ll need to fulfill a few Adventure Rank requirements and conquer some specific challenges along the way. Don’t forget, you can easily check your current Ecology Rank through the menu or glance at the indicator nestled in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Keep these key points in mind:
- Work on boosting your Adventure Rank as you dive deeper into the game.
- Make sure to complete the necessary challenges to unlock those higher Ecology Ranks.
- Check your Ecology Rank before attempting to upgrade your character further — it’s crucial!
- Gather those character upgrade materials while you’re out on your hunts to streamline the process.
You can think of Ecology Rank as a world-level progression system. The higher your rank climbs, the broader and more exciting character progression options you’ll have at your disposal.
2. Use Engraving to Unlock Additional Character Effects
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.
If you’re just starting your adventure, it’s a wise move to channel your hard-earned Zenny into leveling up your main character rather than spreading it too thin across your entire roster. If you’ve got Midori on your team, she’s definitely a worthy investment, as her Engraving effects can offer some pretty substantial bonuses to help you out in your journey.
When it comes to getting the most out of the Engraving system, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
- Start by focusing on upgrading your main DPS character; they’re your powerhouse!
- If you frequently rely on Midori’s skills, consider boosting her too for those extra edge in battles.
- Before you splurge your Zenny, take a look at the effects available to see what will benefit you the most.
- It’s a good idea to hang onto some Zenny in case you have other upgrades in mind that you will need down the line.
Be mindful that diving into the Engraving system can take a significant bite out of your Zenny, especially if you’re activating multiple effects all at once. There’s no rush to unlock everything right off the bat, so be patient and wait until you’ve gathered enough resources to make a meaningful investment.
3. Craft and Upgrade Weapons and Armor
In Monster Hunter Outlanders, having the right equipment can make all the difference in your character’s progress. Weapons and armor not only provide you with various stats and abilities, but a clever combination of armor pieces can also trigger some sweet special set effects. So, don’t just pick items based on how rare they are or their defense stats—think about how they can work together!
When choosing weapons for your hunts, it’s crucial to keep the elemental vulnerabilities of your target monster in mind. For instance, if your opponent has a weakness to Thunder, equipping a Thunder weapon will help you dish out more damage. Don’t forget that you can craft an array of weapon types at the Forge Weapon menu, including options like Hammers and Long Swords to suit your playstyle.
Each piece of armor you equip comes with its own unique flair, especially when it’s crafted from specific monsters. For instance, if you manage to craft and wear three pieces of Anjanath armor, you’ll boost your Fire damage, which can really turn the tide in your favor during battles. Switching gears, if you add in two pieces of Rathian armor, you’ll unlock a nifty effect, like Flawless, which gives you a sweet 3% boost to damage when your health is sitting pretty at full. It’s all about mixing and matching to find that perfect setup!
When gearing up for your next adventure, don’t forget to keep an eye on these vital equipment features so you can maximize your hunting potential:
- Elemental Weapons: Think ahead and equip yourself with Fire, Water, Thunder, among other elemental weapons, since every monster has its own set of weaknesses.
- Armor Set Effects: Craft and combine your armor pieces thoughtfully to enjoy those sweet bonuses offered by two-piece or three-piece sets.
- Equipment Upgrades: Always be on the lookout for materials to boost your equipment’s rarity; it can make a significant difference in your performance.
- Dismantling: If you find equipment you don’t need, dismantling it can yield valuable materials that can be put to good use upgrading other gear.
Here’s a great tip: even your early-game gear can be upgraded into higher rarities! There’s no rush to swap your entire armor set as you level up. Instead, gather those materials and invest in enhancing what you already have whenever you get the chance. Upgrading your existing equipment can save you time and keep you battle-ready!
4. Create Elemental Loadouts for Different Monsters
As you amass a collection of weapons and armor pieces, managing everything can start to feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, because Monster Hunter Outlanders has your back with a fantastic Loadout feature! This nifty tool allows you to save various combinations of your gear so you can easily switch up your setup whenever you need to.
Think about crafting distinct loadouts tailored to different elemental builds. A solid starting point would be to create separate loadouts for Water, Thunder, and Fire elements since these will help you tackle many of those early-game monsters effectively. When it’s time to hunt a specific beast with a known weakness, simply select the corresponding loadout, and you’ll be all set for the challenge ahead!
The Loadout feature is a fantastic tool that allows you to effortlessly switch your equipment and Visage cards, making your preparation for various enemies a breeze. Plus, don’t forget you can craft specific loadouts not just for your main character but also for your support characters, amplifying your strategic options beyond just one core hero.
Keep in mind that a character’s element isn’t set in stone just because of their name. Take Pyro, for instance; you’re not locked into only using Fire equipment. Feel free to tweak the element and gear you equip to better suit the type of monster you’re going up against, ensuring you’re always one step ahead in battle.
To really maximize your efficiency in combat, it’s key to align your weapon’s element with the bonuses from your armor. Pairing a Fire weapon with armor that boosts Fire damage is a straightforward yet effective way to elevate your overall damage output, allowing you to unleash some serious destruction on your foes.
5. Train and Upgrade Your Buddies
Buddies play a vital role in your character’s progression journey. These loyal companions offer a range of additional abilities that can significantly aid you during hunts, from healing you to providing elemental damage boosts. However, it’s crucial to select a Buddy based on their specific role and abilities rather than simply opting for one that boasts a higher rarity; strategy is everything!
For instance, if your character leans heavily into dealing elemental damage, Ikarus might be an exceptional choice due to its elemental damage bonus. However, don’t forget to look into what other Buddies have to offer; each has unique effects, and checking their abilities can help you find the perfect support for your gameplay style.
You can enhance your Buddies by visiting the Training section and spending the necessary Buddy Token materials. Leveling them up can significantly boost their abilities and improve the support effects they provide in battles, making them even more indispensable during your hunts.
Let’s dive into how you can effectively manage your Buddies to enhance your gameplay experience:
- Make sure to align your Buddy’s role with what your character truly needs in the game.
- Before you pick a Buddy, take a moment to check out their abilities to ensure they complement your playstyle.
- Focus on selecting Buddies that offer solid healing or damage boosts to give you that competitive edge.
- Don’t forget to upgrade their levels using Buddy Token materials for improved performance.
- Keep exploring the recruitment system to collect even more Buddies that can become part of your adventure.
If you’re looking to step up your game, you can snag higher-rarity Buddies at the Exchange Shop. You’ll find both SR and SSR options there, but do note that the SSR Buddies will take a bit more exchange resources to obtain. You can gather these resources through various recruitment actions, so make sure you’re mindful of how many vouchers and exchange currency you have to maximize your chances!
6. Collect and Upgrade Visage Cards
Another cool feature to consider are Visage cards. These cards are part of an equipment system that can grant your characters extra bonuses as you make your way through the game’s story and hit the required Adventure Rank. Much like armor, Visage cards come with their unique stats and set effects that can significantly enhance your build.
Taking the Pukei-Pukei Visage set as an illustration, you can see that the bonuses vary based on how many pieces of the set you are using. For instance, if you wear two pieces, it boosts your Ultimate Charge Rate by 5%, which is super handy for Disruptor characters who need a bit more time to charge their abilities.
On the flip side, equipping all four pieces gives you a fantastic squad buff of 6.5% for 60 seconds whenever your Adventurer receives a buff. This is especially beneficial for builds that are focused on supporting your entire team, helping you create a more robust strategy for tackling challenges together.
When you’re diving into the world of Visage cards, it’s super important to keep a few things in mind to make the best choices for your gameplay!
- DPS Characters: Focus on cards that ramp up your damage output or enhance elemental damage – this will really give you the edge in combat!
- Support Characters: Search for cards that boost healing or provide buffs for your whole squad, as your teammates will really appreciate the extra help!
- Disruptors: Look into cards that offer Ultimate Charge Rate bonuses, so you can unleash your abilities more often – it’s all about those powerful moves!
- Elemental Builds: Make sure your cards align with the element tied to your weapon, as this synergy will maximize your overall effectiveness!
If you’re eager to collect your Visage cards, you can snag them by participating in the Daily Hunts available in the Field Hunts section. Not only do these activities reward you with cards, but they also drop various materials crucial for leveling up your characters!
The rarity of the cards you find is tied to how far you’ve progressed in the game. The guide outlines that Blue cards have a 100% drop rate until you hit level 9. From level 10 onwards, Purple cards start to appear, kicking off at a 30% chance and ramping up by 10% per level until you hit that sweet 100% at level 17.
Once you reach level 18, you’ll unlock the ability to start finding Yellow cards with a drop rate of 30%. So, keep pushing through the higher-level content, and you’ll be well on your way to gathering even better Visage cards!
7. Upgrade and Resketch Your Visage Cards
Gathering those Visage cards is just the beginning of the fun! You can also upgrade and resketch them to really boost their stats. This feature lets you tailor your cards to fit the specific build you’re aiming for, giving you a personalized touch to your gameplay!
Upgrading your cards is a fun process, but you’ll need to gather specific materials first. Jump into your hunts and other activities to collect these valuable resources. Once you’ve gathered enough, head over to the Visage menu and choose the card you’re aiming to enhance. It’s all about making those cards shine brighter!
The Resketch feature is an absolute game-changer! It opens up the possibility of unlocking various extra stats that can really take your character to the next level. You might score bonuses like Elemental Critical Damage, among other goodies that can significantly boost your character’s performance in the heat of battle. It’s a neat way to tweak your style and gain that edge!
Keep in mind that not every bonus you come across will align with your particular build. Some of those sweet stat boosts may not jive well with your chosen weapon or gear. Take a moment to consider the effects you’re getting and make sure they complement your setup rather than clutter it.
When you’re setting out to enhance your Visage cards, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- Focus on upgrading cards that suit your character’s specific role.
- Seek out elemental damage bonuses that fit the type of weapon you’re wielding.
- Utilize Resketch to snag those extra stats that can make a difference.
- Be cautious and avoid pouring too many materials into cards you’re not planning to use.
- Always check to see if the card’s additional effects match your current equipment setup.
For instance, if you’re rolling with a Water weapon, it’s wise to focus on Visage effects that enhance Water damage rather than wasting resources on bonuses that cater to an entirely different element. It’s all about maximizing your potential!
8. Use Insight and Proof of Mastery
Insight is a fantastic addition to your progression journey, offering some nifty character bonuses that can really give you an edge. You can easily dive into this system by clicking the book icon located in the bottom-right corner of your character menu. It operates quite similarly to collecting character duplicates, as gathering extra copies will snag you some Insight points that can be put to great use.
With those precious Insight points, you can unlock a variety of exciting effects tailored to your weapon type. For instance, if you wield a bow, you’ll have the chance to pick bonuses that either ramp up your Ultimate Charge Rate or bolster your damage. Picking the right effect can make a world of difference in your gameplay!
Keep in mind, each of these effects has its own point cost, and some of the juicier bonuses might set you back as many as 30 points! If you find yourself a bit short on points, don’t worry! Focus on activating the available effects first to make the most of what you’ve got and build up those Insight points for the future.
What’s even cooler is that Insight can be utilized across various characters, so be sure to tweak your bonuses according to the weapon and role you’re rocking. If you’re using SR characters, you’ll find that developing them through this system can be a breeze, as nabbling their duplicates is often more manageable!
Another awesome progression element to delve into is the Proof of Mastery, which you can conveniently find in the Explorer section from the main menu. This system dishes out some sweet bonuses that can not only enhance your characters but also give your Adventure Squad a nice little boost.
For example, during one of the Explorer Seasons, you might snag rewards like this:
- Your character’s base Physical Attack stands at a solid 65, providing a nice punch.
- If you’re diving into the Elemental realm, you’ll notice your Elemental Attack peaking at 32, ready to deliver some serious elemental damage.
To level up your Proof of Mastery rank, you’ll need to hit certain benchmarks. Some of these advancements ask for a noteworthy chunk of Adventure Power, specifically a hefty 5,220 Adventure Power to be precise. So, gear up and get ready to earn it!
In case your characters aren’t quite at that power level yet, it might be a good idea to keep enhancing their gear. Focus on leveling up weapons, armor, Visage cards, and any other progression systems you have going on. Once you’re all decked out, you can take another shot at meeting those requirements.
9. Use Food Buffs and Target Monster Weaknesses
Don’t forget about food! It’s a fantastic way to boost your performance before embarking on a hunt. Monster Hunter Outlanders has a neat cooking mechanism that lets you whip up dishes with various benefits. These nifty buffs can ramp up your damage output, make it easier to break monster parts, mitigate incoming hits, or grant other awesome advantages.
You’ll find some tasty dishes that can grant you a 5% boost to your damage. And if you’re lucky to nab some high-rarity recipes, they can dish out even more powerful effects! There are also delightful food buffs that can lessen the damage you take by 9% or ramp up your damage by a whopping 15%.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to unlock recipes before they can spice up your gameplay. Most of these culinary delights are unlocked through quests, so be sure to check what missions you have on the horizon and tackle those objectives to unlock new tasty treats!
Some crafting recipes in the game call for certain special ingredients to get things just right. Take, for instance, a recipe that requires 75 Heaven Berries to inflict damage. To help you track these precious items down, you can refer to the Local Specialty section, where you’ll find just where to source those rare ingredients.
9. Use Food Buffs and Target Monster Weaknesses
Food is another way to improve your performance before starting a hunt. Monster Hunter Outlanders has a cooking system that allows you to prepare dishes with different effects. These buffs can increase damage, improve part-breaking efficiency, reduce incoming damage, or provide other useful bonuses.
Some dishes offer a 5% damage increase, while certain higher-rarity recipes can provide even stronger effects. There are also food buffs that reduce damage taken by 9% or increase damage by 15%.
However, you need to unlock the recipes before using them. Most of these recipes are obtained through quests, so make sure to check your available missions and complete the required objectives.
Some recipes also require special ingredients. For example, one damage-related recipe requires 75 Heaven Berries. You can check the Local Specialty section to find where these ingredients are available.
Besides food buffs, understanding monster weaknesses is equally important. Before starting a hunt, check the monster information to see which elemental weapon and weapon type are recommended.
For example, Radiant Barroth is weak against Fire, so using a Fire weapon can help you deal more damage. The game also provides weapon recommendations for breaking specific monster parts.
Here are some useful weapon choices based on the target part:
- Bow and Heavy Bowgun: Suitable for breaking monster wings.
- Hammer: Effective for breaking the head and body.
- Long Sword: Useful for attacking the forelegs, hind legs, and tail.
- Great Sword: Can help break several major monster parts.
- Dual Blades: Useful for attacking the legs and tail.
- Lance: Can target the monster’s legs and other parts.
- Charge Blade: Another option for breaking specific monster parts.
You should also pay attention to Radiant monster mechanics. When a Radiant effect appears on a specific body part, lock onto that part and attack it using the monster’s elemental weakness.
For example, if the Radiant effect appears on the monster’s head, focus your attacks there. If it appears on the hands, change your target accordingly.
For instance, if you’re up against the Radiant Barroth, one of the best strategies is to leverage its weakness to Fire. By equipping a Fire weapon, you can significantly amp up your damage output. Plus, the game gives you handy weapon recommendations tailored for smashing particular monster parts, making it easier to plan your attack.
Here’s a handy list of weapon types that are excellent choices depending on which part of the monster you’re aiming to break:
- Bow and Heavy Bowgun: Perfect for taking those monster wings down.
- Hammer: The go-to for dealing with the head and body smash.
- Long Sword: Great for targeting the forelegs, hind legs, and even the tail.
- Great Sword: Excellent for breaking a variety of the monster’s major parts.
- Dual Blades: Helps when zeroing in on the legs and tail.
- Lance: A solid choice for targeting the legs and other components.
- Charge Blade: Another fantastic option for breaking those specific monster parts.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the mechanics of Radiant monsters. When you notice a Radiant effect popping up on a particular body part, make sure to lock on and deal your blows using the monster’s elemental weakness for maximum impact.
If that Radiant effect lights up on the monster’s head, then that’s where you should channel your attacks. Conversely, if it starts to show up on the hands, adjust your focus accordingly to keep that damage rolling in.
There are many ways to strengthen your characters in Monster Hunter Outlanders, and focusing on only one upgrade system will not be enough when facing stronger monsters. You should improve your character level, invest in Engraving, craft better equipment, and make use of Visage cards, Buddies, and Insight.
Most importantly, always prepare your equipment based on the monster you are hunting. Having different elemental weapons and armor loadouts will make battles easier, especially when dealing with enemies with different weaknesses. Keep hunting, collecting materials, and upgrading your equipment to build a stronger team.
Before you dive into tracking down your next monster, it’s crucial to gear up in a way that suits your prey. Make sure to switch between various elemental weapons and armor sets—it’ll really turn the tide in your favor when taking on foes with specific vulnerabilities. Remember to keep hunting, gathering those precious materials, and continually enhancing your gear. This is all about building a team that’s not just strong, but also well-prepared for any challenge that comes your way.
