Whether you’re new to theMonster Hunterseries or returning, understanding its complex armor system can be quite challenging. So, if you need some tips on choosing the right gear, here are the best starting armor you can use inMonster Hunter Wilds.

What are the best early Armor Sets in Monster Hunter Wilds?

When you first begin your journey intoMonster Hunter Wilds, you’ll be introduced to various types of armor, including Hope, Leather, and Chainmail. Although they offer some pretty decent buffs, you can do a lot better with specific upgrades. Let’s break down what starter Armor Sets are the best.

Chatacabra Armor Set

The Chapter 1-1 quest, Desert Trotters, pits you against the deadly Chatacabra monster. Bring them down to unlock Chatacabra materials at the Smithy, providing you with much more defense. Each piece offers a substantial +6 Defense and resistance to specific elements, such as Water and Fire. Some materials also include a Speed Eating buff that moderately increases eating speed.

Chatacabra Required Materials

Quematrice Armor Set

By Chapter 1-2, you’ll discover another large monster, the Quematrice. Like the Chatacabra, it provides +6 Defense with its distinct Helm, Mail, Braces, Coil, and Greaves. Items such as the Quematrice Braces and Helm harness a Flinch Free skill, which reduces the risk of knockbacks from enemies. Quematric Armor Sets are great for fiery fiends, as most materials offer Fire Resistance.

Quematrice Required Materials

Alloy Armor Set

If you want to break from monster hunting, you’re able to collect ore to make the Alloy Armor Set. This gear boosts your sheathing speed and nullifies ground tremors caused by monsters. The Alloy set also has a unique metal look differing from the furry and reptilian designs of creatures.

Alloy Required Materials

Conga Armor Set

When you unlock the Scarlet Forest region, you’ll encounter the Congalala monster. It’ll offer slightly more defense than the Chatacabra, Quematrice, and Alloy sets. The Conga Greaves and Helm provide the Mushroomance skill, allowing you to ingest blue mushrooms and toadstools. Other materials also include Stench Resistance to reduce stench duration by 50 percent.

Conga Required Materials

Barina Armor Set

As you progress through Forest Findings Chapter 1-3, you’ll encounter Lala Barina. Defeating it will reward you with two powerful armor buffs: Paralysis Resistance and Recovery Up. The first skill reduces paralysis duration by 30 percent, while the second increases the amount of health you’ll receive when recovering.

Barina Required Materials

Balahara Armor Set

A Hunter’s Pride Chapter 1-4 introduces the Balahara monster, unlocking a sleek black Armor Set. One of the biggest takeaways from this gear is the Hunger Resistance perk, which gradually reduces your maximum stamina depletion. Plus, it’ll enhance your evade distance to help you survive longer.

Balahara Required Materials

Doshaguma Armor Set

In addition to the Balahara, you’ll encounter the frightful Doshaguma beast. Its distinct Armor Set grants you one of the highest early defense and dragon resistance stats. You’ll also gain the Free Meal and Item Prolonger skills to increase your chances of earning free food and extend item effect durations.

Doshaguma Required Materials

Uth Duna Armor Set

The Uth Duna Armor Set is quite possibly the best gear you may unlock early on, earning you a substantial 26 Defense. You’ll find this creature during the Beyond the Deluge Chapter 1-5. The Armor Set’s skill, Peak Performace, gives you three additional points for the Attack stat and shortens your recharge time by 10 percent with Tool Specialist.

MHW playable character wearing Chatacabra armor set

Chatacabra armor set in MHW

Quematrice armor set in MHW

Alloy Armor Set

Conga Armor Set

Barina Armor Set

Balahara Armor Set

Doshaguma Armor Set

Uth Duna Armor Set

Ancient Idol in PEAK