Here you will find a list of builds that are ideal for the endgame of Monster Hunter World . The article contains at least one suggestion for almost every one of the 14 weapon classes currently available. You will also get a brief description of what makes the featured endgame builds special and a video where you can see them in action.
In the late game of Monster Hunter World, it’s all about optimizing and improving the gear. We now have at least one suggestion for a late-game build for almost every weapon class in the game .
The suggestions were developed in collaboration with YouTuber MH Essah , who has been playing Monster Hunter since its early days on the PS2 and hasn’t missed a title in the series since. “MH Essah” focuses mainly on creating new sets in Monster Hunter World and sees this as the true essence of the game. The hunter particularly enjoys coming up with sets that deviate from the norm.
For each build, you will receive a brief description and a video showcasing the different sets in action. In the videos, you can also see more details of the builds, such as the jewels used. The weapons are sorted alphabetically (from Bow to Sword and Shield).
Bow – Critical Hit Access Attacks
Weapon: Savage Double Hit (Daemonjho)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Emperor’s Armor β
- Bazel Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Bazel Leggings α
- Unhurt Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 3
- Critical Draw Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 2
- Special Ammo Boost Level 2
- Bombardier Level 2
- Piercing Boost Level 1
- Bowstring Power Level 1
What makes this build special for the bow?
This build ensures 132 damage on the training dummy, which speaks for itself. This build is known as the “Crit-Draw Playstyle”. This means it fully relies on access attacks that hit critically 100 percent of the time. This refers to the first attack you perform after drawing your weapon. Quick sheathing is naturally perfect for this playstyle.
Duel Blades – Extremely High Damage and High Affinity
Weapon: Raging Thief (Daemonjho)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Death Stench Heel β
- Attack Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 7
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Critical Eye Level 2
- Craft Level 2
- Polish Level 1
What makes this build special for the dual blades?
This build provides maximum damage for the dual blades. It offers extremely high damage along with good affinity. The white sharpness is maintained with Polish.
Duel Blades – No Desire to Sharpen?
Weapon: Fire and Ice (Kushala Daora and Teostra)
Armor:
- Kushala Gleam α
- Kushala Zista β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Emperor’s Waist α
- Emperor’s Leggings α
- Master Talisman
Skills:
- Critical Eye Level 4
- Craft Level 4
- Explosion Attack Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Ice Attack Level 2
- Latent Power Level 2
What makes this build special for the dual blades?
Dual blades can lose sharpness quickly and need to be sharpened often. This build combines Teostra mastery with high affinity, making it so that the weapon hardly ever needs sharpening. The mastery ensures that you experience no sharpness loss when you deal critical hits. This build is perfect for hunters who do not want to deal with constant sharpening.
Energy Blade – High Phial Damage and High Affinity
Weapon: Destruction Thorns (Nergigante)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Artillery Talisman β
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 5
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Artillery Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 2
- Capacity Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the energy blade?
Why keep using the Diablos Energy Blade when there are great alternatives? The Nergigante Energy Blade deals quite high damage combined with high affinity and high phial damage.
Energy Blade – Especially Thanks to Elemental Phials
Weapon: Captivator Energy Blade (Daemonjho)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Death Stench Heel β
- Attack Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 7
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Dragon Attack Level 2
- Critical Boost Level 2
- Craft Level 2
- Capacity Boost Level 1
- Polish Level 1
What makes this build special for the energy blade?
This set is unique because this weapon has elemental phials. White sharpness, Attack Boost +7, Critical Boost, and Dragon Attack provide quite a high damage. Capacity Boost adds an extra phial and extends the effect of the shield buff by 30 seconds. Polish is there to maintain the white sharpness.
Gunlance – Definitely NOT Meant to Play Defensively
Weapon: Barroth Breaker III (Barroth)
Armor:
- Nergigante Helm β
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Advantage Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 4
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Artillery Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Non-Element Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the gunlance?
Gunlances are generally regarded as more defensive weapons, but they definitely do not have to be played defensively. This set offers very high critical damage, both for normal hits and cluster shots.
Great Sword – Wyvern Ignition Deals Extremely High Damage
Weapon: Wyvern Ignition “Impact” (Event Quest, Master Smith Tickets)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Power Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 5
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Polish Level 1
- Non-Element Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the great sword?
This set has extremely high damage due to the Attack, Critical, and Non-Element Boosts. Additionally, it has white sharpness. With the help of the “Maximum Power” ability, one can negate the weapon’s negative affinity. Polish allows maintaining the white sharpness.
Insect Glaive – Attack Boosts for Maximum Damage!
Weapon: Hazak Entoma II (Val Hazak)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Attack Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 7
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Craft Level 2
- Maximum Power Level 1
- Polish Level 1
What makes this build special for the insect glaive?
This build focuses mainly on maximum damage through Attack, Craft, and Critical Boost. The white sharpness provides 12 percent more damage and the critical boost adds another 15 percent. Thus, the already high base damage is increased by another 27 percent. Affinity increases through the Maximum Power ability by 10 percent and through the Attack Boost by 5 percent. In conjunction with the Weakness Exploit, you will reach an affinity of 65 percent. This build is rounded out by the Polish ability, which allows you to maintain the white sharpness.
Long Sword – Impresses with High Dragon Element
Weapon: Robber “Doom” (Daemonjho)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Kushala Zista β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Attack Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 5
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Craft Level 2
- Maximum Power Level 2
- Polish Level 1
What makes this build special for the long sword?
This build greatly competes with the “Divine Slash”. It has high damage, high affinity, and white sharpness. Thanks to Polish, the white sharpness also remains. Additionally, this set also provides a dragon element.
Light Bowgun – 5 Shots of Primary Ammo with Jyura Crossbow
Light Bowgun: Jyura Bullet III (Jyuratodus)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Kirin Leggings β
- Attack Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 7
- Critical Eye Level 4
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Super Weapon Level 2
- Shotgun/Power Shot Level 1
What makes this build special for the light bowgun?
This build achieves maximum damage through the interplay of Attack Boost +7, Critical Boost +3, and the Shotgun and Power Shot skills. However, the full potential of the Critical Boost is only realized through the high affinity of this build. The Jyura Crossbow allows with Super Weapon +2 to load a total of 5 shots of primary ammo into the magazine.
Light Bowgun – 160 Damage per Salvo on the Training Dummy
Weapon: Karma (Odogaron)
Armor:
- Rathalos Helm β
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Xeno’jiiva Spikes α
- Diablos Nero Leggings β
- Attack Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 6
- Pest Resistance Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Critical Boost Level 2
- Special Ammo Boost Level 2
- Standard Boost Level 1
- Part Breaker Level 1
What makes this build special for the light bowgun?
Here, the ammo type Normal II is primarily used. This light bowgun features what’s known as rapid fire. This allows you to shoot a 3-shot salvo instead of just one shot. However, only 1 shot is consumed. Part Breaker can be replaced with another Critical Boost as desired.
Light Bowgun – Elemental Ammo is Underrated
Weapon: Rathbreaker II (Rathalos)
Armor:
- Rathalos Helm
- Dober Armor
- Emperor’s Armguards
- Rathalos Waist
- Dober Leggings
- Unhurt Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 5
- Fire Attack Level 5
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Critical Boost Level 2
- Maximum Power Level 2
- Revival Level 1
What makes this build special for the light bowgun?
“MH Essah” said he has been playing Monster Hunter World for over 600 hours and has never seen another player using elemental ammo. Rathalos mastery allows the element to hit critically, and Fire Attack +5 enhances the element. Maximum Power +2 and Attack Boost +5 increase damage. Elemental ammo is an absolutely underrated way to go hunting.
Morphaxt – Use Dragon Phial with Power Smiter II
Weapon: Power Smiter II
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Xeno’jiiva Leather β
- Diablos Nero Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Dober Leggings β
- Focus Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 5
- Critical Eye Level 3
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Focus Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 2
- Power Extension Level 2
- Non-Element Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the Morphaxt?
The Morphaxt could be described as the “underdog” among the weapons and seems rather weak. However, upon looking at the phial of Power Smiter II, things get very interesting. It is the only Morphaxt with a dragon phial! The goal here is to stay in sword mode as often as possible to use it effectively. You must not forget that this weapon counts as one of the “non-elemental” weapons, allowing you to play with the Non-Element Boost.
Morphaxt – Unique Paralysis Phial with Barroth Slaughter III
Weapon: Barroth Slaughter III (Barroth)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Xeno’jiiva Leather β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Damascus Waist β
- Jyura Leggings α
- Immobility Talisman
Skills:
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Paralysis Attack Level 3
- Focus Level 3
- Focus Level 3
- Power Extension Level 3
- Fast Eating Level 3
- Fast Sharpening Level 3
- Non-Element Boost Level 3
What makes this build special for the Morphaxt?
The Barroth Slaughter has the unique Paralysis phial. Focus and Power Extension enable you to stay in sword mode almost all the time. This build is the perfect combination of high damage and the ability to paralyze monsters.
Morphaxt – A True “KO” Build
Weapon: Jagras Ripper III (Great Jagras)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Diablos Armor β
- Diablos Nero Armguards β
- Damascus Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Power Talisman
Skills:
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Focus Level 3
- Power Extension Level 3
- Paralyzer Level 3
- Stamina Strike Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Revival Level 1
- Non-Element Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the Morphaxt?
This Morphaxt can knock out a monster intentionally, similar to a hammer. It is the only Morphaxt that possesses such a phial. This weapon counts as one of the “non-elemental weapons”, allowing you to use the Non-Element Boost.
Heavy Bowgun – A Set to Break Records
Weapon: Dark Devourer (Daemonjho)
Armor:
- Xeno’jiiva Headgear β
- Dober Armor β
- Vaal Hazak Armguards β
- Xeno’jiiva Spikes β
- Xeno’jiiva Spores β
- Awakening Talisman β
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 3
- Super Weapon Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Artillery Level 3
- Pest Resistance Level 2
- Fast Eating Level 2
- Unfazed Level 2
What makes this build special for the heavy bowgun?
This set is excellent for a solo speedrun. If you want to set new records with the heavy bowgun, the Dark Devourer is a perfect choice. The primary ammo is Spread III. The capacity is increased by Super Weapon +3. The Xeno’jiiva skill “Extra Shot” allows for frequent consumption of ammo from the magazine without actually using it. Maximum Power ensures that your opponents go out quickly. For this set, the Shield Mantle and Health Booster are essential.
Heavy Bowgun – With Piercing, Massive Monsters Don’t Stand a Chance
Weapon: Lega Shatterbox (Legiana)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Dober Armor β
- Vaal Hazak Armguards β
- Nergigante Waist β
- Dober Leggings β
- Unhurt Talisman β
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 7
- Critical Eye Level 4
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Piercing Boost Level 1
- Critical Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the heavy bowgun?
In previous Monster Hunter titles, the ammo “Piercing” was always considered the strongest. In Monster Hunter World, unfortunately, one rarely sees someone using what is known as a “Pierce Build”. This build shows that the piercing ammo can also be very strong in MHW. You can stand far away from the monster, which is why Maximum Power is used as a damage skill. Especially against monsters with a lot of “mass”, like Bazelgeuse, Kushala Daora, or Xeno’jiiva, this build is highly effective.
Heavy Bowgun – All-Rounder Build for All Cases
Weapon: Crunching Flame Cannon (Anjanath)
Armor:
- Nergigante Helm α
- Dober Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards α
- Nergigante Waist β
- Nergigante Leggings β
- Unhurt Talisman
Skills:
- Attack Boost Level 6
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Maximum Power Level 3
- Critical Eye Level 2
- Standard Boost Level 1
- Critical Boost Level 1
What makes this build special for the heavy bowgun?
This build can be labeled as an all-rounder because you can load almost any type of ammo. Maximum Power and Maximum Power ensure quite high damage and negate the negative affinity of the Anjanath weapon. The Standard Boost can be replaced with other boosts like shotgun and piercing at your discretion.
Sword and Shield – Elements Are Not Weak At All
Weapon: Dragon Bone Sword III (Bone)
Armor:
- Rathalos Helm β
- Rathalos Armor β
- Xeno’jiiva Claws α
- Odogaron Waist β
- Xeno’jiiva Spores β
- Master Talisman
Skills:
- Critical Eye Level 7
- Dragon Attack Level 5
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 2
- Unfazed Level 2
What makes this build special for sword and shield?
Do you find the elements in Monster Hunter World too weak? Not when you use the right build. This one is geared towards maximum critical elemental damage. The Rathalos mastery also ensures that the said elements can hit critically.
Sword and Shield – Unique Poison Set, Especially Good Against Kushala Daora
Weapon: Datura Flower III (Pukei-Pukei)
Armor:
- DrKingEyePatch α
- Rathian Heart Armor β
- Emperor’s Armguards β
- Rathian Heart Waist β
- Rathian Heart Leggings β
- Craft Talisman
Skills:
- Craft Level 5
- Poison Attack Level 3
- Critical Boost Level 3
- Weakness Exploit Level 3
- Tool Specialist Level 3
What makes this build special for sword and shield?
This is a very special build that you have likely never seen before. The aim of this set is to maintain the abnormal status of poison as long and as often as possible. Who hasn’t encountered this? You’re fighting against a Kushala Daora and are constantly pushed back by their aura? This set is the solution. The needed affinity is obtained through the affinity booster, which is quickly prepared thanks to the tool master. The same applies to the Apothecary Mantle.
These were our 20 suggestions for late game builds in Monster Hunter World. Will you try some of these builds yourself?
You’ll mostly get the materials for builds from the monsters: Here is a list of all monsters in Monster Hunter World – with loot and habitat.
