Best starting armor to use in Monster Hunter Wilds

Whether you're new to the Monster Hunter series 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 in Monster Hunter Wilds. What are the best early Armor Sets in Monster Hunter Wilds? When you first begin your journey into Monster 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 Screenshot by Destructoid Defense: 6 Fire Res: 1 Water Res: 2 Thunder Res: -3 Ice Res: -1 Dragon Res: 1 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 Armor Pieces Forging Materials Chatacabra Helm x2 Chatacabra Scalex1 Chatacabra Jaw Chatacabra Mail x2 Chatacabra Scalex2 Chatacabra Hidex1 Chatacabra Shell Chatacabra Vambraces x2 Chatacabra Hidex1 Chatacabra Shell Chatacabra Coil x1 Chatacabra Certificatex2 Chatacabra Scalex1 Chatacabra Jawx1 Sharp Fang Chatacabra Greaves x1 Chatacabra Jawx1 Chatacabra Shellx1 Mystery Bone Quematrice Armor Set Screenshot by Destructoid Defense: 6 Fire Res: 2 Water Res: -3 Thunder Res: 0 Ice Res: -1 Dragon Res: 0 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 Armor Pieces Forging Materials Quematrice Helm x1 Quematrice Certificatex1 Quematrice Tailx1 Quematrice Igniterx1 Iron Ore Quematrice Mail x1 Quematrice Igniterx1 Quematrice Crestx1 Quematrice Tail Quematrice Braces x2 Quematrice Scalex1 Quematrice Igniter Quematrice Coil x2 Quematrice Hidex1 Quematrice Crest Quematrice Greaves x2 Quematrice Scalex2 Quematrice Hidex1 Quematrice Crest Alloy Armor Set Screenshot by Destructoid Defense: 6 Fire Res: -2 Water Res: 1 Thunder Res: -2 Ice Res: -2 Dragon Res: 1 If you want to break from monster hunting, you can 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 Armor Pieces Forging Materials Alloy Helm x1 Machalite Orex1 Iron Ore Alloy Mail x1 Machalite Orex1 Iron Ore Alloy Vambraces x1 Machalite Orex1 Iron Ore Alloy Coil x1 Machalite Orex1 Earth Crystal Alloy x1 Machalite Orex1 Earth Crystal Conga Armor Set Screenshot by Destructoid Defense: 8 Fire Res: -3 Water Res: 1 Thunder Res: 1 Ice Res: -1 Dragon Res: 2 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 Armor Pieces Forging Materials Conga Helm x2 Congalala Claw x1 Vibrant Pelt Conga Mail x2 Congalala Peltx1 Congalala Clawx1 Vibrant Pelt Conga Vambraces x1 Congalala Fangx1 Vibrant Peltx1 Machalite Ore Conga Coil x2 Congalala Peltx1 Congalala Fang Conga Greaves x1 Congalala Certificatex1 Congalala Peltx1 Congalala Fangx1 Conga Pelt Barina Armor Set Screenshot by Destructoid Defense: 8 Fire Res: -3 Water Res: 3 Thunder Res: 0 Ice Res: 0 Dragon Res: 3 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 Armor Pieces Forging Materials Barina Headgear x2 Lala Barina Floretx1 Lala Barina Mucus Barina Mail x2 Lala Barina Floretx2 Lala Barina Shellx1 Lala Barina Stinger Barina Vambraces x2 Lala Barina Shellx1 Lala Barina Claw Barina Coil x1 Lala Barina Mucusx1 Lala Barina Clawx1 Lala Barina Stinger Barina Greaves x1 Lala Barina Certificatex2 Lala Bar

Feb 28, 2025 - 13:41

Best starting armor to use in Monster Hunter Wilds

Whether you're new to the Monster Hunter series 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 in Monster Hunter Wilds.

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

When you first begin your journey into Monster 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

Defense: 6

Fire Res: 1

Water Res: 2

Thunder Res: -3

Ice Res: -1

Dragon Res: 1

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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Chatacabra Helm	x2 Chatacabra Scale x1 Chatacabra Jaw
Chatacabra Mail	x2 Chatacabra Scale x2 Chatacabra Hide x1 Chatacabra Shell
Chatacabra Vambraces	x2 Chatacabra Hide x1 Chatacabra Shell
Chatacabra Coil	x1 Chatacabra Certificate x2 Chatacabra Scale x1 Chatacabra Jaw x1 Sharp Fang
Chatacabra Greaves	x1 Chatacabra Jaw x1 Chatacabra Shell x1 Mystery Bone

Quematrice Armor Set

Defense: 6

Fire Res: 2

Water Res: -3

Thunder Res: 0

Ice Res: -1

Dragon Res: 0

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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Quematrice Helm	x1 Quematrice Certificate x1 Quematrice Tail x1 Quematrice Igniter x1 Iron Ore
Quematrice Mail	x1 Quematrice Igniter x1 Quematrice Crest x1 Quematrice Tail
Quematrice Braces	x2 Quematrice Scale x1 Quematrice Igniter
Quematrice Coil	x2 Quematrice Hide x1 Quematrice Crest
Quematrice Greaves	x2 Quematrice Scale x2 Quematrice Hide x1 Quematrice Crest

Alloy Armor Set

Defense: 6

Fire Res: -2

Water Res: 1

Thunder Res: -2

Ice Res: -2

Dragon Res: 1

If you want to break from monster hunting, you can 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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Alloy Helm	x1 Machalite Ore x1 Iron Ore
Alloy Mail	x1 Machalite Ore x1 Iron Ore
Alloy Vambraces	x1 Machalite Ore x1 Iron Ore
Alloy Coil	x1 Machalite Ore x1 Earth Crystal
Alloy	x1 Machalite Ore x1 Earth Crystal

Conga Armor Set

Defense: 8

Fire Res: -3

Water Res: 1

Thunder Res: 1

Ice Res: -1

Dragon Res: 2

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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Conga Helm	x2 Congalala Claw x1 Vibrant Pelt
Conga Mail	x2 Congalala Pelt x1 Congalala Claw x1 Vibrant Pelt
Conga Vambraces	x1 Congalala Fang x1 Vibrant Pelt x1 Machalite Ore
Conga Coil	x2 Congalala Pelt x1 Congalala Fang
Conga Greaves	x1 Congalala Certificate x1 Congalala Pelt x1 Congalala Fang x1 Conga Pelt

Barina Armor Set

Defense: 8

Fire Res: -3

Water Res: 3

Thunder Res: 0

Ice Res: 0

Dragon Res: 3

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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Barina Headgear	x2 Lala Barina Floret x1 Lala Barina Mucus
Barina Mail	x2 Lala Barina Floret x2 Lala Barina Shell x1 Lala Barina Stinger
Barina Vambraces	x2 Lala Barina Shell x1 Lala Barina Claw
Barina Coil	x1 Lala Barina Mucus x1 Lala Barina Claw x1 Lala Barina Stinger
Barina Greaves	x1 Lala Barina Certificate x2 Lala Barina Floret x1 Lala Barina Mucus x1 Monster Fluid

Balahara Armor Set

Defense: 12

Fire Res: -1

Water Res: 2

Thunder Res: -3

Ice Res: 1

Dragon Res: 1

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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Balahara Helm	x2 Balahara Scale x1 Balahara Skull
Balahara Mail	x2 Balahara Scale x1 Balahara Shell x1 Balahara Tail
Balahara Vambraces	x1 Balahara Skull x1 Balahara Tail x1 Aqua Sac
Balahara Coil	x1 Balahara Certificate x2 Balahara Scale x1 Balahara Shell x1 Balahara Black Pearl
Balahara Greaves	x2 Balahara Shell x1 Balahara Skull

Doshaguma Armor Set

Defense: 16

Fire Res: -3

Water Res: 2

Thunder Res: -1

Ice Res: -1

Dragon Res: 4

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

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Doshaguma Helm	x2 Doshaguma Fur x2 Doshaguma Hide x1 Doshaguma Fang x1 Herbivore Shell
Doshaguma Mail	x2 Doshaguma Fur x1 Doshaguma Claw
Doshaguma Braces	x2 Doshaguma Hide x1 Doshaguma Fang
Doshaguma Coil	x1 Doshaguma Claw x2 Doshaguma Fang x1 Sturdy Bone
Doshaguma Greaves	x1 Doshaguma Certificate x2 Doshaguma Fur x1 Doshaguma Claw x1 Brute Bone

Uth Duna Armor Set

Defense: 26

Fire Res: -1

Water Res: 4

Thunder Res: -3

Ice Res: 0

Dragon Res: 0

The Uth Duna Armor Set is quite possibly the best gear you can 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.

Uth Duna Required Materials

Armor Pieces	Forging Materials
Duna Helm	x1 Uth Duna Certificate x2 Uth Duna Scale x1 Uth Duna Plate x1 Guardian Blood
Duna Mail	x1 Uth Duna Cilia x1 Uth Duna Tentacle x2 Uth Duna Claw x1 Guardian Scale
Duna Vambraces	x2 Uth Duna Hide x1 Uth Duna Tentacle x1 Guardian Pelt
Duna Coil	x2 Uth Duna Scale x1 Uth Duna Cilia
Duna Greaves	x2 Uth Duna Scale x2 Uth Duna Hide x1 Uth Duna Claw

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