Monster Hunter Wilds Best Armor Sets

Welcome, Hunters! The Forbidden Lands are calling, and the Guild has issued an expedition of great importance. As we step into this uncharted ecosystem teeming with unique threats and untamed beasts, adapting to these new challenges is paramount. To survive and thrive, we must harness the resources at our disposal—crafting new armor and weapons from the very creatures we face.

This guide to the best Monster Hunter Wilds armor sets is here to introduce you to the most versatile and effective defensive equipment in the game. Each set is forged from the essence of the monsters you hunt, not only offering protection but also granting powerful skills that can turn the tide of battle.

As always, the choice is yours: equip a complete armor set crafted from a single monster to benefit from its cohesive abilities, or mix and match individual pieces to create specialized builds tailored to your hunting style and the tasks ahead. Whether you prefer resilience, agility, or raw power, there’s a path for every hunter to carve their legacy.

By the way, if you need an armor set, you could get it from the Armor Sets Boost at SkyCoach. Save time and effort by letting experienced players help you acquire the best gear. Whether you're after a full set for a specific build or just looking to upgrade your defenses, their reliable services ensure you’re ready to face any challenge in Monster Hunter Wilds. Head over to SkyCoach now and gear up for victory!

Check out more MH Wilds articles:

• Best Weapons Guide
• Beginner's Guide

 

 

Monster Hunter Wilds Best Armor Sets on Launch

The list of Monster Hunter Wilds best armor sets you see below is currently focused around the pre-release content, since at the time of writing this, the game has not launched yet. We will update this list after the game’s release to better represent the current meta in the full game. For now, if you’re wondering what might be the best armor sets among those that have already been confirmed, then refer to this table here:

Now, granted that a lot of these Monster Hunter Wilds armor sets are speculative, the details pertaining to each set are gathered either from the previous games that had the same sets or based on the Monster these sets come from. We will be updating this list when more information about additional armor sets becomes available, ensuring it remains accurate and comprehensive for all hunters. BLOG20

Monster Hunter Wilds Armor Slots and Skills Explained

Armor in Monster Hunter Wilds carries forward the iconic tradition of the Monster Hunter series, where crafting gear from defeated monsters is both a functional necessity and a badge of honor. This sixth main installment preserves the core system that has defined the series while introducing refinements to enhance player customization and build diversity.

Armor is not just about protection—it’s also your gateway to powerful Monster Hunter Wilds armor skills that can define your playstyle. Each armor piece offers unique abilities, and equipping a full set from the same monster often unlocks set bonuses or group skills that provide additional benefits. These features allow you to tailor your Hunter’s capabilities to specific challenges, from surviving harsh environments to maximizing damage against formidable foes.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, armor sets consist of five distinct pieces:

1. Head: Offers utility-focused skills, such as stamina regeneration or situational boosts.
2. Chest: Provides strong defensive stats and often houses critical skills.
3. Arms: Focuses on offensive boosts, like attack power or weapon-specific abilities.
4. Waist: Adds balanced stats and supplementary skills that enhance builds.
5. Legs: Improves mobility and frequently complements set bonuses.

Each piece can be equipped individually, allowing you to mix and match skills across different sets, or worn as a complete set to activate group or set bonus effects. For example, a full set of armor crafted from a single monster might grant powerful synergy, such as increased elemental resistance or enhanced performance in specific weapon types. 

This integration of skills into the armor system is one of the Monster Hunter series' most defining features, offering players unparalleled customization options. Hopefully this little Monster Hunter Wilds armor guide gives you an idea or two about why players sometimes combine armor pieces from different sets into one build.

Hope Armor Set

You might be wondering – what is the default armor set doing in the list of the best Monster Hunter Wilds armor sets? It’s true that it can hardly be called the best armor set, but what new players may overlook is the amount of useful skills this set provides:

These three skills are ideal for new players who are learning the ropes. New players are likely to get tossed around and stunned frequently, while also wasting precious stamina on unnecessary movements like rolls or missed attacks. Switching to a new armor set might seem like a good idea, but losing these skills—which essentially act as a safety net for beginner hunters—can be a significant disadvantage.

What we’re trying to say is this: don’t switch out the Hope set for a new one as soon as you can. Keep it on until you’ve become familiar with your weapon of choice and the monsters you’re hunting. It might even be a better idea to retain some of the Hope set pieces with these valuable skills while mixing in parts from other sets to maintain a balanced setup.

Rathalos Armor Set

 

Rathalos armor set comes from a classic MH fire-breathing, tail-poisoning wivern Rathalos. This classic set seems to have retained its iconic red scales and bones look which it is known for. This set traidionally comes with certain expected skills such as:

• Weakness Exploit
• Attack Boost

These skills are super useful to have at the start of the game giving yourself an edge when fighting against more difficult or new monsters. Rathalos set has always been an early-game must-have set, and it seems like in MH: Wilds this hasn’t changed.

Doshaguma Armor Set

The Doshaguma armor set has a lot going on for it. Crafted from an especially fierce monster this armor set will protect you from Dragon and Water damage types and give you a nice defensive skill depending on the number of pieces you equip. In other words, the Doshaguma armor set has a nice set bonus skill:

• 3 Pieces: +1 All resistances
• 4 Pieces: +2 All resistances
• 5 Pieces: +3 All resistances

Elemental Resistances is a skill that increases defense value against incoming elemental damage. Hunters can bolster their resistance by equipping certain items, weapons, or armor. These resistances are tailored to specific elements, allowing you to mitigate damage from particular elemental attacks or status effects. As seen in previous Monster Hunter titles, different monster materials contribute unique resistances. But this set is unique for increasing resistance to all elements, which makes it universal.

Balahara Armor Set

The Balahara armor set is an exceptional choice for Hunters in Monster Hunter Wilds who value versatility and defense. Forged from the resilient Balahara monster, this armor set provides strong resistances to Water, Ice, and Dragon elements, making it particularly effective against monsters with these attack types. However, its defenses are weaker against Fire and Thunder, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly based on your target.

The Balahara armor set comes with a unique set bonus skill that boosts your resistances across all elements as you equip more pieces of the set:

• 3 Pieces: +1 to all resistances
• 4 Pieces: +2 to all resistances
• 5 Pieces: +3 to all resistances

This universal resistance boost makes the Balahara set highly adaptable, especially for Hunters who face monsters with diverse elemental attacks. The Scaling Prowess group skill further enhances its utility when three pieces of the set are equipped, offering even more value to those who commit to this armor.

While the set lacks specific offensive bonuses, its defensive capabilities shine in encounters where survivability is key. The Balahara set is a reliable choice for those who prefer to stay prepared for any elemental challenge in the Forbidden Lands.

Chatacabra Armor Set

The Chatacabra armor set is a lightweight and versatile option for early-game Hunters. Crafted from the nimble and cunning toad-like Chatacabra monster, this set provides excellent resistance to Water, Fire, and Dragon elements, making it a solid choice for encounters with monsters using these elemental attacks. However, its defenses against Thunder and Ice elements are weaker, requiring careful preparation when facing such foes.

The Chatacabra armor set also features a universal resistance boost as you equip more pieces of the set: BLOG20

• 3 Pieces: +1 to all resistances
• 4 Pieces: +2 to all resistances
• 5 Pieces: +3 to all resistances

Additionally, the Flexible Leathercraft group skill activates when three pieces of the set are equipped, offering further benefits that enhance your survivability and resourcefulness in battle.

While its defensive traits make it ideal for early hunts, the Chatacabra set’s adaptability shines when paired with other armor pieces to balance its elemental weaknesses. This set is an excellent starting point for Hunters looking to explore the Forbidden Lands with agility and elemental versatility on their side.

Ingot Armor Set

The Ingot Armor Set is a staple for early-game Hunters in Monster Hunter Wilds. This set, forged from sturdy metal-based materials gathered through mining nodes, features a sleek and knightly design reminiscent of medieval armor. Its metallic sheen and practical design evoke strength and durability, making it one of the most visually striking choices for Hunters looking to survive the early challenges of the Forbidden Lands.

The Ingot Armor Set is known for its defensive utility and supportive traits. While specific skills in Monster Hunter Wilds are yet to be fully confirmed, past iterations in the series suggest it will include:

• Defense Boost: Increases overall defense, reducing incoming damage.
• Health Boost: Expands the Hunter’s health pool for greater survivability.
• Thunder Resistance: Adds protection against Thunder-element attacks, leveraging its metallic roots.

This armor set excels for new players who prioritize survivability over offense. Its simple yet effective skill set makes it an excellent choice for early progression, particularly against monsters dealing heavy physical or Thunder damage. Whether you’re tanking hits for your team or just getting used to the flow of hunts, the Ingot Armor Set is your go-to option for durability and reliability.

If you’re looking for an armor set that combines a striking design with robust defensive stats, the Ingot Armor Set should be on your list of must-haves at launch.

High Metal Armor Set

The High Metal Armor Set is a classic entry in the Monster Hunter series and a solid choice for Hunters seeking a rugged, utility-focused armor set in Monster Hunter Wilds. Forged from metal-based materials often found in mining nodes, this set combines durability with a bold, industrial aesthetic. Its heavily plated design and functional appearance make it ideal for those who prefer a tough, no-nonsense look.

In previous titles, the High Metal Armor Set provided skills that leaned towards utility and customization. Based on its historical usage, the set in Monster Hunter Wilds is expected to include:

• Capacity Boost: Increases the capacity of certain weapons (e.g., Charge Blade, Gunlance) for better combat efficiency.
• Defense Boost: Enhances overall defense, ensuring better survivability.
• Ice Resistance: Offers protection against Ice-element attacks, making it a strong contender for specific hunts.

The High Metal Armor Set is perfect for players who want a balanced mix of utility and defense. Its Capacity Boost skill makes it especially valuable for weapon types that rely on ammo or phials, offering a distinct advantage in sustained battles. The added defense and elemental resistance make it a versatile choice for early to mid-game hunts.

For those looking to combine practicality with a bold design, the High Metal Armor Set stands out as a reliable option. Its utility-focused skills and sturdy defense ensure Hunters are well-prepared to take on the challenges of the Forbidden Lands, making it one of the best armor sets to consider at launch.

 

Bone Armor Set

The Bone Armor Set is a staple in the Monster Hunter series, offering Hunters a primitive yet imposing look. Crafted from monster bones and other skeletal materials, this set embodies the raw, untamed essence of nature. With its distinctive skull motifs and rugged textures, the Bone Armor Set is an early-game favorite, combining style with practicality.

The Bone Armor Set typically comes with a blend of offensive and utility-focused skills. Based on its historical traits in previous games, in Monster Hunter Wilds, it is expected to include:

• Attack Boost: Increases raw attack power, ideal for dealing higher damage.
• Stamina Surge: Enhances stamina recovery, beneficial for high-mobility weapon users.
• Critical Eye: Boosts affinity, improving the chance to land critical hits.

The Bone Armor Set shines as an early-game option for Hunters looking to maximize their damage output while maintaining some utility. The Attack Boost skill ensures consistent damage increases, while Critical Eye complements weapons reliant on critical hits. Stamina Surge supports stamina-intensive playstyles, such as those using Dual Blades, Bow, or Insect Glaive.

For new players or those revisiting the essentials of Monster Hunter Wilds, the Bone Armor Set offers an excellent balance of offense and adaptability. Its straightforward yet effective skills make it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable armor set early in their journey. The rugged design and ease of crafting add to its appeal, ensuring it remains a go-to choice in the Forbidden Lands.

Lala Barina Armor Set

The Laala Barina Armor Set is a striking new addition to Monster Hunter Wilds, inspired by the gothic, vampiric essence of the mysterious Laala Barina monster. With intricate rose motifs, dark hues, and a dramatic flair, this set is the epitome of style and menace. Its design reflects the sinister elegance of its origin, making it one of the most visually stunning armor sets available at launch.

The Laala Barina Armor Set introduces a combination of unique and powerful skills:

• Powerhouse 1 & 2: Grants buffs after a power clash, rewarding Hunters who excel in head-to-head encounters.
• Critical Boost: Amplifies the damage dealt by critical hits, perfect for Hunters focused on precise, high-damage strikes.
• Resentment: Increases attack power while the Hunter has recoverable (red) health, encouraging aggressive playstyles.

The Laala Barina Armor Set is an excellent choice for Hunters who enjoy calculated, high-risk gameplay. The Powerhouse skill is ideal for weapons that excel in trading blows, such as Great Sword, Hammer, and Lance. Meanwhile, Critical Boost and Resentment amplify damage output, making this set a go-to for maximizing offense.

This armor set isn’t just about raw power—it also brings a sense of dark sophistication to your Hunter. Its gothic aesthetic is perfect for those who want to stand out while taking on the horrors of the Forbidden Lands. If you’re seeking a mix of style, power, and unique mechanics, the Laala Barina Armor Set is the perfect companion for your hunts. BLOG20

Rompopolo Armor Set

The Rompopolo Armor Set embodies the venomous and elusive nature of its namesake monster, Rompopolo, introduced in Monster Hunter Wilds. This set features a striking plague doctor-inspired design, adorned with dark, sinister details that reflect the cunning and toxic essence of the creature it is crafted from. The armor exudes an eerie, gothic vibe, perfect for those who want to intimidate their foes while protecting themselves in style.

Although specific skills are yet to be confirmed, the Rompopolo Armor Set is likely to include abilities that emphasize status effects and mobility:

• Poison Attack: Enhances poison buildup, boosting the effectiveness of poison-based weapons.
• Evade Extender: Increases dodge distance, improving agility and positioning in combat.
• Wide-Range: Allows item effects to be shared with nearby allies, supporting team synergy.
• Status Resistance: Reduces the impact of debilitating effects like paralysis and sleep.

The Rompopolo Armor Set is an excellent choice for Hunters who prioritize inflicting poison damage and maintaining high mobility during hunts. Its potential Poison Attack skill pairs seamlessly with weapons that rely on status effects, while Evade Extender ensures you can reposition effectively to avoid incoming attacks.

With its unique blend of offensive and defensive benefits, the Rompopolo Armor Set caters to versatile playstyles, whether you're targeting weak points, evading counterattacks, or supporting your team. Its haunting plague doctor aesthetic also ensures you’ll stand out as one of the most stylish Hunters in the Forbidden Lands.

Battle Armor Set 

The Battle Armor Set is a rugged and imposing armor set in Monster Hunter Wilds, reminiscent of a gunslinger or bounty hunter from a bygone era. With its heavy, cowboy-inspired design adorned with bullets and reinforced plating, this armor offers both style and resilience. This set pays homage to its roots while providing practical benefits to Hunters who prefer a balance of offense and defense.

While specific skill details are still unconfirmed, based on its design and past iterations, the Battle Armor Set is expected to include:

• Defense Boost: Increases overall defense, making it ideal for absorbing damage during prolonged battles.
• Reload Speed: Enhances reloading time for ranged weapons, catering to heavy bowgun and light bowgun users.
• Critical Eye: Improves affinity, increasing the chance to land critical hits.
• Guard: Reduces stamina consumption and knockback when guarding with weapons like lances or gunlances.

The Battle Armor Set is a strong contender for Hunters who value durability and utility. Its focus on Defense Boost and Guard makes it an excellent option for tanky playstyles, allowing you to hold the frontlines against even the most aggressive monsters. For ranged weapon users, the potential Reload Speed skill ensures smooth combat flow, keeping your weapon ready at all times.

Additionally, its thematic design is perfect for Hunters looking to embrace a tough, no-nonsense look while maintaining practical benefits in the heat of battle. Whether you're leading the charge or providing covering fire from afar, the Battle Armor Set offers the tools you need to succeed.

Uth Duna Armor Set (Speculative) 

The Uth Duna Armor Set is a strikingly intricate and flowing armor inspired by the elegant yet menacing appearance of the Leviathan, Uth Duna, the apex predator of the Scarlet Forest in Monster Hunter Wilds. While unconfirmed, the design and aesthetic details strongly suggest that this armor is derived from the new Leviathan-class monster. Its flowing textures and aquatic motifs make it a standout choice for players seeking both functionality and flair.

Although the exact skills of the Uth Duna Armor Set are yet to be confirmed, we can speculate based on its Leviathan origins:

• Evade Window: Increases the invulnerability frames during dodges, making it ideal for Hunters who rely on precise evasion.
• Water Attack: Boosts water elemental damage, synergizing well with weapons crafted from Uth Duna materials.
• Recovery Up: Enhances the effectiveness of healing items, allowing for quick recovery during intense hunts.
• Defense Boost: Increases overall survivability, which is particularly useful against aggressive monsters.

The Uth Duna Armor Set, if confirmed, would serve as an exceptional choice for Hunters engaging in battles with monsters vulnerable to water damage. Its likely inclusion of Evade Window and Recovery Up makes it a flexible set for players who prefer a mix of offense and survivability.

Furthermore, its sleek design reflects the Leviathan's adaptability to water-rich environments, making it not only practical but visually captivating. If you want to embody the grace and power of the apex predator of the Scarlet Forest, the Uth Duna Armor Set is a speculative but exciting possibility. Keep an eye out for updates as we learn more about this elegant Leviathan and its gear!

Quematrice Armor Set

The Quematrice Armor Set, derived from the Brute Wyvern Quematrice, embodies the fiery and destructive nature of its origin monster. With its sleek design and fiery motifs, this armor reflects Quematrice’s flammable substance mechanics, creating a fearsome look and offering impressive offensive and defensive skills. Hunters who favor a balance of style and fire-focused capabilities will find this set both functional and visually striking.

The Quematrice Armor Set is speculated to include skills tailored to enhance fire-based combat and overall mobility:

• Fire Attack: Boosts fire elemental damage, making it a perfect match for weapons infused with fire elements.
• Evade Extender: Increases the distance of your dodges, allowing for swift repositioning during hunts.
• Critical Boost: Amplifies the damage dealt on critical hits, improving overall damage output.
• Blast Resistance: Reduces the damage and duration of blast status effects, offering additional protection against explosive attacks.

The Quematrice Armor Set is an exceptional choice for players who wield fire-element weapons or frequently face monsters vulnerable to fire damage. Its combination of offensive and utility-focused skills, such as Fire Attack and Evade Extender, ensures Hunters can deal devastating damage while staying agile on the battlefield.

Visually, this armor set’s design captures the essence of Quematrice, with elements resembling its long, tail-dragging attacks and fiery nature. For Hunters aiming to embrace the Brute Wyvern’s aggressive style and power, the Quematrice Armor Set is a must-have addition to their arsenal.

Congalala Armor Set

The Congalala Armor Set is a vibrant and quirky choice derived from the playful yet formidable Congalala, a classic Fanged Beast introduced in Monster Hunter 2. Known for its hippo-like head, pink fur, and surprising intelligence, Congalala’s design and behavior are reflected in its unique armor set. This set blends humor and practicality, making it a great option for early-game hunts.

The Congalala Armor Set provides utility-focused skills that enhance survivability and adaptability:

• Free Meal: A chance to consume items without using them, maximizing the efficiency of your consumables.
• Speed Eating: Speeds up item consumption, allowing quicker recovery during combat.
• Health Boost: Increases maximum health, providing better durability against monster attacks.
• Stamina Surge: Improves stamina regeneration, crucial for sustained mobility and dodging.

The Congalala Armor Set is ideal for early-game hunters who want to focus on resource management and adaptability. Its Free Meal and Speed Eating skills are particularly helpful for beginners learning to manage consumables effectively. Meanwhile, Health Boost and Stamina Surge increase durability and stamina recovery, making the set well-rounded for longer hunts or more challenging encounters.

Conclusion

Armor sets in Monster Hunter Wilds are one of the franchise's defining features. With its incredible roster of monsters, every player finds themselves thinking, 'I wonder what your armor looks like.' Once that initial excitement wears off, the real question becomes: 'How do I add that particular skill to my custom set?' Monster Hunter is all about freedom and customization, and this list is here to give you a glimpse of what to expect.

Although the game hasn’t released yet and this list is not final, we already know about 14 different armor sets, each consisting of five pieces. How many combinations can you imagine already? And how many will become possible when the full game is out? Stick around for future updates, and we’ll help you discover them all.

F.A.Q.