December’s free update will add the new Defender tree of weapons (14 types) to help players more quickly reach Master Rank by getting to Hunter Rank 16 (the rank to complete Monster Hunter: World’s story) or above so that they can begin the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne story.

Defender Weapons

Very useful weapons that can be forged early on in the game. Upgrade the weapons of your choice to help you quickly progress through Monster Hunter: World’s story and the early portion of Master Rank. Weapons will be available to forge at the Smithy.

How to Forge:

Smithy > Forge Equipment > Weapons

Weapons can be forged with one Iron Ore that can be gathered early on, along with a small amount of zenny.

You can progress to around rank ★3 quests without needing any upgrades.

How to Upgrade:

Smithy > Upgrade Equipment > Select weapon to upgrade

As you progress through the story, you’ll be able to gather monster materials and items to further upgrade your weapons.

Materials required for upgrades can be obtained as you progress through the story, so upgrade regularly to boost your way through Monster Hunter: World’s main story and jump into the world of Iceborne!

For an even more smoother hunting experience, equip the Guardian α armor set that’s already available as free content!

Free Contents:

Guardian armor set

This is a high rank armor set with skills that will make it much harder for monsters to take you down!

The Guardian armor set features skills that boost your maximum health, increase healing effects, and reduce damage, which are sure to keep you from carting as you hunt your way through the story.

Though this set boasts high-rank-level stats and defense, you can equip it from the very beginning of Monster Hunter: World!

*The Guardian armor set is available to all players, even those who have not purchased Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.

Early Weapon Upgrade Materials Set

This item pack contains useful materials for forging weapons, as well as an item you can exchange for zenny!

The items contained will make it easier to create and upgrade ore-based weapons. This item pack is a must-download for players who are starting Monster Hunter: World for the first time!