The transition to High Rank in Monster Hunter Wilds signifies a pivotal moment in the game, inviting players into the deeper complexities of monster hunting. While the term “endgame”may sound daunting to newcomers, it actually represents a thrilling new phase where players can embrace the true excitement of the hunting experience.
Reaching High Rank is a gradual process, and players can continue to tackle Low Rank monsters even after advancing. This guide provides essential insights into when you can expect to begin High Rank and what lies ahead in this intense chapter of your hunting journey.
Updated April 8, 2025 by Marc Santos: The recent Title Update for Monster Hunter Wilds added a wealth of exciting content, although it did not alter the fundamental progression of the base game. We’ve refined this guide to share key aspects to anticipate in High Rank, along with pointers on obtaining Low Rank items once you’ve advanced.
When Does High Rank Begin in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Your journey into High Rank officially kicks off at the conclusion of the third chapter in the main storyline. Once the credits roll, you will embark on a new investigation in the Forbidden Lands, tasked with responding to a Yian Kut-Ku sighting in the Scarlet Forest. Successfully capturing the Kut-Ku during this mission opens the door for you to forge High Rank armor sets, marking your official entry into this new gameplay tier.
As you progress to High Rank, expect a noticeable uptick in difficulty: monsters will possess greater health, deal more damage, and display more aggressive behaviors than their Low Rank counterparts. However, don’t be daunted by the difficulty spike; you’ll be expected to leverage the hunting skills you’ve honed throughout your Low Rank missions. Upgrading your armor can significantly enhance your survivability in this challenging environment.
What Distinguishes Low Rank from High Rank?
Aside from the increased difficulty of the monsters you’ll face, the transition to High Rank unlocks a variety of new content and rewards. Essentially, reaching this stage means you’ve accessed the full breadth of the Monster Hunter Wilds experience, including the continuation of the captivating storyline and the introduction of new features such as Palico Skills and the Layered Armor system. You’ll also encounter Tempered Monsters in the world and as primary quest targets.
Highlights of the High Rank phase include:
- New weapon tiers (up to Tier 8 in rarity)
- Greater variety of challenging monsters
- The Grand Hub for social play
- Additional quests and rich storylines
- New mantles for diverse strategies
- Seasonal events for ongoing engagement
Entering High Rank signifies the onset of the game’s endgame content, and with each update, players can anticipate further additions that enhance their hunting experiences beyond the Low Rank campaign.
How to Revisit Low Rank in Monster Hunter Wilds
The transition to High Rank is not irreversible. If you feel the need to polish your hunting abilities, you can easily step back into Low Rank quests. Simply visit Alma or utilize the Quest Board in your camp, select the Post/Join Quest option, and navigate to the Optional Quests. Look for quests marked with blue stars to find Low Rank missions.
While you can hunt the Low Rank versions of many monsters you’ve previously encountered, this is only available through the Optional quests. Once the main story concludes, you won’t find Low Rank monsters freely roaming the open world.
How to Acquire Low Rank Materials While in High Rank
If you’re in need of Low Rank materials, the solution is straightforward: replay a Low Rank mission to obtain the resources you require. This will load you back into a Low Rank scenario, allowing you to harvest items like Herbivore Shells from creatures such as Ceratonoths.
This approach applies to essentially all materials available in the Low Rank quests. If a material has a Low Rank equivalent, you’ll only be able to collect it from those specific missions.