A major piece of the gameplay in Monster Hunter World is the creation of different types of armor to protect you while fighting monsters. They require a variety of crafting materials that involve killing multiple monsters, usually with the help of a friend or two. Some players are constantly searching for the best armor out there, but this is a misleading assumption on their part.
There is no best armor as your choice will depend on your weapon, the teammates by your side, and the type of monster you are fighting. Some armor sets do top the rest in Monster Hunter World, even if it can be difficult to acquire some of the pieces needed to craft them.
Updated January 18, 2022 by Ryan Bamsey: One of the greatest things about Monster Hunter as a series is that it's always great to return to previous titles - and this includes Monster Hunter World. With more players trying the game every day, we've made sure this guide to your best armor options is as fresh as ever.
These armor sets are perfect for taking on all that High Rank has to offer you and to prepare for the challenges that Iceborne and Master Rank bring.
15 Commission Alpha
The Commission α Armor Set must be unlocked, which is why so few players realize it exists, but it is one of the best High Rank armors. It is great for those who use ranged weapons because of some of its active skills, such as Stealth and Wide-Range.
They may not be highly leveled skills, but their combination turns it into a phenomenal set.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Commission Gorget α |
20,000 |
1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Rathalos Scale+, 2 Sinister Cloth |
|
Commission Jacket α |
20,000 |
1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Odogaron Scale+, 3 Great Hornfly |
|
Commission Vambraces α |
20,000 |
1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Legiana Scale+, 2 Sinister Cloth |
|
Commission Belt α |
20,000 |
1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Diablos Carapace, 3 Great Hornfly |
|
Commission Pants α |
20,000 |
1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Immortal Dragonscale, 2 Sinister Cloth |
14 Kirin Alpha
If you use a weapon with a hidden Thunder Element, then you should look to craft the Kirin α Armor Set. You do have to take down the Elder Dragon called the Kirin in The Guiding Lands or Coral Highlands, but it is well worth the effort.
It gives you the active skills of Marathon Runner Lv. 3, Divine Blessing Lv. 3, Thunder Attack Lv. 3, Thunder Resistance Lv. 2, and Free Elem Ammo Up Effect Lv. 3.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Kirin α Horn |
16,000 |
3 Kirin Hide+, 1 Kirin Azure Horn, 2 Shamos Scale+, 4 Thunder Sac |
|
Kirin α Jacket |
16,000 |
3 Kirin Hide+, 1 Kirin Azure Horn, 2 Kirin Thundertail, 4 Fucium Ore |
|
Kirin α Longarms |
16,000 |
3 Kirin Hide+, 4 Kirin Mane, 3 Paolumu Carapace+, 6 Dragonvein Crystal |
|
Kirin α Hoop |
16,000 |
4 Kirin Hide+, 4 Kirin Mane, 3 Kirin Azure Horn, 1 Novacrystal |
|
Kirin α Leg Guards |
16,000 |
3 Kirin Hide+, 3 Kirin Thundertail, 3 Paolumu Carapace+, 1 Dragonbone Relic |
13 Guild Cross Alpha
The Guild Cross α Armor Set provides you with a lot of defense, and it offers several defenses against quite a few different elements. However, you must earn Arena Coins to unlock it, so it isn't as popular as others.
You must have a group of friends dedicated to unlocking this as it requires dedication and hours of grinding.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Guild Cross Circlet α |
16,000 |
3 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Flying Coin, 2 Hunter King Coin, 1 High Commendation |
|
Guild Cross Suit α |
16,000 |
3 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Brute Coin, 2 Hunter King Coin, 1 High Commendation |
|
Guild Cross Vambraces α |
16,000 |
3 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Brute Coin, 2 Hunter King Coin, 1 High Commendation |
|
Guild Cross Coil α |
16,000 |
2 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Flying Coin, 2 Pinnacle Coin, 1 High Commendation |
|
Guild Cross Boots α |
16,000 |
2 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Flying Coin, 2 Pinnacle Coin, 1 High Commendation |
12 Rathalos Alpha
The Rathalos is a Flying Wyvern who must be hunted to craft the Rathalos α Armor Set. It is commonly found in the Ancient Forest, and the perks associated with this set make it so desirable.
It will increase Elemental Damage when landing critical hits, prevent attacks from being deflected, and shorten the distance it takes for ammo and arrows to reach maximum power.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Rathalos Helm α |
9,000 |
4 Rathalos Scale+, 4 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Inferno Sac, 1 Rathalos Medulla |
|
Rathalos Mail α |
9,000 |
4 Rathalos Scale+, 6 Rathalos Carapace, 3 Rathalos Wing, 1 Rathalos Ruby |
|
Rathalos Vambraces α |
9,000 |
6 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Rathalos Wing, 2 Inferno Sac, 6 Rath Wingtalon |
|
Rathalos Coil α |
9,000 |
4 Rathalos Scale+, 4 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Rathalos Wing, 2 Rathalos Wing |
|
Rathalos Greaves α |
9,000 |
4 Rathalos Scale+, 6 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Inferno Sac, 1 Rathalos Plate |
11 Vaal Hazak Beta
A Lance build, for one of the best weapons in the game, pairs well with the Vaal Hazak β Armor Set because of its special perks, not to mention it is also quite fashionable. It allows you to exceed the red portion of your health, increases your attack, and reduces or prevents Effluvial Buildup.
All you must do is take down the Elder Dragon called the Vaal Hazak in the Rotten Vale in order to craft it.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Vaal Hazak Helm β |
16,000 |
5 Deceased Scale, 4 Vaal Hazak Carapace, 4 Vaal Hazak Talon, 4 Elder Dragon Bone |
|
Vaal Hazak Mail β |
16,000 |
5 Vaal Hazak Carapace, 3 Vaal Hazak Fang+, 2 Vaal Hazak Tail, 1 Odogaron Plate |
|
Vaal Hazak Braces β |
16,000 |
3 Vaal Hazak Fang+, 6 Deceased Scale, 2 Vaal Hazak Membrane, 1 Vaal Hazak Gem |
|
Vaal Hazak Coil β |
16,000 |
5 Vaal Hazak Carapace, 4 Vaal Hazak Wing, 2 Vaal Hazak Membrane, 3 Elder Dragon Blood |
|
Vaal Hazak Greaves β |
16,000 |
5 Deceased Scales, 4 Vaal Hazak 4, 2 Vaal Hazak Membrane, 6 Dragonvein Crystal |
10 Lumu Alpha
This high-rank armor set is perfect for anyone who loves to use Insect Glaive weapons. It is obtained by hunting the Paolumu, a monster located in the Coral Highlands.
The maximum defense each piece provides is 82, and they have skills like Stamina Surge Lv. 2, Master Mounter Lv. 1, Artillery Lv. 2, Divine Blessing Lv. 2, and Windproof Lv. 1.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Lumu Hat α |
6,000 |
4 Paolumu Scale+, 2 Paolumu Wing, 2 Paolumu Pelt+, 2 Lightcrystal |
|
Lumu Mail α |
6,000 |
2 Paolumu Scale+, 3 Paolumu Carapace+, 2 Paolumu Pelt+, 4 Monster Keenbone |
|
Lumu Vambraces α |
6,000 |
4 Paolumu Pelt+, 2 Paolumu Scale+, 2 Paolumu Wing, 5 Quality Bone |
|
Lumu Coil α |
6,000 |
4 Paolumu Pelt+, 2 Paolumu Scale+, 3 Paolumu Carapace, 5 Coral Bone |
|
Lumu Greaves α |
6,000 |
4 Paolumu Scale+, 2 Paolumu Pelt+, 4 Paolumu Wing, 1 Wyvern Gem |
9 Anja Alpha
The Anja α armor set is great for those with ranged builds, like those who use Heavy Bowguns, as it has a set bonus for a Stamina Cap Up and Adrenaline. It also has active skills like Fire Attack Lv. 3, Fire Resistance Lv. 3, Special Ammo Boost Lv. 2, and Marathon Runner Lv. 1.
Most of the pieces can be acquired by hunting down the Anjanath, a Brute Wyvern located in the Ancient Forest and Wildspire Waste.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Anja Helm α |
6,000 |
4 Anjanath Pelt+, 4 Anjanath Scale+, 2 Anjanath Tail, 3 Inferno Sac |
|
Anja Mail α |
6,000 |
6 Anjanath Pelt+, 4 Anjanath Fang+, 2 Anjanath Nosebone+, 1 Anjanath Gem |
|
Anja Vambraces α |
6,000 |
4 Anjanath Pelt+, 4 Anjanath Scale+, 1 Anjanath Nosebone+, 4 Monster Keenbone |
|
Anja Coil α |
6,000 |
4 Anjanath Scale+, 3 Anjanath Pelt+, 3 Anjanath Fang+, 4 Piercing Claw |
|
Anja Greaves α |
6,000 |
4 Anjanath Scale+, 3 Anjanath Pelt+, 2 Inferno Sac, 5 Carbalite Ore |
8 Kushala Alpha
This armor set comes from the Kushala Daora monster that is located in Elder's Recess and the Ancient Forest. It is a great addition to any dual-blade build and its strength shows when facing monsters weak against ice.
This set will grant you Handicraft Lv. 5, Ice Attack Lv. 4, and two skills that improve your evasion. With the entire set equipped, you'll be able to nullify wind pressure.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Kushala Glare α |
16,000 |
4 Daora Dragon Scale+, 4 Daora Carapace, 2 Daora Webbing, 4 Elder Dragon Bone |
|
Kushala Cista α |
16,000 |
5 Daora Carapace, 3 Daora Horn+, 2 Daora Claw+, 1 Daora Gem |
|
Kushala Grip α |
16,000 |
5 Daora Carapace, 2 Daora Horn+, 2 Daora Tail, 1 Legiana Plate |
|
Kushala Cocoon α |
16,000 |
4 Daora Dragon Scale+, 4 Daora Carapace, 2 Daora Horn+, 5 Carbalite Ore |
|
Kushala Crus α |
16,000 |
5 Daora Carapace, 4 Daora Dragon Scale+, 3 Daora Webbing, 3 Elder Dragon Blood |
7 Kaiser Alpha
You will have to head to Wildspire Waste, Elder's Recess, or The Guiding Lands if you want this armor set as you will have to take down a Teostra, one of the Elder Dragons. It is strongest against fire and has a set bonus called Masters Touch, which prevents a weapon from losing its sharpness when performing a critical hit.
The set will grant Latent Power Lv. 5 and Blast Attack Lv. 3, among other skills - but those are the main draws.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Kaiser Crown α |
16,000 |
5 Teostra Carapace, 2 Teostra Horn+, 2 Tesotra Tail, 1 Firecell Stone |
|
Kaiser Mail α |
16,000 |
5 Teostra Carapace, 4 Teostra Webbing, 4 Teostra Powder, 1 Rathalos Plate |
|
Kaiser Vambraces α |
16,000 |
4 Fire Dragon Scale+, 4 Teostra Carapace, 4 Teostra Claw+, 4 Elder Dragon Bone |
|
Kaiser Coil α |
16,000 |
4 Fire Dragon Scale+, Teostra Carapace, 1 Teostra Mane, 3 Elder Dragon Blood |
|
Kaiser Greaves α |
16,000 |
3 Teostra Horn+, 6 Fire Dragon Scale+, 2 Teostra Mane, 1 Teostra Gem |
6 Diablos Nero Alpha
The Diablos and Black Diablos are the monsters you must hunt to acquire this set. It will give you a bonus of Bludgeoner and a whole Lv. 4 Non-Elemental Boost, which is why users of non-elemental weapons should consider using this armor.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Diablos Nero Helm α |
12,000 |
4 Black Diablos Ridge+, 2 Majestic Horn, 1 Black Spiral Horn+, 1 Novacrystal |
|
Diablos Nero Mail α |
12,000 |
4 Black Diablos Carapace, 3 Black Diablos Ridge+, 1 Black Spiral Horn+, 2 Blos Medulla |
|
Diablos Nero Braces α |
12,000 |
4 Black Diablos Ridge+, 6 Black Diablos Carapace, 5 Carbalite Ore, 5 Gastodon Carapace |
|
Diablos Nero Coil α |
12,000 |
4 Black Diablos Carapace, 3 Black Diablos Ridge+, 2 Diablos Tailcase, 3 Gastodon Horn |
|
Diablos Nero Greaves α |
12,000 |
6 Black Diablos Ridge+, 4 Black Diablos Carapace, 1 Black Spiral Horn+, 1 Wyvern Gem |
5 Legiana Alpha
This is another armor set that is great for ranged builds, especially when facing ice and water monsters. It has a set bonus that gives you a chance to increase your quest rewards, and all you have to do is hunt down the Legiana monster in the Coral Highlands, Rotten Vale, Hoarfrost Reach, or The Guiding Lands.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Legiana Helm α |
9,000 |
4 Legiana Scale+, 2 Legiana Hide+, 2 Freezer Sac, 2 Tzitzi-Ya-Ku Scale+ |
|
Legiana Mail α |
9,000 |
6 Legiana Hide+, 3 Legiana Claw+, 3 Legiana Wing, 1 Legiana Gem |
|
Legiana Vambraces α |
9,000 |
4 Legiana Hide+, 4 Legiana Scale+, 3 Legiana Tail Webbing, 1 Novacrystal |
|
Legiana Coil α |
9,000 |
4 Legiana Hide+, 4 Legiana Scale+, 2 Freezer Sac, 1 Legiana Plate |
|
Legiana Greaves α |
9,000 |
4 Legiana Scale+, 2 Legiana Hide+, 2 Legiana Wing, 2 Tzitzi-Ya-Ku Hide+ |
4 Odogaron Alpha
If you head to the Coral Highlands or Rotten Vale, then you will come across a monster called the Odogaron which is used to make this armor set. The set gives both the Punishing Draw and Protective Polish bonuses, and it is great against both fire and water attacks.
Notably, this set provides the really great Lv. Critical Eye skill and some Bleeding Resistance.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Odogaron Helm α |
9,000 |
4 Odogaron Scale+, 2 Odogaron Sinew+, 2 Odogaron Claw+, 2 Warped Bone |
|
Odogaron Mail α |
9,000 |
4 Odogaron Sinew+, 4 Odogaron Scale+, 1 Odogaron Plate, 5 Hornetaur Carapace |
|
Odogaron Vambraces α |
9,000 |
4 Odogaron Sinew+, 4 Odogaron Scale+, 2 Odogaron Tail, 4 Hornetaur Innerwing |
|
Odogaron Coil α |
9,000 |
6 Odogaron Sinew+, 4 Odogaron Claw+, 2 Odogaron Claw+, 1 Odogaron Gem |
|
Odogaron Greaves α |
9,000 |
4 Odogaron Scale+, 2 Odogaron Sinew+, 2 Odogaron Fang+, 6 Monster Hardbone |
3 Nergigante Alpha
Players who use long swords rave about this armor set that is made by hunting down the Nergigante in Wildspire Waste and Elder's Recess. You will love the perk called Hasten Recovery, which restores your health each time you attack a monster.
It will let you regenerate five, 10, or 20 health depending on the type of weapon you are using to land your attacks.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Nergigante Helm α |
16,000 |
2 Nergigante Horn+, 6 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 1 Nergigante Gem |
|
Nergigante Mail α |
16,000 |
4 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 2 Nergigante Talon, 3 Elder Dragon Bone |
|
Nergigante Vambraces α |
16,000 |
3 Nergigante Carapace, 1 Nergigante Horn+, 2 Nergigante Tail, 1 Firecell Stone |
|
Nergigante Coil α |
16,000 |
4 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 4 Nergigante Regrowth Plate, 1 Novacrystal |
|
Nergigante Greaves α |
16,000 |
4 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 2 Nergigante Regrowth Plate, 2 Elder Dragon Blood |
2 Xeno'jiiva Alpha
The Xeno'jiiva is one of the toughest monsters you will face, but it is well worth the armor that you can craft from its parts. It is strong against water, thunder, and ice, not to mention it has amazing Level 3 active skills such as Flinch Free, Power Prolonger, and Blight Resistance.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Xeno'jiva Headgear α |
20,000 |
5 Xeno'jiva Soulscale, 4 Xeno'jiva Shell, 2 Xeno'jiva Horn, 1 Rathalos Plate |
|
Xeno'jiva Hide α |
20,000 |
3 Xeno'jiva Horn, 6 Xeno'jiva Soulscale, 3 Xeno'jiva Wing, 1 Xeno'jiva Gem |
|
Xeno'jiva Claws α |
20,000 |
4 Xeno'jiva Shell, 3 Xeno'jiva Claw, 2 Xeno'jiva Veil, 1 Wyvern Gem |
|
Xeno'jiva Spine α |
20,000 |
4 Xeno'jiva Shell, 2 Xeno'jiva Wing, 2 Xeno'jiva Tail, 1 Odogaron Plate |
|
Xeno'jiva Spurs α |
20,000 |
4 Xeno'jiva Soulscale, 4 Xeno'jiva Shell, 2 Xeno'jiva Vail, 1 Legiana Plate |
1 Drachen Alpha
The Drachen Armor Set is one of the best you can craft in High Rank, but it is also one of the hardest to attain. It requires taking down Behemoth monsters, which are no walk in the park. Not only does this armor look really cool, but it is also great for hunters who like to perform jumping attacks in combat due to its Elemental Airborne set bonus.
Items Needed For Crafting
|
Armor Piece |
Price |
Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Drachen Armet α |
20,000 |
2 Behemoth Mane, 3 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Great Horn, 3 Aetheryte Shard |
|
Drachen Mail α |
20,000 |
2 Behemoth Mane, 3 Behemoth Bone, 2 Behemoth Shearclaw, 2 Dragonbone Relic |
|
Drachen Vambraces α |
20,000 |
3 Behemoth Mane, 3 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Great Horn, 1 Behemoth Tail |
|
Drachen Coil α |
20,000 |
1 Behemoth Mane, 2 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Tail, 2 Novacrystal |
|
Drachen Greaves α |
20,000 |
1 Behemoth Mane, 2 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Shearclaw, 2 Firecell Stone |
Drachen Armet Alpha
- 20,000 Zenny
- 2 Behemoth Mane
- 3 Behemoth Bone
- 1 Behemoth Great Horn
- 3 Aetheryte Shard
Drachen Mail Alpha
- 20,000 Zenny
- 2 Behemoth Mane
- 3 Behemoth Bone
- 2 Behemoth Shearclaw
- 2 Dragonbone Relic
Drachen Vambraces Alpha
- 20,000 Zenny
- 3 Behemoth Mane
- 3 Behemoth Bone
- 1 Behemoth Great Horn
- 1 Behemoth Tail
Drachen Coil Alpha
- 20,000 Zenny
- 1 Behemoth Mane
- 2 Behemoth Bone
- 1 Behemoth Tail
- 2 Novacrystal
Drachen Greaves Alpha
- 20,000 Zenny
- 1 Behemoth Mane
- 2 Behemoth Bone
- 1 Behemoth Shearclaw
- 2 Firecell Stone