Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – 10 Pro Tips to Hunt Like a Veteran

1. Master the Clutch Claw and Wall Bangs

The Clutch Claw is your best friend in Iceborne. Use it to soften monster parts for extra damage and to perform wall bangs. When a monster is not enraged, grapple onto its head, then flinch shot (R2 on PlayStation) to send it crashing into a wall. This deals massive damage and creates a long opening.

2. Always Bring the Right Mantles

Temporal Mantle is almost mandatory for late-game hunts, providing auto-dodges for a limited time. Pair it with Rocksteady Mantle to ignore roars and tiny attacks. Upgrade both via the optional quests to extend their duration.

3. Optimize Your Build for the Monster

Don't stick to one set. Against Teostra, prioritize Fire Resistance and Blast Resistance. Against Kushala Daora, stack Windproof or use the Rocksteady Mantle. Always match elemental weaknesses—use Ice against Diablos and Thunder against Kirin.

4. Learn the New Moves for Your Weapon

Iceborne added new combos for every weapon. For Great Sword, the Tackle and Slinger Burst let you chain into a True Charged Slash faster. For Longsword, the Iai Slash and Special Sheathe allow for powerful counters. Practice them in the training area.

5. Use the Tailraider Safari and Argosy

Send your Tailraiders on expeditions to gather rare materials and Investigations. The Argosy can be upgraded to bring items like Mega Potions and Max Potions directly to your item box, saving you from farming herbs.

6. Don't Forget about Environmental Traps

In locales like the Coral Highlands, use Wiggly Litchi to get stamina buffs. In Elder's Recess, trigger Crystalburst to flinch monsters. You can also put down Sticky Slime to immobilize them temporarily.

7. Capture, Don't Kill

When a monster limps and is near death, capture it to end the hunt faster and earn more rewards. Use Traps and Tranq Bombs. This is especially useful for capturing Gold Crown monsters for achievements.

8. Farm the Guiding Lands Efficiently

The Guiding Lands is where you'll get endgame materials like Tempered Glowing Pelts. Level up regions by breaking monster parts and collecting tracks. Use the Ghillie Mantle to avoid fights and run to the next track quickly. Focus on one region at a time.

9. Eat at the Canteen for the Right Skills

Always eat a meal before a hunt. Chef's Choice Platter is a good all-around, but choose Meat Platter for Attack Up (Large) if you're confident in dodging, or Fish Platter for Defense Up (Large) against tough monsters. Felyne Insurance is great for difficult quests.

10. Join/Start an Online Session

Many endgame quests, like Alatreon and Fatalis, are easier with a coordinated team. Use the SOS Flare or filter for sessions focused on specific monsters. Communicate with auto-callouts or a microphone to coordinate flinch shots and mounts.