FAQ
Progression Builds
All-Purpose / Axe Hopper Builds
Spinning Axe Builds
Ultra Counter Builds
Elemental Builds
1/29/2022: (Re)added Thunder build.
1/24/2022: Added Skaltecore (Dragon Element) builds.
1/16/2022: Added Rajang Ultra Counter (Better Charm) build.
1/12/2022: Added some pre-HR40 builds as a stepping stone for players that are lategame Hub but can't make Tenderizer/Critical decorations.
5/27/2021: Added Nargacuga Dragonheart Spinning Axe build.
5/4/2021: Added Araknablade build.
4/30/2021: Added Tigrex Axe Hopper and Ultra Counter builds.
4/29/2021: Updated builds for 2.0. Split Impact builds into All Purpose, Spinning Axe, and Ultra Counter builds. Ele builds pending.
4/16/2021: Added Thunder and Fire builds.
4/7/2021: Replaced Goss Harag all-purpose build with Narga all-purpose. Added some enhanced builds using Weakness Exploit 2 talismans.
4/5/2021: Added Dragonsong build
4/4/2021: Changed Spinning Axe to use Attack Boost 7
4/1/2021: Added Bludgeoner Rajang builds
3/30/2021: Created page and added progression builds and some basic endgame builds. More builds soon.
Patch 1.1
Patch 2.0
Q: What does "2-2-0 or equivalent" mean for talisman?
A: This means that the build can be created using any talisman with 2 level 2 slots (or 1 level 3 and 1 level 2). Additionally, you can use any talisman where decorations in the build can be substituted by skill levels on the talisman. For example, if the build needs 2 or more Attack jewel and 2 or more Blunt jewel, your talisman could be 2-2-0, or Attack Boost 1 2-0-0, or Attack Boost 2 0-0-0, or Bludgeoner 2 0-0-0, or Attack Boost 1 Bludgeoner 1 0-0-0, etc.
Q: I can't find X armor at the blacksmith
A: Some armor pieces have different names depending on your character's gender. These include Utsushi/Channeler and Skalda/Spio as the most commonly used.
Q: I still can't find Skalda/Spio armor at the blacksmith
A: You need to get Quality Stomach from Altaroth (small monster) in HR. Also, you need a Toxic Kumori to craft it which is a random bonus material from Argosy Buddy Trading while trading for Herbs or other items with a fish icon next to them.
Q: Why Rapid Morph?
A: Rapid Morph speeds up ALL actions that involve changing from Sword or Axe or Axe to Sword. Notably, this includes Condensed Spinning Slash and the first half of AED/SAED (up to when the shield is behind the character's head). It doesn't increase the damage of AED/SAED. It's a quality-of-life skill for all CB builds, but is not a required/core skill for CB. See here for a video showing the exact speed difference for RM3 vs RM0.
Q: Why Load Shells?
A: Load Shells is basically the replacement for Focus in World. At level 2 Load Shells, it functions like Load Up in MHGU, meaning reloading at yellow phial outlines fills all your phials. This is a good choice for CB builds besides those using Condensed Spinning Slash or Counter Peak Performance extensively.
Q: How much Guard should I use?
A: (Updated 4/8/2021) In the current state of the game I recommend running 0 or 1 Guard, 0 being the default. If monsters' attacks deal too much knockback, you can use Counter Peak Performance or simply super armor with Advancing Morph, or fade back and counter with Axe Hopper, etc. Some monsters I would recommend Guard 1 for are Zinogre, Diablos, and Magnamalo.
Q: Do Offensive Guard and Rapid Morph work with Counter Peak Performance?
A: Yes, a well-timed CPP will activate Offensive Guard, and morphing follow-ups from CPP will benefit from Rapid Morph.
Q: Does Counter Peak Performance let you block unblockable moves?
A: No, you still need Guard Up if you want to block unblockable moves (some lasers, gas, etc).
Q: Which level 1 decorations should I use?
A: Speed Sharpening, Flinch Free, Free Meal, Stun Resistance are all fine choices. For elemental builds, the corresponding element attack decorations should be used.
Q: Does Bombardier affect phial damage?
A: The armor skill "Bombardier" does not, but the Dango skill "Dango Bombardier" does, for Impact Phials only.
Weapon
Wind Thief Sickle I/II
(Izuchi tree)
Switch Skills
Anything works
Skills
Critical Eye 4
Artillery 1
Armor
Izuchi
Izuchi
Rhenoplos
Izuchi
Lagombi
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Weapon
Regas Hyper / Elite Blade I
(Ore tree)
Switch Skills
Anything works
Skills
Critical Eye 5
Artillery 1
Attack Boost 1
Armor
Zinogre
Zinogre
Rhenoplos
Barioth
Ingot
Substitutions
Kadachi and Nargacuga torso armor can also be used.
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Weapon
Elite Blade II
(Ore tree)
Switch Skills
Anything works
Skills
Critical Eye 5
Weakness Exploit 2
Artillery 2
Attack Boost 2
Armor
Izuchi S
Izuchi S
Rhenoplos S
Skalda S
Ingot S
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Weapon
Kaiser Blade
(Ore tree)
Switch Skills
Anything works
Skills
Critical Eye 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Artillery 2
Attack Boost 2
Armor
Zinogre S
Izuchi S
Rhenoplos S
Skalda S
Ingot S
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Weapon
Scream in the Night
(Nargacuga tree)
Rampage Skill
Attack Up
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Attack Boost 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Artillery 2
Critical Boost 2
Rapid Morph 2
Load Shells 2
Latent Power 1
Armor
Almudron S
Vaik S
Rhenoplos S
Skalda S
Golden
Talisman
Weakness Exploit 1
Decorations
Attack x4
Magazine x2
Any level 1 decoration x4
Substitutions
You can use Barroth S torso and Rathalos S arms to craft fewer Attack decorations (and more Artillery decos) but this loses two small slots.
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Weapon
Undying Blade II
(Rajang tree)
Rampage Skill
Dulling Strike
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Attack Boost 7
Artillery 3
Bludgeoner 3
Load Shells 2
Guard 3
Guard Up 1
Armor
Bazelgeuse
Barroth S
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Attack x6
Blunt x3
Any level 1 decoration x1
Substitutions
Since Attack jewels are difficult to farm feel free to substitute for Slugger or Mind's Eye for now.
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Axe Hopper builds can double as all-purpose builds since they are basically fine for all playstyles: spinning axe, counter + SAED spam, and of course Axe Hopper. If you want to focus harder on spinning axe or grounded SAED damage, check the sections for those builds.
4/29/2021
Weapon
Scream in the Night
(Nargacuga tree)
Rampage Skill
Attack Up
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Attack Boost 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Artillery 3
Critical Boost 3
Rapid Morph 2
Load Shells 2
Guard 1
Guard Up 1
Armor
Almudron S
Vaik S
Bazelgeuse
Anja S
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
Weakness Exploit 1
Decorations
Attack x2
Tenderizer x2
Critical x3
Magazine x1
Artillery x1
Any level 1 decoration x3
Substitutions
Talisman is extremely flexible, it can have any of the skills you are filling using decorations. Higher skill level talismans allow adding more Attack Boost.
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4/29/2021
Weapon
Scream in the Night
(Nargacuga tree)
Rampage Skill
Attack Up
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Attack Boost 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Artillery 3
Critical Boost 3
Load Shells 2
Guard 3
Guard Up 1
Armor
Bazelgeuse
Vaik S
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
Weakness Exploit 1
Decorations
Attack x4
Tenderizer x2
Critical x3
Any level 1 decoration x1
Substitutions
Higher skill level talismans allow adding more Attack Boost.
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5/27/2021
Weapon
Ikaji Immortal
(Rajang tree)
Rampage Skill
Dulling Strike
Switch Skills
Either
Counter Morph Slash
Axe Hopper
Skills
Attack Boost 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Artillery 3
Bludgeoner 3
Load Shells 2
Guard 3
Guard Up 1
Armor
Bazelgeuse
Vaik S
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Attack x4
Tenderizer x3
Blunt x3
Any level 1 decoration x1
Notes
Compared to Narga, about 28% more phial damage for about 9% less physical damage (also you basically never need to sharpen).
Substitutions
Higher skill level talismans allow adding more Attack Boost. If desired, you can drop Weakness Exploit or some Attack Boost for Mind's Eye 3 which can be good against some monsters. If using Mind's Eye 3, use Tigrex S arms instead of Bazelgeuse (you will lose Guard Up 1).
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5/27/2021
Weapon
Tigrex Blade
(Tigrex tree)
Rampage Skill
Silkbind Boost
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Attack Boost 4
Critical Eye 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Artillery 3
Load Shells 2
Guard 1
Guard Up 1
Armor
Flame Seal
Vaik S
Bazelgeuse
Anja S
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
Weakness Exploit 1
Decorations
Attack x2
Tenderizer x2
Magazine x1
Artillery x1
Any level 1 decoration x4
Notes
Compared to Narga, about 10% more phial damage and about the same physical damage on Axe Hopper (i.e with Silkbind Boost). However, it's a bit weaker outside of Axe Hopper and it reaches green sharpness much more easily than Narga.
Substitutions
Higher skill level talismans allow adding more Attack Boost.
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Spinning Axe builds get rid of everything that is not physical damage to maximize Condensed Spinning Slash damage, which you should keep active basically at all times. This playstyle is good for monsters with high physical hitzones or those that seem like they don't have openings large enough for Axe Hopper / SAED.
5/27/2021
Weapon
Scream in the Night
(Nargacuga tree)
Rampage Skill
Any
Switch Skills
Condensed Spinning Slash
Either
Counter Peak Performance
Skills
Attack Boost 6
Weakness Exploit 3
Critical Boost 3
Master's Touch 3
Critical Eye 2
Rapid Morph 2
Armor
Almudron S
Vaik S
Rathalos S
Anja S
Ingot S
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Tenderizer x3
Critical x3
Mastery x3
Any level 1 decoration x4
Notes
The decorations for this build are pretty demanding so you may want to check out the Pre-HR40 Nargacuga build.
Substitutions
At HR100, you can replace Rathalos S arms with Valstrax for more defense and Dragonheart 1.
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5/27/2021
Weapon
Scream in the Night
(Nargacuga tree)
Rampage Skill
Attack Up or Affinity Up
Switch Skills
Condensed Spinning Slash
Either
Counter Peak Performance
Skills
Dragonheart 5
Attack Boost 4
Resuscitate 3
Resentment 3
Weakness Exploit 3
Master's Touch 3
Critical Boost 2
Armor
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Talisman
Attack Boost 3
Decorations
Mastery x3
Critical x2
Attack x1
Any level 1 decoration x3
Notes
Extremely high damage output when all the conditional skills are active. Being below 80% hp will activate Dragonheart and Resuscitate, and Resentment will be active while you have red HP damage. Not recommended for multiplayer or if you have pets with healing skills.
Substitutions
Better talisman allows getting the 3rd point of Critical Boost. With a worse talisman, you may want to drop Master's Touch and use Protective Polish, or drop Attack Boost instead of Critical Boost.
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This playstyle focuses on countering and punishing monster's attacks using SAED and AED. Phial damage is maximized using Artillery, Offensive Guard, and Counter Morph Slash. This isn't suitable for all monsters as it requires a decent window of time to perform the counter without being punished yourself.
5/27/2021
Weapon
Ikaji Immortal
(Rajang tree)
Rampage Skill
Dulling Strike
Switch Skills
Condensed Element Slash
Counter Morph Slash
Counter Peak Performance
Skills
Attack Boost 7
Offensive Guard 3
Artillery 3
Bludgeoner 3
Guard 1
Defense Boost 1
Armor
Barroth S
Vaik S
Rathalos S
Anja S
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
Bludgeoner 2
Decorations
Attack x2
Guardian x2
Artillery x1
Blunt x1
Any level 1 decoration x4
Substitutions
Rapid Morph instead of some points of Attack can be considered.
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1/16/2022
Weapon
Ikaji Immortal
(Rajang tree)
Rampage Skill
Dulling Strike
Switch Skills
Condensed Element Slash
Counter Morph Slash
Counter Peak Performance
Skills
Attack Boost 5
Offensive Guard 3
Artillery 3
Bludgeoner 3
Rapid Morph 3
Load Shells 2
Guard 1
Guard Up 1
Armor
Almudron
Vaik S
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
Bludgeoner 2, 3-2-0
Decorations
Attack x5
Guardian x3
Artillery x1
Blunt x1
Quickswitch x1
Any level 1 decoration x1
Substitutions
With an even better charm, try getting to 7 Attack Boost.
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4/30/2021
Weapon
Tigrex Blade
(Tigrex tree)
Rampage Skill
Attack up
Switch Skills
Either
Counter Morph Slash
Counter Peak Performance
Skills
Attack Boost 6
Weakness Exploit 3
Offensive Guard 3
Artillery 3
Guard 1
Defense Boost 1
Armor
Barroth S
Vaik S
Rathalos S
Anja S
Bazelgeuse
Talisman
Weakness Exploit 1
Decorations
Guardian x2
Tenderizer x2
Attack x1
Artillery x1
Any level 1 decoration x5
Substitutions
With a god charm (ex. Bludgeoner 3, 2-0-0) you could consider picking up Weakness Exploit 3.
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5/4/2021
Weapon
Araknablade
(Rakna-Kadaki tree)
Rampage Skill
Attack up or Fire up
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Fire Attack 5
Attack Boost 4
Critical Eye 4
Weakness Exploit 3
Critical Boost 3
Master's Touch 3
Teostra Blessing 2
Rapid Morph 2
Armor
Almudron S
Kaiser
Kaiser
Anja S
Ingot S
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Blaze x5
Critical x2
Tenderizer x3
Mastery x2
Any level 1 decoration x1
Notes
Compared to Tigrex, about 12% less physical damage for 9% more phial damage.
Substitutions
Levels of Critical and Mastery can be swapped for Protective Polish, Guard, Load Shells, etc.
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1/24/2022
Weapon
Skaltecore
(Valstrax tree)
Rampage Skill
Wyvern Exploit
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Critical Eye 7
Attack Boost 6
Dragon Attack 5
Weakness Exploit 3
Critical Boost 3
Dragonheart 1
Critical Element 1
Armor
Kaiser
Rhopessa S
Crimson Valstrax
Anja S
Ingot S
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Dragon x4
Critical x2
Attack x2
Tenderizer x1
Notes
Compared to Tigrex, about 12% less physical damage for 9% more phial damage.
Substitutions
Levels of Critical and Mastery can be swapped for Protective Polish, Guard, Load Shells, etc.
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1/24/2022
Weapon
Skaltecore
(Valstrax tree)
Rampage Skill
Valstrax Soul
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Dragonheart 5
Dragon Attack 5
Critical Eye 3
Resuscitate 3
Resentment 3
Weakness Exploit 3
Critical Boost 3
Armor
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Crimson Valstrax
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Dragon x5
Critical x3
Expert x3
Notes
Compared to Tigrex, about 12% less physical damage for 9% more phial damage.
Substitutions
Levels of Critical and Mastery can be swapped for Protective Polish, Guard, Load Shells, etc.
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1/29/2022
Weapon
Despot's Thundergale
(Zinogre tree)
Rampage Skill
Thunder Boost II
Switch Skills
Pick your favorites
Skills
Critical Eye 7
Attack Boost 6
Thunder Attack 5
Weakness Exploit 3
Critical Boost 3
Armor
Kaiser
Vaik S
Rathalos S
Anja S
Ingot S
Talisman
2-2-0 or equivalent
Decorations
Bolt x5
Tenderizer x3
Critical x2
Expert x2
Notes
Compared to Tigrex, about 12% less physical damage for 9% more phial damage.
Substitutions
Weapon can be changed to Die Walküre for more elemental damage but less physical damage. You can also use Anti-aquatic Rampage Skill vs some monsters like Somnacanth.
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