Layered armor is a fantastic customization feature in Monster Hunter World that allows players to change their character’s appearance without altering the stats of their equipped armor. This option appeals to players who want to enhance their character’s look without sacrificing performance. However, unlocking layered armor can take some time, as it generally requires tickets and materials earned through various quests, events, or by reaching specific milestones in the game.
1. Understand Layered Armor Types and Requirements
In MHW, layered armor is available in three main categories:
- Low Rank
- High Rank
- Master Rank (available with the Iceborne expansion)
Each category has unique requirements. While some low and high-rank layered armor pieces can be unlocked through specific event quests, most of the advanced and exclusive sets require completing content in the Iceborne expansion.
2. Unlocking Layered Armor in the Base Game
For players without the Iceborne DLC, some layered armor sets can still be unlocked. These typically require “tickets” which are awarded through special Event Quests. Here are a few examples:
- The Witcher Crossover: Completing the Witcher-themed quests grants materials to unlock the “Ciri” layered armor set.
- Kulve Taroth Siege: This event offers “Bushi” tickets, used to craft armor pieces such as Bushi “Sabi” and Bushi “Homare.”
- Summer Twilight Festival: Participating in this seasonal festival provides Summer Twilight tickets, which can be used to unlock special armor.
These events rotate throughout the year, so availability varies. Keep an eye on the event schedule to catch these quests when they are active, as some limited-time sets won’t be available year-round.
3. Layered Armor in Iceborne
With the Iceborne expansion, players gain access to additional layered armor options and a unique endgame zone called the Guiding Lands. Here’s a look at the main ways to acquire layered armor with Iceborne:
- Seliana Progression: As players progress through the Iceborne storyline, they unlock the option to craft various Master Rank layered armors at the Smithy. Iceborne also introduces the Direwolf layered armor set, given free upon reaching Seliana, Iceborne‘s new base of operations.
- Guiding Lands Materials: The Guiding Lands is a dynamic area with multiple biomes, and it becomes one of the primary sources for layered armor materials in the post-game. Hunting in specific biomes and raising region levels will trigger appearances of rare “Tempered” and “Arch-Tempered” monsters. Defeating these powerful creatures provides valuable items needed to unlock advanced Master Rank layered armor.
4. Special Materials for Crafting Layered Armor
Layered armor requires specific materials that are typically obtained through quests or hunting specific monsters. Two main sources for these materials are:
- Limited-Time Event Quests: These quests rotate regularly and may only be available during certain festivals or collaborations. For example, the Extreme Behemoth event rewards the Glamour Prism, used to craft the Drachen layered armor.
- The Guiding Lands (Post-Iceborne): Rare materials dropped by monsters in this zone enable crafting exclusive armor, such as those based on Master Rank monsters like Teostra or Nergigante.
5. Equipping Layered Armor
Once you’ve unlocked a layered armor set, equipping it is straightforward:
- Visit any Item Box in your base or camp.
- Select Layered Armor Settings.
- Choose the set you wish to equip. This will appear over your current armor without affecting stats.
You can also customize the color of your layered armor for added personalization, making it easy to tailor your look to your character’s gear.
6. DLC and Microtransactions for Additional Layered Armor
In addition to event-based sets, Capcom has released some layered armor options as DLC. For instance, purchasing the Deluxe Edition of Monster Hunter World includes the Samurai layered armor set, which is purely cosmetic but provides an iconic samurai look.
With various options to personalize your character’s appearance, layered armor allows hunters to maintain high performance in combat while sporting a style that reflects their personality.
