Voyage to the New World

Embark on your Monster Hunter: World journey! This guide covers your initial voyage, character creation, escaping monsters at sea, and navigating the Ancient Forest to reach Astera.

Alright, new hunter! Welcome to Monster Hunter: World. We're about to embark on your very first big adventure: the Voyage to the New World. It's a bit of a wild ride, but don't worry, I'll walk you through it. First things first, enjoy the atmosphere below deck – it's your last moment of peace before things get interesting. You'll chat with another hunter, get some backstory, and then it's time to make your character and your trusty Palico. Take your time here; you'll be looking at this character for a long time!

After character creation, there's more story, and then BAM! Your ship runs into some serious trouble. You'll find yourself on a giant monster. Use the [Left Analog] to move forward towards a cliff. When prompted, hit [L3] or [R1]/[RB] to sprint. Reach the cliff and just walk into it – you'll automatically climb. Use [R1]/[RB] again to climb faster. You'll then meet up with The Handler. Stick with her, and just follow her lead. You'll be climbing more as the monster moves. Don't worry about the hazards you see; they're just for show.

Keep following The Handler. You'll climb another cliff, and then it's time for a daring escape. Sprint downhill off the monster, and you'll pull off a crazy jump to get away. Pretty wild, right?

Through the Ancient Forest

So, you used one monster to escape another – classic! But your ride doesn't last forever, and soon you'll find yourself in the Ancient Forest, on foot. It's a bit unnerving to be unarmed in a place full of monsters, but hey, better than being stuck on that giant beast!

Your first task is to follow The Handler to an abandoned camp. Luckily, she finds a map for you. Press the [Touchpad] to open it up and get your bearings. You'll also get a mini-map in the bottom left corner of your screen, which will be super helpful.

The Handler will give you what's called your Hunter's Notebook. It's got all sorts of useful info, including that local map. Keep an eye out for Scoutflies too – these little glowing bugs will guide you to your objectives. Just follow them when you see them!

Follow The Handler again, and she'll lead you to some vines. Push through them, but watch out! On the other side, you'll run into some aggressive lizards – Jagras, they're called. You're unarmed, so fighting isn't an option. When you get control, look for some foliage to hide in. When prompted, press [X]/[A] to dive into the bushes and evade them. This is your first lesson in using the environment to your advantage!

Once the Jagras lose interest, it's time for you to move on. Trail The Handler southeast, up some ledges, and through more vines. You'll have to jump off another cliff – or climb down if you're feeling cautious. Rejoin The Handler, and she'll point out some massive monster tracks. Take a look if you want (press [Circle]/[B] when you're close). Then, keep following her. Uh oh, she's found a big monster... or rather, it's found her.

After a bit of help from the Field Team Leader, you'll need to race east, following your companion and the monster chasing her. Thankfully, some other monster shows up to help! Now, you need to be brave and run past the monsters fighting. Just hope they're too busy to notice you.

Welcome to Astera!

And here we are: Astera! This is the main hub for the Research Commission, and it'll be your home base. The guy who saved you will have a quick chat, and then you'll meet the Commander. He'll explain more later at a council meeting. For now, your priority is to find your Palico, who got separated during that whole 'monster ship' incident. The Field Team Leader will offer to help you look for your little buddy.