First Steps in Astera

Welcome to Astera, the bustling hub of the Research Commission! As a new hunter, your initial moments here will be filled with learning the ropes, understanding the facilities, and preparing for your first expeditions. This guide will walk you through the essential first steps to ensure you're well-equipped and informed as you begin your Monster Hunter: World adventure.

Astera is your central base of operations, a vibrant port town teeming with life and opportunities. From here, you'll embark on hunts, craft gear, manage your inventory, and interact with the various characters who make up the Research Commission. Getting acquainted with Astera's layout and functions is crucial for efficient progression. This section will cover the most important locations and initial tasks for any new hunter.

Key Locations in Astera

Upon arriving in Astera, you'll want to familiarize yourself with these vital areas:

The Hub (Central Plaza): This is where you'll find the Quest Board, the Handler, and various merchants. The Quest Board is your gateway to accepting missions. The Handler will guide you through the story and offer advice.
The Smithy: Essential for crafting and upgrading your weapons and armor. You'll spend a lot of time here, turning monster materials into powerful equipment.
The Canteen: Provides meals that offer temporary buffs to your health, stamina, and other stats. Eating before a hunt is highly recommended.
The Item Box: Allows you to manage your inventory, store items, and equip different gear sets.
The Research Base (Elder's Guild): Where you can manage your Palico gadgets, interact with the Field Team Leader, and access certain special quests.

Your First Quests and Preparations

Your initial quests will be introductory, designed to teach you basic hunting mechanics. Pay close attention to the tutorials that pop up.

Gathering Quests: You'll start with simple gathering quests, teaching you how to collect herbs, mushrooms, and other resources. These are vital for crafting basic items.
Hunting Small Monsters: Your first hunts will involve smaller, less threatening monsters like Jagras or Kestodon. These teach you about combat, dodging, and using your weapon.
Crafting Your First Gear: After your initial hunts, return to the Smithy to craft your first set of armor and upgrade your weapon using the materials you've gathered.
Eating at the Canteen: Before your first real expedition, visit the Canteen and try a meal. Observe the buffs they provide and learn how to select ingredients for specific benefits.

Essential Tips for New Hunters

Always Eat Before a Hunt: The buffs from the Canteen are invaluable.
Sharpen Your Weapon: Your weapon's sharpness affects its damage. Use a Whetstone to maintain it.
Learn Your Weapon: Each weapon type has a unique moveset. Spend time in the Training Area to master yours.
Gather Everything: Resources are crucial for crafting and survival.
Talk to Everyone: NPCs often provide hints, quests, or lore.
Don't Be Afraid to Faint: Fainting is part of the learning process. You'll be returned to Astera with minimal penalty.

By following these initial steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned hunter in the world of Monster Hunter: World.