A major piece of the gameplay in Monster Hunter World is the creation of different types of armor to protect you while fighting monsters. They require a variety of crafting materials that involve killing multiple monsters, usually with the help of a friend or two. Some players are constantly searching for the best armor out there, but this is a misleading assumption on their part.

There is no best armor as your choice will depend on your weapon, the teammates by your side, and the type of monster you are fighting. Some armor sets do top the rest in Monster Hunter World, even if it can be difficult to acquire some of the pieces needed to craft them.

Updated January 18, 2022 by Ryan Bamsey: One of the greatest things about Monster Hunter as a series is that it’s always great to return to previous titles – and this includes Monster Hunter World. With more players trying the game every day, we’ve made sure this guide to your best armor options is as fresh as ever.

These armor sets are perfect for taking on all that High Rank has to offer you and to prepare for the challenges that Iceborne and Master Rank bring.

15
Commission Alpha

The Commission α Armor Set must be unlocked, which is why so few players realize it exists, but it is one of the best High Rank armors. It is great for those who use ranged weapons because of some of its active skills, such as Stealth and Wide-Range.

They may not be highly leveled skills, but their combination turns it into a phenomenal set.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Commission Gorget α 20,000 1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Rathalos Scale+, 2 Sinister Cloth
Commission Jacket α 20,000 1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Odogaron Scale+, 3 Great Hornfly
Commission Vambraces α 20,000 1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Legiana Scale+, 2 Sinister Cloth
Commission Belt α 20,000 1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Diablos Carapace, 3 Great Hornfly
Commission Pants α 20,000 1 Research Commission Ticket, 2 High Commendation, 8 Immortal Dragonscale, 2 Sinister Cloth

14
Kirin Alpha

If you use a weapon with a hidden Thunder Element, then you should look to craft the Kirin α Armor Set. You do have to take down the Elder Dragon called the Kirin in The Guiding Lands or Coral Highlands, but it is well worth the effort.

It gives you the active skills of Marathon Runner Lv. 3, Divine Blessing Lv. 3, Thunder Attack Lv. 3, Thunder Resistance Lv. 2, and Free Elem Ammo Up Effect Lv. 3.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Kirin α Horn 16,000 3 Kirin Hide+, 1 Kirin Azure Horn, 2 Shamos Scale+, 4 Thunder Sac
Kirin α Jacket 16,000 3 Kirin Hide+, 1 Kirin Azure Horn, 2 Kirin Thundertail, 4 Fucium Ore
Kirin α Longarms 16,000 3 Kirin Hide+, 4 Kirin Mane, 3 Paolumu Carapace+, 6 Dragonvein Crystal
Kirin α Hoop 16,000 4 Kirin Hide+, 4 Kirin Mane, 3 Kirin Azure Horn, 1 Novacrystal
Kirin α Leg Guards 16,000 3 Kirin Hide+, 3 Kirin Thundertail, 3 Paolumu Carapace+, 1 Dragonbone Relic

13
Guild Cross Alpha

The Guild Cross α Armor Set provides you with a lot of defense, and it offers several defenses against quite a few different elements. However, you must earn Arena Coins to unlock it, so it isn’t as popular as others.

You must have a group of friends dedicated to unlocking this as it requires dedication and hours of grinding.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Guild Cross Circlet α 16,000 3 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Flying Coin, 2 Hunter King Coin, 1 High Commendation
Guild Cross Suit α 16,000 3 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Brute Coin, 2 Hunter King Coin, 1 High Commendation
Guild Cross Vambraces α 16,000 3 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Brute Coin, 2 Hunter King Coin, 1 High Commendation
Guild Cross Coil α 16,000 2 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Flying Coin, 2 Pinnacle Coin, 1 High Commendation
Guild Cross Boots α 16,000 2 Ace Hunter Coin, 2 Flying Coin, 2 Pinnacle Coin, 1 High Commendation

12
Rathalos Alpha

The Rathalos is a Flying Wyvern who must be hunted to craft the Rathalos α Armor Set. It is commonly found in the Ancient Forest, and the perks associated with this set make it so desirable.

It will increase Elemental Damage when landing critical hits, prevent attacks from being deflected, and shorten the distance it takes for ammo and arrows to reach maximum power.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Rathalos Helm α 9,000 4 Rathalos Scale+, 4 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Inferno Sac, 1 Rathalos Medulla
Rathalos Mail α 9,000 4 Rathalos Scale+, 6 Rathalos Carapace, 3 Rathalos Wing, 1 Rathalos Ruby
Rathalos Vambraces α 9,000 6 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Rathalos Wing, 2 Inferno Sac, 6 Rath Wingtalon
Rathalos Coil α 9,000 4 Rathalos Scale+, 4 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Rathalos Wing, 2 Rathalos Wing
Rathalos Greaves α 9,000 4 Rathalos Scale+, 6 Rathalos Carapace, 2 Inferno Sac, 1 Rathalos Plate

11
Vaal Hazak Beta

A Lance build, for one of the best weapons in the game, pairs well with the Vaal Hazak β Armor Set because of its special perks, not to mention it is also quite fashionable. It allows you to exceed the red portion of your health, increases your attack, and reduces or prevents Effluvial Buildup.

All you must do is take down the Elder Dragon called the Vaal Hazak in the Rotten Vale in order to craft it.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Vaal Hazak Helm β 16,000 5 Deceased Scale, 4 Vaal Hazak Carapace, 4 Vaal Hazak Talon, 4 Elder Dragon Bone
Vaal Hazak Mail β 16,000 5 Vaal Hazak Carapace, 3 Vaal Hazak Fang+, 2 Vaal Hazak Tail, 1 Odogaron Plate
Vaal Hazak Braces β 16,000 3 Vaal Hazak Fang+, 6 Deceased Scale, 2 Vaal Hazak Membrane, 1 Vaal Hazak Gem
Vaal Hazak Coil β 16,000 5 Vaal Hazak Carapace, 4 Vaal Hazak Wing, 2 Vaal Hazak Membrane, 3 Elder Dragon Blood
Vaal Hazak Greaves β 16,000 5 Deceased Scales, 4 Vaal Hazak 4, 2 Vaal Hazak Membrane, 6 Dragonvein Crystal

10
Lumu Alpha

This high-rank armor set is perfect for anyone who loves to use Insect Glaive weapons. It is obtained by hunting the Paolumu, a monster located in the Coral Highlands.

The maximum defense each piece provides is 82, and they have skills like Stamina Surge Lv. 2, Master Mounter Lv. 1, Artillery Lv. 2, Divine Blessing Lv. 2, and Windproof Lv. 1.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Lumu Hat α 6,000 4 Paolumu Scale+, 2 Paolumu Wing, 2 Paolumu Pelt+, 2 Lightcrystal
Lumu Mail α 6,000 2 Paolumu Scale+, 3 Paolumu Carapace+, 2 Paolumu Pelt+, 4 Monster Keenbone
Lumu Vambraces α 6,000 4 Paolumu Pelt+, 2 Paolumu Scale+, 2 Paolumu Wing, 5 Quality Bone
Lumu Coil α 6,000 4 Paolumu Pelt+, 2 Paolumu Scale+, 3 Paolumu Carapace, 5 Coral Bone
Lumu Greaves α 6,000 4 Paolumu Scale+, 2 Paolumu Pelt+, 4 Paolumu Wing, 1 Wyvern Gem

9
Anja Alpha

The Anja α armor set is great for those with ranged builds, like those who use Heavy Bowguns, as it has a set bonus for a Stamina Cap Up and Adrenaline. It also has active skills like Fire Attack Lv. 3, Fire Resistance Lv. 3, Special Ammo Boost Lv. 2, and Marathon Runner Lv. 1.

Most of the pieces can be acquired by hunting down the Anjanath, a Brute Wyvern located in the Ancient Forest and Wildspire Waste.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Anja Helm α 6,000 4 Anjanath Pelt+, 4 Anjanath Scale+, 2 Anjanath Tail, 3 Inferno Sac
Anja Mail α 6,000 6 Anjanath Pelt+, 4 Anjanath Fang+, 2 Anjanath Nosebone+, 1 Anjanath Gem
Anja Vambraces α 6,000 4 Anjanath Pelt+, 4 Anjanath Scale+, 1 Anjanath Nosebone+, 4 Monster Keenbone
Anja Coil α 6,000 4 Anjanath Scale+, 3 Anjanath Pelt+, 3 Anjanath Fang+, 4 Piercing Claw
Anja Greaves α 6,000 4 Anjanath Scale+, 3 Anjanath Pelt+, 2 Inferno Sac, 5 Carbalite Ore

8
Kushala Alpha

This armor set comes from the Kushala Daora monster that is located in Elder’s Recess and the Ancient Forest. It is a great addition to any dual-blade build and its strength shows when facing monsters weak against ice.

This set will grant you Handicraft Lv. 5, Ice Attack Lv. 4, and two skills that improve your evasion. With the entire set equipped, you’ll be able to nullify wind pressure.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Kushala Glare α 16,000 4 Daora Dragon Scale+, 4 Daora Carapace, 2 Daora Webbing, 4 Elder Dragon Bone
Kushala Cista α 16,000 5 Daora Carapace, 3 Daora Horn+, 2 Daora Claw+, 1 Daora Gem
Kushala Grip α 16,000 5 Daora Carapace, 2 Daora Horn+, 2 Daora Tail, 1 Legiana Plate
Kushala Cocoon α 16,000 4 Daora Dragon Scale+, 4 Daora Carapace, 2 Daora Horn+, 5 Carbalite Ore
Kushala Crus α 16,000 5 Daora Carapace, 4 Daora Dragon Scale+, 3 Daora Webbing, 3 Elder Dragon Blood

7
Kaiser Alpha

You will have to head to Wildspire Waste, Elder’s Recess, or The Guiding Lands if you want this armor set as you will have to take down a Teostra, one of the Elder Dragons. It is strongest against fire and has a set bonus called Masters Touch, which prevents a weapon from losing its sharpness when performing a critical hit.

The set will grant Latent Power Lv. 5 and Blast Attack Lv. 3, among other skills – but those are the main draws.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Kaiser Crown α 16,000 5 Teostra Carapace, 2 Teostra Horn+, 2 Tesotra Tail, 1 Firecell Stone
Kaiser Mail α 16,000 5 Teostra Carapace, 4 Teostra Webbing, 4 Teostra Powder, 1 Rathalos Plate
Kaiser Vambraces α 16,000 4 Fire Dragon Scale+, 4 Teostra Carapace, 4 Teostra Claw+, 4 Elder Dragon Bone
Kaiser Coil α 16,000 4 Fire Dragon Scale+, Teostra Carapace, 1 Teostra Mane, 3 Elder Dragon Blood
Kaiser Greaves α 16,000 3 Teostra Horn+, 6 Fire Dragon Scale+, 2 Teostra Mane, 1 Teostra Gem

6
Diablos Nero Alpha

The Diablos and Black Diablos are the monsters you must hunt to acquire this set. It will give you a bonus of Bludgeoner and a whole Lv. 4 Non-Elemental Boost, which is why users of non-elemental weapons should consider using this armor.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Diablos Nero Helm α 12,000 4 Black Diablos Ridge+, 2 Majestic Horn, 1 Black Spiral Horn+, 1 Novacrystal
Diablos Nero Mail α 12,000 4 Black Diablos Carapace, 3 Black Diablos Ridge+, 1 Black Spiral Horn+, 2 Blos Medulla
Diablos Nero Braces α 12,000 4 Black Diablos Ridge+, 6 Black Diablos Carapace, 5 Carbalite Ore, 5 Gastodon Carapace
Diablos Nero Coil α 12,000 4 Black Diablos Carapace, 3 Black Diablos Ridge+, 2 Diablos Tailcase, 3 Gastodon Horn
Diablos Nero Greaves α 12,000 6 Black Diablos Ridge+, 4 Black Diablos Carapace, 1 Black Spiral Horn+, 1 Wyvern Gem

5
Legiana Alpha

This is another armor set that is great for ranged builds, especially when facing ice and water monsters. It has a set bonus that gives you a chance to increase your quest rewards, and all you have to do is hunt down the Legiana monster in the Coral Highlands, Rotten Vale, Hoarfrost Reach, or The Guiding Lands.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Legiana Helm α 9,000 4 Legiana Scale+, 2 Legiana Hide+, 2 Freezer Sac, 2 Tzitzi-Ya-Ku Scale+
Legiana Mail α 9,000 6 Legiana Hide+, 3 Legiana Claw+, 3 Legiana Wing, 1 Legiana Gem
Legiana Vambraces α 9,000 4 Legiana Hide+, 4 Legiana Scale+, 3 Legiana Tail Webbing, 1 Novacrystal
Legiana Coil α 9,000 4 Legiana Hide+, 4 Legiana Scale+, 2 Freezer Sac, 1 Legiana Plate
Legiana Greaves α 9,000 4 Legiana Scale+, 2 Legiana Hide+, 2 Legiana Wing, 2 Tzitzi-Ya-Ku Hide+

4
Odogaron Alpha

If you head to the Coral Highlands or Rotten Vale, then you will come across a monster called the Odogaron which is used to make this armor set. The set gives both the Punishing Draw and Protective Polish bonuses, and it is great against both fire and water attacks.

Notably, this set provides the really great Lv. Critical Eye skill and some Bleeding Resistance.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Odogaron Helm α 9,000 4 Odogaron Scale+, 2 Odogaron Sinew+, 2 Odogaron Claw+, 2 Warped Bone
Odogaron Mail α 9,000 4 Odogaron Sinew+, 4 Odogaron Scale+, 1 Odogaron Plate, 5 Hornetaur Carapace
Odogaron Vambraces α 9,000 4 Odogaron Sinew+, 4 Odogaron Scale+, 2 Odogaron Tail, 4 Hornetaur Innerwing
Odogaron Coil α 9,000 6 Odogaron Sinew+, 4 Odogaron Claw+, 2 Odogaron Claw+, 1 Odogaron Gem
Odogaron Greaves α 9,000 4 Odogaron Scale+, 2 Odogaron Sinew+, 2 Odogaron Fang+, 6 Monster Hardbone

3
Nergigante Alpha

Players who use long swords rave about this armor set that is made by hunting down the Nergigante in Wildspire Waste and Elder’s Recess. You will love the perk called Hasten Recovery, which restores your health each time you attack a monster.

It will let you regenerate five, 10, or 20 health depending on the type of weapon you are using to land your attacks.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Nergigante Helm α 16,000 2 Nergigante Horn+, 6 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 1 Nergigante Gem
Nergigante Mail α 16,000 4 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 2 Nergigante Talon, 3 Elder Dragon Bone
Nergigante Vambraces α 16,000 3 Nergigante Carapace, 1 Nergigante Horn+, 2 Nergigante Tail, 1 Firecell Stone
Nergigante Coil α 16,000 4 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 4 Nergigante Regrowth Plate, 1 Novacrystal
Nergigante Greaves α 16,000 4 Nergigante Carapace, 4 Immortal Dragonscale, 2 Nergigante Regrowth Plate, 2 Elder Dragon Blood

2
Xeno’jiiva Alpha

The Xeno’jiiva is one of the toughest monsters you will face, but it is well worth the armor that you can craft from its parts. It is strong against water, thunder, and ice, not to mention it has amazing Level 3 active skills such as Flinch Free, Power Prolonger, and Blight Resistance.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Xeno’jiva Headgear α 20,000 5 Xeno’jiva Soulscale, 4 Xeno’jiva Shell, 2 Xeno’jiva Horn, 1 Rathalos Plate
Xeno’jiva Hide α 20,000 3 Xeno’jiva Horn, 6 Xeno’jiva Soulscale, 3 Xeno’jiva Wing, 1 Xeno’jiva Gem
Xeno’jiva Claws α 20,000 4 Xeno’jiva Shell, 3 Xeno’jiva Claw, 2 Xeno’jiva Veil, 1 Wyvern Gem
Xeno’jiva Spine α 20,000 4 Xeno’jiva Shell, 2 Xeno’jiva Wing, 2 Xeno’jiva Tail, 1 Odogaron Plate
Xeno’jiva Spurs α 20,000 4 Xeno’jiva Soulscale, 4 Xeno’jiva Shell, 2 Xeno’jiva Vail, 1 Legiana Plate

1
Drachen Alpha

The Drachen Armor Set is one of the best you can craft in High Rank, but it is also one of the hardest to attain. It requires taking down Behemoth monsters, which are no walk in the park. Not only does this armor look really cool, but it is also great for hunters who like to perform jumping attacks in combat due to its Elemental Airborne set bonus.

Items Needed For Crafting

Armor Piece Price Materials Required
Drachen Armet α 20,000 2 Behemoth Mane, 3 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Great Horn, 3 Aetheryte Shard
Drachen Mail α 20,000 2 Behemoth Mane, 3 Behemoth Bone, 2 Behemoth Shearclaw, 2 Dragonbone Relic
Drachen Vambraces α 20,000 3 Behemoth Mane, 3 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Great Horn, 1 Behemoth Tail
Drachen Coil α 20,000 1 Behemoth Mane, 2 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Tail, 2 Novacrystal
Drachen Greaves α 20,000 1 Behemoth Mane, 2 Behemoth Bone, 1 Behemoth Shearclaw, 2 Firecell Stone

Drachen Armet Alpha

  • 20,000 Zenny
  • 2 Behemoth Mane
  • 3 Behemoth Bone
  • 1 Behemoth Great Horn
  • 3 Aetheryte Shard

Drachen Mail Alpha

  • 20,000 Zenny
  • 2 Behemoth Mane
  • 3 Behemoth Bone
  • 2 Behemoth Shearclaw
  • 2 Dragonbone Relic

Drachen Vambraces Alpha

  • 20,000 Zenny
  • 3 Behemoth Mane
  • 3 Behemoth Bone
  • 1 Behemoth Great Horn
  • 1 Behemoth Tail

Drachen Coil Alpha

  • 20,000 Zenny
  • 1 Behemoth Mane
  • 2 Behemoth Bone
  • 1 Behemoth Tail
  • 2 Novacrystal

Drachen Greaves Alpha

  • 20,000 Zenny
  • 1 Behemoth Mane
  • 2 Behemoth Bone
  • 1 Behemoth Shearclaw
  • 2 Firecell Stone