Monster Hunter: World is one of those games where you can easily spend hundreds of hours hunting monsters, crafting gear, and improving your hunter. One of the most satisfying parts of the game is creating new armor and weapons from the monsters you defeat. However, many players focus entirely on crafting new gear and completely overlook one of the most useful systems in the game: upgrading armor.
Armor upgrades can dramatically improve your survivability and make difficult hunts much more manageable. If you are struggling against tougher monsters or progressing into higher ranks, understanding how armor upgrades work can make a huge difference.
In this guide, we will walk through how to upgrade armor in Monster Hunter: World, explain how Armor Spheres work, and help you decide when upgrading your gear is actually worth it.
How to Upgrade Armor
Upgrading armor in Monster Hunter: World is a straightforward process once you understand how it works. Every armor piece in the game can be improved using Armor Spheres and Zenny, which increases its overall defense value.
Armor upgrades increase the defensive power of your gear, allowing you to take less damage from monster attacks. This can be incredibly useful when fighting stronger monsters or when learning a new hunt.
To upgrade your armor, follow these steps:
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Visit the Smithy in Astera or Seliana.
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Select the Upgrade Equipment option.
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Choose Armor from the equipment list.
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Select the armor piece you want to improve.
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Spend Armor Spheres and Zenny to raise its upgrade level.
Each upgrade requires a certain number of upgrade points. Armor Spheres provide these points, and any extra points will automatically carry over into the next upgrade level.
This system makes upgrading flexible because you can combine different Armor Sphere types to reach the next level more quickly.
Understanding Armor Spheres
Armor Spheres are the main materials used for upgrading armor. They come in several different tiers, and each tier provides a different amount of upgrade points.
In Monster Hunter: World, there are six types of Armor Spheres available.
Armor Spheres provide 1 upgrade point and are the most basic version. These are usually obtained early in the game through bounties and beginner quests.
Armor Sphere+ provides 5 upgrade points and becomes more common as you progress further into the game.
Advanced Armor Spheres provide 20 upgrade points and are typically rewarded for more challenging activities.
Hard Armor Spheres provide 80 upgrade points and are generally used once you start facing stronger monsters in higher ranks.
Heavy Armor Spheres provide 200 upgrade points and are extremely valuable when upgrading high-tier armor.
King Armor Spheres provide a massive 800 upgrade points and are usually saved for late-game armor sets.
Most of these spheres are obtained through completing bounties, optional quests, investigations, and event quests. If you want to farm Armor Spheres efficiently, always keep your bounties active because they frequently reward them.
Managing your Armor Spheres properly is important because you may want to save the stronger ones for armor sets you plan to keep longer.
Should You Craft Full Armor Sets?
Many players naturally try to craft full armor sets from a monster because the gear looks great together and feels rewarding after a successful hunt. However, crafting an entire set is not always necessary.
Most armor sets in Monster Hunter: World provide set bonuses that only require three or four pieces to activate. Because of this, many hunters mix and match armor pieces to create stronger builds.
This approach allows players to combine multiple useful skills instead of locking themselves into a single monster set.
That being said, there is nothing wrong with crafting a full armor set if you enjoy the design or if the skills fit your playstyle. Fashion is an important part of Monster Hunter, and looking good while hunting is half the fun.
If you own the Iceborne expansion, you can also display your favorite armor sets in your room, which makes collecting full sets even more rewarding.
Early in the game, it is often better to mix armor pieces based on the skills they provide rather than focusing entirely on a single set. Later on, when you find a build you really enjoy, you can invest more resources into upgrading that gear.
When Should You Upgrade Armor?
Knowing when to upgrade your armor is just as important as knowing how to upgrade it. Since Armor Spheres can be limited early in the game, you want to use them wisely.
One of the main reasons to upgrade armor is when you are struggling during hunts. If a monster is consistently defeating you or dealing heavy damage, upgrading your armor can provide the extra defense needed to survive longer.
Most players will not struggle much during the early Low Rank section of the game, but everyone’s experience is different. If you are having trouble completing quests, a few armor upgrades can make a noticeable difference.
The second reason to upgrade armor is when you find a set you plan to use for a long time. If you really enjoy the skills or the appearance of a particular armor set, upgrading it can make it viable for many hunts.
Eventually, most armor will be replaced as you move into High Rank and later Master Rank. However, upgrading your current gear can help bridge the gap between major progression points.
Instead of constantly crafting new armor every time you unlock a monster, upgrading a solid set can carry you through several hunts before you need to change gear again.
Final Thoughts
Armor upgrades in Monster Hunter: World are one of the most overlooked mechanics in the game. Many players focus only on crafting new armor sets, but upgrading your current gear can significantly improve your survivability and make hunts much easier.
By understanding how Armor Spheres work and choosing the right time to upgrade, you can stretch the usefulness of your favorite armor sets and avoid unnecessary grinding.
Whether you are progressing through the main story or preparing for tougher hunts, upgrading your armor is an essential part of becoming a stronger hunter.
If you keep your armor upgraded and choose your skills wisely, you will be ready to take on even the toughest monsters Monster Hunter: World has to offer.
