If you feel like your Hunter Rank is stuck and you are not gaining levels, do not worry. This is completely normal in Monster Hunter World. The most common reason you are not leveling up is because you have hit a Hunter Rank cap.
Throughout the game, there are specific Hunter Rank milestones that temporarily stop your visible progression. It may look like you are not earning any experience at all, but that is not true. You are still gaining experience behind the scenes. Once you complete the required quest to remove the cap, all the stored experience is applied at once, and you may jump several levels instantly.
There are four main Hunter Rank caps in the base game. Each one requires you to complete a specific assigned quest before you can continue progressing.
HR 15 Cap
The first major cap occurs at Hunter Rank 15. This is tied directly to the main story. To remove this cap, you must complete the base game’s main storyline.
Once you finish the story and the credits roll, the HR 15 cap is lifted. At that moment, all the experience you earned while capped is applied to your Hunter Rank. Depending on how many optional quests and investigations you completed beforehand, you might see a significant jump in levels.
For most players, this cap is not too difficult to remove since it simply requires story progression.
HR 29 Cap
The second cap happens at Hunter Rank 29. To unlock progression past this point, you must complete the assigned quest titled Beyond the Blasting Scales.
This quest requires you to hunt two Tempered Bazelgeuse in the same mission. It can be challenging if you are not properly geared, so make sure your armor and weapon upgrades are up to date before attempting it.
Many players are already close to HR 30 when they clear the HR 15 cap, so removing this one often feels quick. Still, the fight itself can be intense if you are unprepared.
HR 49 Cap
The third cap appears at Hunter Rank 49. This is where things start to get more difficult.
To unlock this cap, you must complete the assigned quest Thunderous Rumble in the Highlands. This quest pits you against a Tempered Kirin. Kirin is an Elder Dragon known for its speed and lightning-based attacks, and the tempered version hits extremely hard.
If you are playing without the Iceborne expansion, this fight can feel especially punishing. Preparation is key. Bring thunder resistance, consider defensive skills, and be patient during the fight. Once you complete the quest, the cap is removed and your stored experience is applied.
HR 99 Cap
The final cap in the base game occurs at Hunter Rank 99. Reaching this point alone requires a significant time investment, which is why many players never see HR 100.
To unlock progression past HR 99, you must complete the quest The Sapphire Star’s Guidance. In this quest, you will face three Elder Dragons in a single mission. It is a true test of your gear, skill, and preparation.
Defeating them removes the final cap and allows you to reach HR 100. Hitting Hunter Rank 100 also rewards you with the Established Hunter achievement, marking a major milestone in your Monster Hunter World journey.
Final Thoughts
If you feel like your Hunter Rank is not increasing, you are most likely sitting at one of the game’s built-in progression caps. You are still earning experience, even if the number on your screen does not change.
Focus on completing the required assigned quests tied to each cap. Once cleared, your accumulated experience will be applied instantly, and you will continue leveling as normal.
Monster Hunter World is designed to pace your progression through these milestones. Keep hunting, keep upgrading your gear, and when the cap lifts, you will see just how much progress you have really made. Happy hunting.
