Finishing the main story in Monster Hunter Wilds feels like a major milestone—but in reality, it’s where the game truly begins.
Unlike story-driven games that leave a lasting impression through narrative alone, Monster Hunter Wilds shifts its focus toward long-term progression, mastery, and efficiency. The endgame is designed to keep you engaged through stronger monsters, better gear, and deeper systems.
This guide explains exactly:
- What changes after completing the campaign
- How Hunter Rank progression works
- Which systems unlock and why they matter
- How to optimize your time in the endgame
Reached endgame but still struggling to deal consistent damage? Building optimized gear like Monster Kills can significantly improve your survivability, damage output, and overall efficiency in high-level hunts.
Related Guides:
What Changes After Completing the Campaign
Once you finish the main story (typically around 40–50 hours depending on your pace), several core systems unlock that redefine how the game is played.
Hunter Rank Becomes Uncapped
After the campaign:
- Your Hunter Rank (HR) is no longer capped
- You can increase HR by completing quests
- Higher HR unlocks harder monsters and better rewards
👉 This becomes your primary progression system in the endgame.
Difficulty Increases Significantly
Post-game hunts introduce:
- Stronger monster variants
- More aggressive attack patterns
- Higher damage output
You will start encountering:
- Tempered Monsters
- Arch-Tempered Monsters (late endgame)
👉 These fights require optimized builds and better execution.
Gear Progression Becomes Non-Linear
During the story:
- Gear progression is straightforward
After the story:
- Gear becomes customizable
- Optimization matters more than upgrades
👉 This is where builds and farming systems become essential.
Endgame Quest Types Explained
Quests remain the core of Monster Hunter Wilds, but their purpose evolves in the endgame.
1. Optional Quests (Repeatable Hunts)
- Replay monsters from the campaign
- Lower difficulty compared to endgame hunts
- Useful for:
- Farming materials
- Practicing mechanics
👉 Best for consistent farming without high risk.
2. Investigations / Field Surveys
- Provide bonus rewards
- Rewards are randomized but higher value
- Often include:
- Extra materials
- Rare drops
👉 These are the most efficient way to farm high-tier resources.
3. Side Missions (Hidden Progression Unlocks)
Side missions are easy to overlook, but they unlock:
- New mechanics
- Farming systems
- Additional features
👉 Always talk to NPCs after major hunts.
Material Retrieval System Explained
One of the most important endgame systems is Material Retrieval.
What It Does
- Allows you to generate materials passively
- Reduces the need for manual gathering
- Uses NPCs to farm resources for you
👉 This system saves time and improves efficiency.
How to Unlock Material Retrieval
Complete the following missions:
- Aida’s Apprehensions – Oilwell Basin
- Beware the Gypceros – Windward Plains
- Lurking Shadows – Suja, Peaks of Accord
- Make Fluffy Dealings – Scarlet Forest
- Astonishing Adaptability – Ruins of Wyveria
Why It Matters
- Provides consistent materials
- Supports crafting and upgrades
- Reduces grind-heavy gameplay
👉 This is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades in the endgame.
Artian Weapons: Endgame Gear System
Artian weapons represent the peak of endgame gear.
What Makes Them Different
Unlike standard weapons:
- You can choose:
- Elemental damage
- Affinity
- Additional attributes
👉 This gives full control over your build.
How to Forge Artian Weapons
- Talk to Gemma (Blacksmith NPC)
- Collect required weapon parts
- Choose customization options
Artian Weapon Requirements
| Weapon | Required Parts |
|---|---|
| Great Sword | Blade, Blade, Tube |
| Sword & Shield | Blade, Tube, Disc |
| Hammer | Disc, Disc, Tube |
| Lance | Blade, Disc, Disc |
| Switch Axe | Blade, Blade, Device |
| Insect Glaive | Blade, Tube, Device |
| Heavy Bowgun | Disc, Tube, Device |
| Long Sword | Blade, Tube, Tube |
| Dual Blades | Blade, Blade, Disc |
| Hunting Horn | Disc, Device, Device |
| Gunlance | Disc, Disc, Device |
| Charge Blade | Blade, Disc, Device |
| Light Bowgun | Tube, Device, Device |
| Bow | Tube, Tube, Device |
Optimization Tip
Focus on:
- Matching weapon type with build
- Choosing correct elemental affinity
👉 Artian weapons are only strong if built correctly.
Decoration Farming System
Decorations are essential for skill customization.
How to Get Decorations
- Completing hunts
- Reward drops from quests
- Using the Melding Pot
Melding Pot Unlock
- Unlocked in Suja, Peaks of Accord
Why Decorations Matter
- Add skills to:
- Weapons
- Armor
- Improve:
- Damage output
- Survivability
- Utility
👉 Decorations define your build efficiency in the endgame.
Pre-Endgame vs Post-Endgame Comparison
| Category | Pre-Endgame | Post-Endgame |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Complete story | Increase Hunter Rank |
| Difficulty | Standard monsters | Tempered variants |
| Weapons | Linear upgrades | Custom Artian weapons |
| Customization | Limited | Advanced optimization |
| Endgame Boss | Arkiveld / Uth Duna | Gogmazios (HR 100) |
Endgame Gameplay Loop (Simple Framework)
To progress efficiently, follow this loop:
Step-by-Step Loop
- Complete high-level quests
- Increase Hunter Rank
- Farm materials (Investigations + Retrieval)
- Craft Artian weapons
- Optimize with decorations
- Repeat with harder monsters
👉 This loop defines the entire endgame experience.
Common Endgame Mistakes to Avoid
Many players struggle because they approach the endgame incorrectly.
Top Mistakes
- Ignoring side missions (missing key systems)
- Farming inefficient quests
- Not using Material Retrieval
- Building weapons without synergy
- Overlooking decorations
👉 Efficiency matters more than effort in the endgame.
Advanced Endgame Tips (Player Insight)
Based on common player behavior:
Tip 1: Don’t Rush Hunter Rank
Higher HR unlocks harder content—but without proper gear, it becomes inefficient.
Tip 2: Focus on One Build First
Instead of spreading resources:
- Optimize one weapon
- Master its mechanics
Tip 3: Use Investigations for Rare Materials
They provide better rewards compared to standard quests.
Tip 4: Balance Farming and Progression
- Too much farming → slow progression
- Too much progression → weak builds
👉 Balance both for best results.
Conclusion
The endgame in Monster Hunter Wilds is not about finishing content—it’s about mastering systems.
Once the campaign ends, the game shifts toward:
- Hunter Rank progression
- Gear optimization
- Efficient farming
Artian weapons, Material Retrieval, and decoration farming form the foundation of this phase.
If you approach it correctly, you will:
- Build stronger gear faster
- Handle tougher monsters with ease
- Turn every hunt into a controlled experience
That’s what defines a strong endgame player.
FAQ’s Related to Monster Hunter Wilds
What should I do after finishing the campaign?
Focus on increasing Hunter Rank, farming materials, and building optimized gear.
What is the fastest way to progress in the endgame?
Complete Investigations and unlock Material Retrieval for efficient farming.
Are Artian weapons worth it?
Yes, they are the strongest endgame weapons due to customization options.
How do I get better gear quickly?
Farm high-reward quests, use the Melding Pot, and optimize your build with decorations.