What Are Augments and Why They Matter
Augments in Monster Hunter World are endgame modifications that add fixed bonuses to armor sets, such as +1 to a skill level or increased affinity. They help you customize builds without changing weapons or playstyle drastically. Unlocking them requires repetitive tasks, specific materials, and careful planning. This guide explains how to unlock augments, which armor lines support them, and how to prioritize choices for long-term progression and optimal performance.
How to Unlock the Augment Slot
You unlock the first augment slot by completing the quest "Proving Your Might," which becomes available after finishing the main story and unlocking HR100. The second augment slot unlocks after completing all High Rank Quests for a given title rank in Master Mode. These slots are armor-set specific: augmenting Head, Chest, Arms, Waist, or Legs affects only that piece unless you use a Universal Augment, which applies globally. Because each augment consumes rare materials, planning which skills and stats to boost is essential for efficient progression.
Key Milestones for Unlocking Augments
| Milestone | Requirement | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First Augment Slot | Complete "Proving Your Might" (HR100) | Unlock one augment slot on any armor piece |
| Second Augment Slot | Clear all High Rank Quests for current title in Master Mode | Unlock a second augment slot, enabling dual augments per armor |
| Universal Augments | Reach HR100 and complete post-game content | Apply augments globally instead of per-piece |
Where to Farm Augment Materials
Augment materials drop from specific high-level monsters and endgame activities. Reliable sources include elder dragons, tempered monsters in the Guiding Lands, and expedition contracts. Expeditions are particularly efficient because they provide consistent materials without combat risk. You can also obtain materials from time-limited events and special hunts, but for steady progress, prioritize expeditions, Guiding Lands hunts, and low-level elder dragon encounters that scale with your rank.
Top Sources by Material Type
| Material | Primary Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power Proock (Red) | Elder Dragon Quests (Vaal Hazak, Nergigante) | Required for high-level augments; also drops in tempered hunts |
| Insulation (Yellow) | Guiding Lands tempered monsters | Useful for elemental builds and resist augments |
| Purifying Chunk (Blue) | Expeditions, Elder Expeditions | Most efficient for bulk farming; low risk |
Which Armor Sets Work Best for Augmenting
Some armor sets are better suited for augmenting due to their base skills, gem slots, and synergy with common build goals. High-rank and Master Mode sets like Guard, Convocation, and Sierra provide strong fundamentals and flexible gem placements. When you augment, you generally preserve existing skills while adding new levels, so starting with a solid set is important. Consider your playstyle—whether you focus on sharpness, mobility, survivability, or elemental resistance—when choosing which armor line to invest in and which augments to prioritize.
Top Armor Sets for Augmentation
- Guard (High Rank): Balanced defenses and strong support skills; ideal for hybrid builds.
- Convocation (Master): Converts damage to healing; excellent sustain for aggressive playstyles.
- Sierra (Master): High mobility and sharpness; great for hit-and-run and bow users.
- Alpha (Event): Powerful event-exclusive skills; useful for niche builds when augmented wisely.
How to Plan Your Augment Path
Efficient augment planning involves choosing which skills and stats to boost first based on your weapon and role. Prioritize skills that define your rotation, such as Critical Eye, Attack, or Weakness Exploit, and consider survivability skills like Guard or Health Boost for content longevity. Because augment materials are limited, avoid spreading materials too thin across multiple armor pieces early on. Instead, focus on one armor set and one or two key augments at a time to maximize impact per hunt.
Quick Prioritization Checklist
- Identify your core weapon and its optimal skills.
- Choose one armor set to focus on.
- Use expeditions to farm common materials (Purifying Chunks).
- Target elder dragons for rare materials (Power Proock, etc.).
- Reserve universal augments for endgame flexibility.