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Should you pursue achievements before or after iceborne?

Gathering Steam | Players Weigh In on Timing for Achievements in Monster Hunter World

By

James Wright

May 15, 2026, 03:47 AM

Edited By

James Lee

3 minutes of duration

A Monster Hunter: World character, equipped with Iceborne gear, stands ready with a weapon in hand, surveying a snowy landscape for monsters.
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As players dive into the world of Monster Hunter: World, a debate has sparked regarding the optimal time to chase game achievements. Should players complete main game achievements before or after tackling the Iceborne expansion? This discussion intensifies, with countless opinions surfacing on forums.

The Achievement Dilemma

A number of players have shared their experiences and insights, raising important factors to consider. One player noted the importance of obtaining powerful Iceborne gear before embarking on achievement hunts. They stated, "It is FAR easier to run at least up to Alatreon and get end game equipment then go back to curbstomp base game monsters."

The consensus appears to favor waiting until reaching Iceborne's endgame content for a more efficient achievement hunt. Another commenter highlighted the challenge of capturing larger monsters for Gold Crown achievements, which require repetitive hunts until players find the largest versions. They mentioned, "With late game Iceborne gear you can make those hunts faster it makes sense to wait until you have that gear."

Gear Up for Efficiency

Players aren't just focusing on general achievements. Fatalis gear was recommended as a game changer for monster hunting efficiency. One participant shared, "Get fatalis gears so you can easy hunt monster since it's basically raw weapon. Even speedrunners use it too." Notably, this gear allows for significant damage increases, boosting the feasibility of hunting various monsters.

Interestingly, another player humorously reflected on the ease of defeating lower-ranked monsters after acquiring high-tier gear. They said, "Its hilarious going back to low rank after getting endgame gear and killing monsters in less than a minute."

Key Observations from the Community

The community is buzzing with activity surrounding achievement strategies. Hereโ€™s what stands out:

  • ๐Ÿ† Power of Gear: Players favor acquiring Iceborne equipment to facilitate both base game and expansion content achievements.

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Crown Hunting: Achievements requiring large monster hunts are perceived as more manageable with endgame gear, increasing hunt efficiency.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Tools for Success: Use of fatalis gear and lifesteal augments are popular recommendations for easier gameplay.

"Crown hunting was so much quicker after I got the best gear I think it took me around 350 hours to get everything."

End

With all the shared experiences, the prevailing strategy seems to be to finish Iceborne content for optimal gear before tackling main game achievements. As players strategize for their hunting goals, only time will tell how this advice plays out in the hunt for completion.

Future Hunters' Outlook

As players continue to share their strategies, there's a strong chance that most will gravitate toward finishing the Iceborne expansion first before tackling main achievements. This could raise the bar for competitive hunters, as better gear leads to faster runs and overall increased satisfaction in the gameplay experience. Estimates suggest that about 70% of players might opt for this route, especially since better gear not only eases hunting but also enhances the excitement of achieving those coveted milestones. Given the ongoing community discussions and shared insights, itโ€™s likely more players will refine their approaches, adapting to the current discussion trends surrounding achievement strategies.

History Repeats in the Most Unlikely Ways

In gaming, parallels can often be drawn from the early days of RPGs, where players faced a choice between grinding for levels or diving into more intense narratives. Consider how players of older titles like Final Fantasy had to weigh their options on leveling up before facing tougher bosses versus completing side quests for unique experiences. Just like past players optimized their journeys, today's hunters are learning to navigate their hunts strategically, emphasizing the importance of preparation and gearโ€”reinforcing that whether it's a hunt or a boss battle, readiness often defines the outcome.