Tempered monsters in Monster Hunter World represent an elevated challenge, primarily distinguished by their significantly increased attack power compared to their standard counterparts. They are essentially stronger versions of existing creatures, designed to test a hunter's skills and gear.
Key Distinctions of Tempered Monsters
The core difference between a tempered monster and its normal counterpart lies predominantly in its offensive capabilities, while other attributes remain unchanged.
- Elevated Attack Power: This is the defining characteristic. Tempered monsters hit significantly harder, capable of depleting a hunter's health bar more rapidly. This necessitates more careful dodging, blocking, and a strategic focus on defensive skills and evasion.
- No Change to Health or Defense: Unlike some other game mechanics that scale all monster statistics, tempered monsters do not gain additional health or defense. This means that while their attacks are more dangerous, the amount of damage you need to inflict to defeat them remains the same as their regular versions.
- Variety of Forms: The "tempered" status can apply to a wide range of monsters, including both regular species and their subspecies. For example, you might encounter a Tempered Rathalos or a Tempered Azure Rathalos, each presenting a higher offensive threat than their non-tempered versions.
Identifying Tempered Monsters
Hunters can often identify a tempered monster by a distinct visual cue: a dark, shimmering aura surrounding the monster. This aura is a clear indicator of their enhanced attack power and the heightened challenge they present. Additionally, tempered monsters are typically encountered in specific quests, most often through High Rank or Master Rank investigations, which are easily recognized by their purple reward boxes.
Why Hunt Tempered Monsters?
Despite the heightened danger, tempered monsters are highly sought after by hunters for the superior rewards they offer. These rewards are crucial for end-game progression and optimizing hunter equipment.
- Streamstones: These rare materials are essential for augmenting weapons and armor, granting additional defensive or offensive bonuses that are vital for high-level play.
- Decorations: Tempered investigations, particularly those involving Elder Dragons, are prime sources for high-rarity decorations. These jewels are critical for building powerful and specialized hunter sets, allowing for significant skill customization.
- Research Points: They often yield a higher amount of research points upon completion, contributing to resource accumulation and unlocking various game features and canteen ingredients.
Tempered vs. Normal Monsters: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Normal Monster | Tempered Monster |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | Standard attack power | Significantly increased attack power |
| Health | Standard health | Standard health (no change) |
| Defense | Standard defense | Standard defense (no change) |
| Appearance | Regular appearance | Often accompanied by a dark, shimmering aura |
| Challenge | Moderate to High | High to Very High |
| Rewards | Basic materials, common decorations | Rare decorations, Streamstones, higher Research Points |
| Availability | Found throughout all ranks | Primarily High Rank and Master Rank Investigations |
Hunting tempered monsters is a core component of the end-game experience in Monster Hunter World, providing both a challenging test of skill and the means to acquire the strongest gear enhancements.
