In preparation for tackling more challenging quests in Monster Hunter Rise, players are likely to go on expeditions seeking upgrade materials for their weapons and armor. This process of crafting new gear and improving on existing armaments is a core element of any Monster Hunter game. Putting on a new set of equipment makes a hunter's progression feel tangible and satisfying. For players who are ready to tackle some of the later Low-Rank quests in Monster Hunter Rise, one elusive but coveted material to keep an eye out for is Lightcrystal.

Lightcrystal is a material that's hard to come by, but it's necessary when working on weapons such as the Kamura Iron Bow or armor like the Rathian set. Hunters who need to get their hands on some Lightcrystal should make their way to the Flooded Forest area. For the best shot at gathering an abundance of the material, it's best to go on an Expedition Tour and hope that a Mining Upsurge occurs. During Expeditions, special events like an upsurge can occur and create an opportunity to collect great amounts of material.

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Lightcrystal can be obtained from any Mining Outcrop in the Flooded Forest. However, players should take notice of how these outcrops are represented on their detailed maps. Mining Outcrops that are colored blue on the map will yield run-of-the-mill ore, and are thus less likely to produce Lightcrystal. Mining Outcrops that are colored white can contain more uncommon ore. These are the outcrops to target, as they might even yield multiple Lightcrystals from a single gathering attempt.

When going on an expedition for the primary sake of mining, some extra preparations can be made to ensure great success. Certain food skills can aid in gathering, so it's important to check-in at the Tea Shop or Canteen before venturing out. Armor skills can be an asset too - the Leather Gloves and Leather Pants both grant the Geologist skill, which can increase the number of times a gathering point can be used.

Believe it or not, mining is not the only way to grab some Lightcrystal. Certain species of Endemic Life carry around materials that are desirable to hunters. One such species is the Boulder Lizard, which is a relative of the Rock Lizard that tends to carry even rarer items. Interacting with a Boulder Lizard in the Flooded Forest has a very high or even guaranteed chance to yield a Lightcrystal. One Boulder Lizard can be found atop a structure located between areas 10 and 13.

Experienced hunters know the importance of familiarizing themselves with the environment. Knowing where to find helpful Endemic Life and gathering hotspots will save time and go a long way towards keeping the inventory stocked with valuable materials. A player that's willing and ready to upgrade gear with rare materials can go into any hunt with confidence.

Monster Hunter Rise is now available for the Nintendo Switch. A PC release is slated for 2022.

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