After reaching High Rank, Monster Hunter Rise offers players a chance to permanently boost their defense stat using the Armortalon item. This item has appeared in most other entries in the franchise, so while veterans may recognize it, it may confuse some Monster Hunter newcomers. In order to start the process of crafting an Armortalon, players will need to follow a few steps. While held in the item pouch, the Armortalon increases the hunter's defense stat by 18 points; that's practically like wearing another, albeit weaker, piece of armor. Getting an Armortalon is a multi-step process, however.
In Monster Hunter Rise, a player's defense stat determines how much damage they take when hit by a monster's physical attack. As such, it's important to increase this as much as possible. Once players get further into the game, monsters will easily be able to one shot them if they don't have the proper equipment. While upgrading armor is the main method of increasing the defense stat, getting ahold of an Armortalon is a great way for everyone to increase their defense as well.
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The first thing players will need to do is purchase an Armor Charm from the merchant. This item is cheaper than the Power Charm and costs 24,000 zenny. In order to buy this item, players will first need to unlock High Rank quests by defeating the Apex Arzuros Urgent Quest. It's also a good idea to buy two Armor Charms, one to craft into the Armortalon and another one to keep as is. Having an Armor Charm in the player's inventory increases their defense stat by 12 points, and this stacks with the Armortalon.
After obtaining an Armor Charm, the next step is to combine it with an Ibushi Claw+. This item can only be obtained in High Rank by hunting an Ibushi. While players can certainly brute force their way to this item, the best method of getting them involves breaking the Ibushi's wing arm for an 80% chance to receive it as a reward. Beyond this, picking up any shiny materials the monster drops gives a 20% chance each, and carving the monster gives a 21% chance to get the Ibushi Claw+.
Now players can combine the Armor Charm and Ibushi Claw+ to craft an Armortalon. Since this item stacks with the Armor Charm, players should buy a second Armor Charm after crafting the Armortalon and keep both of them in their inventory. Doing so will provide a total of +30 defense permanently. The same holds true for the Power Charm and Powertalon, except these instead provide +15 attack.
Monster Hunter Rise is available now on Switch.