The Ancient Forest is a locale introduced in, and exclusive to, Monster Hunter: World.
It is the first locale the player has access to, and is characterized by a lush, green environment.
Monsters such as Jagras and Anjanath can be found here.
The Ancient Forest consists of a vast forest area with varying vegetation density. Its central landmark is the Ancient Tree, an enormous tree structure that is actually an amalgamation of dozens of smaller trees. [1] With the Ancient Tree as its epicenter, the forest stretches out, transitioning into rocky cliffs, shores and even cave networks. At the very top of the megastructure, rain water accumulates in a natural reservoir, and the Ancient Tree’s roots and branches serve as water distributors from that source, creating channels and trickles that create numerous distinct habitats.[2] It can be broadly separated into three levels: the lower level, the middle level and the peak. The locale has been described to be similar to a tower in structure.[3] Like with most locales, the map is segmented into zones, 17 in this case.
Area 1: The Coastal Plain
The zone in the south-west is called the Coastal Plain[4] and is defined by a wide open plain, saturated with thin and shallow water streams. It derives its name from bordering directly on the south shore of the area, and of the New World Continent itself. The plant species found here don’t grow very tall, making this area ideal for grazing herbivores. Specifically, herds of Aptonoth can commonly be observed munching on the fresh greenery springing up from within and between the streams. At the northern edge of the plain, one can find a small waterfall and pond. Various fish can be caught here.
In the south-western corner of this area sits the Ancient Forest Southwest Camp (1).
Area 2: The Forest of Turfs
In the center of the Ancient Forest’s lower level lies the Forest of Turfs.[4] This zone consists of a shaded clearing with numerous broken and lopsided branches forming walkways for many small monsters. Jagras can be found prancing here, and they are commonly seen using the large branches as highways to get around the forest. This area also includes an entrance to the underground tunnels. It is an optimal spot to intercept Great Jagras on its patrol.
Area 3: The Grassy Field
In the central south of the locale one finds the Grassy Field. As the name suggests, it is an area filled with tall yellowed grass. Anjanath will often pass through here.
Area 4: The White Sandy Shore
The south-eastern corner of the locale is called the White Sandy Shore[3] and sports a small beach. Further to the east lies the gate to Astera. On the beach, groups of Kestodon can be encountered. It is also common to sight Great Jagras and Anjanath here. A vine tree grows near the beach, which can be used to temporarily trap monsters after it has been knocked over.
Area 5: The Foggy Forest
This area is a shaded forest ground, perpetually darkened by the crowns of giant trees. Woodland and Forest Pteryx can sometimes be spotted gliding from tree to tree. In the center of the area, a lonesome Paratoad can often be observed sitting in the shade. Both Pukei-Pukei and Tobi-Kadachi are spotted here somewhat frequently.
Area 6: The Spore-filled Forest
In the north-eastern corner lies a clearing where the air is thick with fungus spores. Here, sporepuffs and poisoncups grow aplenty, attracting Vespoids to the area. On an elevated platform, the Pukei-Pukei makes its nest.
Area 7: The Hollow Nest
At the northern edge of the locale one finds a green corridor of sorts, leading past and around a large, hollow tree trunk. Various branches and vineways stretch out above this area, and Jagras are often seen using these passageways. Inside the trunk, a spiraling hole eventually leads to a nesting area, which is sometimes used by Kulu-Ya-Ku.
Area 8: The Forest's Feeding Ground
In the northwestern corner of the locale lies the Forest's Feeding Ground.[5] This open area is the prime location for both herbivores and predators to have a little snack.The vegetation is short, save for two vine trees which can be used to trap monsters. Scatternuts also grow here. On the western edge, a small pond offers hydration to passing monsters. Most large Monsters that appear in this locale can venture here, and it is one of the lowest areas that Rathalos are known to visit. On a small rock nearby, Nargacuga can often be found relaxing.
Tucked away in a small cove sits the Ancient Forest Northwest Camp (8).
Area 9: The Peak of the Rock Face
At the central western edge of the locale stands the Peak of the Rock Face[6], a sloped rocky plateau that overlooks a small pond. Many Paratoads gather on the rocks, while Gajau swim in the pond.
Area 10: The Underground Intersection
In the center of the forest's lowest level sits the heart of the Underground Tunnels, a maze of overlapping and intersecting tunnels, broken up by large, traversable roots. Carrier Ants can be found here, and a daring hunter may even be able to steal some materials from one of their caravans.
Area 11: The Giant Branchway
North of the white shore one encounters an amalgamation of giant branches and roots, creating stable walkways. Beneath the main branch, a quiet water reservoir provides a habitat for aquatic creatures. This reservoir also splits into numerous small streams, some deep enough to be dived into. The northern part of this zone is a dense underbush, where a variety of plant species grow in tight proximity to one another. It is common to spot Mosswine here. This area serves as one of the major highways of the locale, as it allows for travel between the Ancient Forest's lower and middle level.
At the northeastern most corner of this Area sits the Ancient Forest Northeast Camp (11).
Area 12: The Root Forest
Near the center of the forest lies the Root Forest[7], a small cave-like clearing created by the massive roots of the Ancient Tree itself. A massive network of vines and branches create the "roof" of this area, and even small boulders can be seen caught in the plant web - resourceful hunters may be able to make them fall onto target monsters. Water dripping from the ceiling creates various small watering holes in this area, and Kestodon can often be found congregating here. Many creatures pass through here, as a sloped root near the north of the area allows traversal into the upper levels of the locale.
Area 13: The Vine Hollows
At the western middle level of the Ancient Forest, one finds a collection of shaded rooms built from interlocking vines, branches and roots. The vegetation here is so sturdy that hunters and monsters alike can walk on it freely. The area has various vine platforms of differing elevations, and is usually populated by Vespoids and Jagras. Down at the lowest platform, one can find an extremely rare Giant Vigorwasp. Both Anjanath and Deviljho have been observed sleeping here, the former at the highest platform, the latter at the lowest point.
Area 14: The Forest Lookout
This is the most open area of the forest's middle level, consisting of numerous wooden plateaus at varying elevations connected by spiraling branches. The top of this zone has access to the open sky, while the lowest point forms a small shaded pond from accumulated rain water. The highest platform is often the site of Turf Wars between Anjanath and Rathalos. One of the middle platforms is often occupied by a sleeping Tobi-Kadachi, while the pond at the lowest level is sometimes claimed by Blackveil Vaal Hazak.
Area 15: The Spiral Cavity
This Area is located inside of the Ancient Tree's main trunk, and is called the Spiral Cavity.[8] It is a massive, vertical maze made out of spiraling branches and enormous roots. Its off-shooting vestiges form walkways and tunnels that allow traversal across various levels, and the spiraling branches are wide enough to fight on. At the bottom of the cavity, water accumulates and naturally flows downward into the lower forest. Mosswine can often be found here.
Area 16: The Wyvern Nest
High up at the peak of the Ancient Tree sits the Wyvern Nest[9], where Rathalos and Rathian roost. Due to the altitude, it is much windier and colder up here, and no monsters besides the owners of the nest appear here. Some Vespoids can be seen though, scavenging through the branches and leftovers of the Wyvern Nest. This area borders on one of the tree's main water reservoirs, with the zones northern edge being a natural dam. Explosions from wyvern fire or barrelbombs can destroy this dam, and the resulting flood can carry man and monster alike, flushing them all the way down to the lower levels. Wyvern Eggs can also be gathered here - which will usually attract the ire of the parent!
Area 17: The Tree Crown
Surrounding the top of the tree are countless thick branches, which intertwine into a complex array of paths. Navigating this maze can be tricky, but worth it: Valuable items such as Mandragoras and Adamant Seeds grow here.
On one of the larger platforms stands the Ancient Forest Camp (17), which provides easy access to the top of the tree. From the camp, a set of vines leads to the somewhat hidden Grimalkyne Den, where the local tribe of Lynians gathers.
Items that can be gathered by hand while moving. Note that in Monster Hunter: World, these spots do not have a % chance to drop various items. They will always give the player the same item every time. They also are not affected by which Rank (Low, High or Master) the locale is visited at.
The Ancient Forest Southwest Camp was the first base camp ever established on the New World Continent.[4]
Placing down Raw Meat in Area 1 will eventually attract a Great Jagras and (more rarely) an Anjanath. A Great Jagras will drop a shiny after eating the meat.[10]
Looking towards the western shore from the top of Area 8's rock face, one can spot a magma fragment left behind by Zorah Magdaros.[11]
Herb
Honey
Antidote Herb
Fire Herb
Ivy
Sleep Herb
Flowfern
Nulberry
Needleberry
Latchberry
Slashberry
Bomberry
Adamant Seed
Smokenut
Flamenut
Blastnut
Dragonstrike Nut
Blue Mushroom
Toadstool
Parashroom
Nitroshroom
Exciteshroom
Mandragora
Bitterbug
Flashbug
Godbug
Baitbug
Spiderweb
