Astera - Hub and the city in the Monster Hunter World Monster Hunter World Guide

Astera is a great ship - a hub, where you will spend lots of time. Take look at the most important locations there:

1. Smithy - the most important location in the city. You will visit the man quite often to upgrade your armor and weapons. You can also order new weapons and armors to be crafted there if you have the resources.
2. Your room - here, you can change your equipment (take a look at the chest), you also can use the Trailraider Safari (this one is unlocked during the game; you can send Palico on a mission and he shall bring new materials for you), or go to the practice room to train combat.
3. Gathering Hub - this is a lobby for other players. You can interact with them, meet new people and form teams. If you want to boast your swords, this is the perfect spot!
4. Canteen - here, you can eat. Eating provides different modifiers. This is very important - especially during later hunts. You lose these enhancements when you're defeated, so be careful. (Tip: you can eat in any camp on the island).

1. Ecological Research - visit this place every time you kill a monster to unlock more info on the beast. The scholars will determine its strong and weak sides. Apart from that, this will also help you to track down the best faster the next time - the monster will be visible on the map right away.
2. Botanical Research - eventually, you will unlock a small botanical garden. You can decide what plants and other things you want to grow while on an expedition. At the beginning, you should start producing honey - this will allow you to quickly gain access to many great potions, which is going to be very useful!
3. Provisions Stockpile - this is a merchant, and so you can trade. The inventory of the stores becomes better over time.
4. Elder Melder - this place may offer very interesting items (but you have to sacrifice other items as ingredients). You will become a frequent customer in time.