Prepare for the Hunt: A Comprehensive Guide to Monster Hunter Weaponry
December 27, 2024 / by Louigi Balao / 5 mins read
As we eagerly await the highly anticipated release of Monster Hunter Wilds, I know I am; it’s time to sharpen our skills and prepare for the hunt ahead! Whether you’re a greatsword-wielding veteran or a newcomer to the series, understanding the game’s 14 weapon types is crucial for the battle ahead. Each weapon offers a unique playstyle that allows you to feel empowered, so we’ll briefly explore them to help you decide which one you’d like to play in 2025.
Great Sword
Do you love raw power that can take down any beast? The Great Sword delivers devastating attacks, though it sacrifices speed and mobility. Focus on charged slashes, as timing and positioning are key. If you miss, simply roll out of the way and try again.
Long Sword
Known to be the most fluid weapon out of the bunch, the Long Sword is a weapon that relies on its Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its great reach and mobility are great for new players who are rearing to slice through monsters. Remember to maintain a healthy balance of offense and defense because you can’t go ham with a monster you aren’t familiar with yet.
Sword and Shield
If you’re after versatility, the Sword and Shield offers both offense and defense. Its fast combos and the ability to block make it also beginner-friendly. Additionally, it allows for using items without sheathing your weapon, giving you an edge in battle—hence its massive use if you are keen on being your team’s support.
Dual Blades
Fast, agile, and relentless—Dual Blades are all about aggressive, fast-paced combat. If you have seen some trailers, this weapon is somewhat inspired by Levi Ackerman, so you know it will be a fun time. They may lack the raw power of some weapons, but their Demon Mode lets you deal with rapid attacks, overwhelming monsters with sheer speed and elemental ailments.
Lance
For those who prefer to stand their ground, the Lance offers exceptional defense with its long reach and shield. It's one of the best weapons for blocking incoming attacks while poking at your enemies from a safe distance. Perfect for players who like a methodical and defensive approach with sick counterattacks!
Gunlance
It's similar to the Lance, but with a gunpowdery twist—literally. The Gunlance combines the thrusting power of a lance with explosive firepower. Its unique ability to fire shells and perform devastating Wyvern’s Fire attacks makes it a blast (pun intended) for players looking for a mix of defense and explosions.
Hammer
One word. BONK! If you want to knock monsters silly, the Hammer is THE choice of weapon. It excels at dealing blunt damage and is ideal for stunning monsters with headshots. Though heavy, it offers surprising mobility, allowing you to get in and out of danger zones quickly.
Hunting Horn
Next up is my fave, the groovy beater! The Hunting Horn may seem odd, but it’s more than a support weapon. Not only can it deal heavy blunt damage, but it also allows you to buff your team. It’s perfect for players who want to support their squad while still packing a punch. Plus, they offer one of the most unique weapon designs in the game.
Switch Axe
The Switch Axe is a hybrid weapon that transforms between an axe and a sword. The axe mode deals with long-reaching attacks, while the sword mode adds elemental and phial-powered strikes. It's versatile for those who enjoy shifting between playstyles during combat.
Charge Blade
Like the Switch Axe, the Charge Blade is another morphing weapon combining a sword and shield with a massive axe. By building up energy in sword mode and unleashing it in axe mode, it offers a strategic and powerful gameplay experience. It is one of the tougher weapons to master because the player has to keep tabs on what parts of the weapons are actually “charged.”
Insect Glaive
The sky is your domain because this weapon is all about aerial combat. You can vault into the air for flashy attacks and use your insect to extract buffs from monsters. This weapon excels in mobility and offers a dynamic playstyle for those who want to stay constantly on the move.
Bow
The remaining weapons are the ranged variety. The Bow offers high mobility and a variety of arrow types to exploit the monster’s weaknesses. Players can keep their distance while showering their prey with power attacks, a great option for those learning the monster's attacks. Based on the trailer, I will maintain this weapon because the tracer action is so good!
Light Bowgun
The Light Bowgun provides long-range firepower, fast reloading times, and great mobility. It's perfect for players who want to stay agile while offering ranged support with various ammo types, such as status shots or elemental rounds.
Heavy Bowgun
Last but not least, the Heavy Bowgun. This weapon lets you rain destruction with powerful ammo types, including explosives and piercing shots. It is great for speed runs, which means this weapon will be a joy to play with friends because the m
onster may not be able to get up due to all the damage it was given.2025 is going to be a fun time for every hunter out there! In preparation, you may need an upgrade like a monitor that allows you to be fully immersed in your games, so checking out the Next Upgrade Shop can help orient you to what monitor upgrade you want for the future!
AUTHOR
Louigi Balao
Content Writer
Louigi, better known as Gi, is a content writer for Next Upgrade’s Tech and Gaming sections. In his free time, he enjoys long strolls in his house, loves fantasizing about anime ships that will never bear fruit, and constantly complains about his scuffed Korean backdashes. If you need a quick 3 AM chit-chat, he is your guy.
