When it comes to the thrilling world of Monster Hunter, the right weapon can make all the difference between a triumphant victory and a crushing defeat. As a hunter, you must master a variety of weapons to adapt to the diverse and challenging monsters you will face. Here, we've identified the 7 best weapons in Monster Hunter that you absolutely need to master to elevate your hunts and enhance your gameplay experience.
Each weapon in Monster Hunter offers a unique playstyle, complete with its own strengths, weaknesses, and special mechanics. Some cater to those who prefer brute force and sheer power, while others appeal to the more strategic hunter who values precision and agility. In this article, we'll delve into each weapon's nuances, providing insights on why they're considered the best and how you can effectively use them in your monster hunts.
For instance, if you relish getting up close and personal with your prey, you might find the Great Sword or the Hammer to be your weapons of choice. The Great Sword offers devastating charged attacks that can deal massive damage, perfect for targeting monster weak points. On the other hand, the Hammer allows for concussive hits that can stun monsters, giving you and your team critical opportunities to strike.
Alternatively, for those who prefer a more agile approach, the Dual Blades provide unmatched speed and fluidity. This weapon allows for quick, relentless combos that can chip away at a monster's health in no time. Meanwhile, the Insect Glaive provides both mobility and support, enabling you to vault into the air for dynamic aerial attacks and command kinsects to gather buffs that enhance your combat effectiveness.
Ranged weapons such as the Bow and the Light Bowgun cater to hunters who prefer to keep their distance while still delivering substantial damage. These weapons require precise aiming and strategic positioning but can decimate monsters with their versatile ammunition and special attacks.
No matter your hunting style, mastering these weapons will significantly contribute to your success and enjoyment in Monster Hunter. Throughout this article, we'll provide detailed guides, tips, and example strategies for each weapon, helping you become a formidable force in the world of monster hunting.
Great Sword: Unleash Devastating Power
The Great Sword in Monster Hunter is the epitome of raw power and precision. When you wield this massive weapon, you become a force to be reckoned with, capable of delivering devastating blows that can bring down even the fiercest monsters.
The Great Sword is all about timing and positioning. Unlike faster weapons, you'll need to carefully plan your attacks. The true beauty of this weapon lies in its Charged Attacks and the moment of perfect impact when your blade connects with the monster's weak spot. Let's break down its most effective moves.
Charged Slash is your bread and butter. Hold down the attack button to charge up your swing. The longer you hold it, the more powerful the strike becomes. It's crucial to learn the monster's patterns to unleash this move at the optimum moment. For example, when battling the Rathalos, wait for it to finish a fire breath attack before going in for a fully charged hit.
Another indispensable move is the True Charged Slash. This is a two-phase attack that finishes with an incredibly powerful downward swing. Although it takes some time to execute, the damage output is well worth it. To maximize its potential, use it after you've tripped a monster or during its vulnerable states.
Don't overlook the Tackle. This offensive move allows you to cancel out of a charge and absorb incoming damage while continuing your attack. It's a game-changer, giving you the chance to maintain momentum even when the monster attempts to interrupt you.
With the Great Sword, positioning is everything. Always aim for the monster's weak points like the head or tail. Utilize your environment, using slopes for sliding attacks or ledges for powerful jumping slashes. A well-timed jump attack can lead to mounting the monster, giving your team a significant advantage.
Remember, the Great Sword isn't just about dealing great damage; it's also about making every hit count. Precision, patience, and timing turn this heavy-hitting behemoth into a legendary weapon of destruction. Master these techniques, and you'll find the Great Sword to be one of the most gratifying weapons in your Monster Hunter arsenal.
Summary:
- The Great Sword in Monster Hunter is a powerful weapon focused on timing and positioning, delivering devastating blows with precise Charged Attacks.
- Key moves include the Charged Slash and True Charged Slash for maximum damage, and the Tackle to absorb damage while maintaining attack momentum.
- Effective use involves targeting monster weak points, utilizing environmental features for additional attacks, and mastering patience and precision for optimal impact.
Long Sword: Precision and Grace
The Long Sword in Monster Hunter melds precision and grace, making it a top pick for hunters who relish agile and strategic combat. This weapon's fluid movements and elegant strikes can turn the tide of any battle. With a mixture of speed and style, the Long Sword is not just about hitting hard; it's about making each hit count.
One of the highlights of the Long Sword is its Spirit Gauge. As you land successful hits, your gauge fills up, allowing you to perform powerful Spirit Blade attacks. Mastering the timing and sequence of these moves is essential. For example, the Spirit Roundslash is a critical finisher that boosts your gauge level, enhancing your future attacks.
But the true beauty of the Long Sword lies in its Foresight Slash. This move isn't just visually stunning; it's an advanced counter that can turn defensive play into a powerful offensive maneuver. By precisely timing a dodge with the Foresight Slash, you can evade an enemy attack and quickly follow up with a devastating blow. I've turned many seemingly hopeless situations into thrilling victories with this move.
An essential part of mastering the Long Sword is understanding the weapon's flow. This isn't a weapon where you can button mash and hope for the best. Each attack builds on the previous one, and knowing when to perform a Fade Slash to reposition or a well-timed Spirit Thrust to maintain offensive pressure is crucial. For instance, during my hunt with a fierce Rathalos, a well-executed series of combos combined with the Foresight Slash allowed me to dodge its lethal fire breath and land a stunning critical blow.
Overall, the Long Sword is a weapon of choice for hunters who appreciate a balance of beauty and power. It demands practice and precision, but the payoff is a dance of destruction that's incredibly satisfying to perform. When wielded correctly, you'll feel like you're not just hunting monsters, but doing so with unparalleled elegance and efficiency.
Summary:
- The Long Sword in Monster Hunter combines precision and grace, offering agile and strategic combat with fluid movements and elegant strikes.
- Key features include the Spirit Gauge, which fills with successful hits to unleash powerful Spirit Blade attacks, and the Foresight Slash, an advanced counter for turning defense into offense.
- Mastery involves understanding the weapon's flow, with each attack building on the last, requiring precise timing and strategic combos to achieve balanced beauty and power in combat.
Sword and Shield: Versatile and Reliable
In Monster Hunter, few weapons embody versatility and reliability quite like the Sword and Shield. This dynamic duo offers an impressive balance of offense and defense, making it an exceptional choice for both novice hunters and seasoned veterans alike. The Sword and Shield are perfect for players who thrive on agility and flexibility during a hunt.
One of the standout features of the Sword and Shield is its incredible mobility. Unlike bulkier weapons, the Sword and Shield allow you to dodge and weave between monster attacks with ease. This mobility doesn't just aid in offense; it also makes evading and countering an integral part of your strategy. You can effortlessly dodge devastating blows, reposition, and continue your relentless assault on your prey.
Speaking of assault, the Sword and Shield's diverse range of attacks includes quick slashes, powerful combos, and even elemental damage when using specific coatings. With stunning elemental versatility, this weapon allows you to exploit monsters' weaknesses effectively. For instance, when facing a fire-breathing Rathalos, equipping a water-based Sword and Shield can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
In addition to its impressive offensive capabilities, the Sword and Shield offer considerable defensive options. The shield isn't just for show; it can block attacks that would otherwise send you flying. When timed correctly, you can nullify significant damage and counterattack swiftly. The shield also has an invaluable ability: you can still use items without sheathing your weapon. This means that mid-battle healing or buffing yourself with potions and powders becomes frictionless and efficient.
Another unique aspect is the multitude of combos and special moves available to Sword and Shield users. For example, the Perfect Rush move allows you to unleash a devastating sequence of attacks that, when executed correctly, deal massive damage. Practicing and mastering these combos can significantly increase your effectiveness in hunts.
The adaptability of the Sword and Shield also shines in multiplayer hunts. Its speed allows you to play a supportive role if necessary, whether that means drawing monster aggro away from your allies or providing quick rescues when teammates find themselves in trouble. The versatility makes it a valuable addition to any hunting party regardless of the composition.
To truly master the Sword and Shield, focus on learning the intricacies of each monster's attack patterns. This weapon rewards precision and agility, encouraging players to stay light on their feet and constantly adapt to the flow of battle. Remember, your shield isn't just a line of defense but a tool for creating openings and maintaining your offensive momentum.
In summary, the Sword and Shield are the epitome of versatility and reliability in Monster Hunter. Whether you're solo adventuring or backing up your team, mastering this weapon will undoubtedly enhance your hunting experience and elevate your overall performance.
Summary:
- Sword and Shield offer an impressive balance of offense and defense, perfect for agility-focused players and both novice and veteran hunters.
- Key features include high mobility for dodging and countering, a diverse range of attacks (including elemental damage), and considerable defensive options like blocking and using items without sheathing the weapon.
- Adaptability in multiplayer hunts and various combos and special moves make the Sword and Shield a valuable and versatile weapon, rewarding mastery of monster attack patterns and precision in battle.
Dual Blades: Speed and Fury
When it comes to unbridled speed and relentless aggression in Monster Hunter, there's no better choice than the Dual Blades. As someone who loves dashing around enemies and unleashing a flurry of attacks, these weapons offer the perfect blend of mobility and damage output.
The hallmark of the Dual Blades is their ability to enter Demon Mode. Activating Demon Mode can feel like unleashing a beast, as your attacks become faster and more powerful. You'll notice a significant boost in your movement speed, allowing you to dodge and weave through monster attacks with ease. But don't just take my word for it; imagine facing off against the ferocious Rathalos, sidestepping its tail swings effortlessly while chipping away at its health with rapid strikes.
Managing stamina is crucial when using the Dual Blades. Demon Mode drains your stamina over time, and if you're not careful, you can find yourself unable to evade at critical moments. This makes it essential to balance your aggression with periods of defensive play. Keeping an eye on your stamina bar while chaining your combos can be the difference between victory and carting back to camp.
Another key feature is the Archdemon Mode. When you attack in Demon Mode, you'll build up a separate gauge that, when filled, allows you to enter Archdemon Mode. This grants you enhanced attacks even when you're not in Demon Mode, offering a rewarding cycle of buildup and release. Picture yourself relentlessly assaulting a Diablos, building up your gauge, then switching to Archdemon Mode to sustain your offensive as the beast staggers from your onslaught.
Furthermore, the Dual Blades are particularly effective against agile and smaller monsters. Their high attack speed and ability to hit multiple times can exploit the vulnerabilities of nimble enemies like the Tobi-Kadachi. When the thrill of dodging, weaving, and striking comes together, every hunt feels like a beautifully orchestrated dance of death.
For those looking to master the Dual Blades, investing in skills that boost stamina, such as Marathon Runner and Stamina Surge, can significantly enhance your effectiveness. Additionally, maintaining your weapon's sharpness is paramount. Skills like Handicraft or Master's Touch can keep your blades in peak condition, ensuring that each strike lands with maximum impact.
In summary, if the idea of darting around the battlefield and overwhelming monsters with a storm of slashes excites you, then the Dual Blades should be your weapon of choice. Their unique balance of speed, power, and agility offers a dynamic and exhilarating hunting experience that's hard to match.
Summary:
- Dual Blades offer unmatched speed and aggression, with Demon Mode providing faster, more powerful attacks and increased mobility.
- Effective stamina management is crucial for using Dual Blades, especially in Demon Mode, to maintain a balance between offense and defense.
- Skills that boost stamina and maintain weapon sharpness, like Marathon Runner and Master's Touch, enhance the effectiveness of Dual Blades, making it ideal for agile combat.
Lance: Ultimate Defense
When it comes to ultimate defense in Monster Hunter, the Lance is your go-to weapon. It's not just a shield on a stick; it's a dynamic, versatile tool that turns you into a walking fortress. If you're new to Monster Hunter or even a seasoned veteran, mastering the Lance will elevate your gameplay to new heights.
What sets the Lance apart is its ability to provide unyielding defense without sacrificing offensive capabilities. This weapon allows you to poke and prod your enemies with precision, all while maintaining an ironclad guard. Picture this: you're in the middle of a heated battle with a ferocious Rathalos. Instead of dodging every attack and praying for an opening, you can stand your ground, block its fireballs, and retaliate with well-timed thrusts.
The Guard mechanic is the heart and soul of Lance gameplay. By using your shield to block incoming attacks, you conserve stamina and reduce damage, allowing you to stay in close quarters with even the most aggressive monsters. Combine this with Guard Up skills, and you can even block unblockable attacks. For example, the dreaded Nergigante's dive bomb can be mitigated with a solid guard, making it less of a threat and more of an opportunity to counter.
But blocking isn't the Lance's only defensive trick. The Counter-Thrust is another essential tool in your arsenal. Activate it just before an attack lands, and you'll not only block it but also strike back instantly. This maneuver turns your defense into offense and can be a game-changer in protracted fights. Imagine facing off against a Teostra. As it charges up for a devastating supernova, you stand firm, activate your Counter-Thrust at the right moment, absorb the impact, and thrust right back into its face.
The mobility with the Lance is surprisingly nimble as well. The Power Guard lets you move while maintaining a high level of defense, making it easier to reposition yourself during fights. Additionally, the Lance's charge move covers a lot of ground quickly, which is particularly useful for closing the distance or escaping a dangerous situation. For example, if an Anjanath is about to stomp you into the ground, you can quickly charge out of harm's way and get back to a safe distance.
While offense may not be its primary function, the Lance still packs a punch. The weapon specializes in pinpoint, repetitive attacks that can target specific monster parts with high accuracy. This makes it particularly useful for breaking tough parts like horns and tails. With proper skill and gem setups, you can focus on maximizing your thrust damage to complement your defensive prowess.
In essence, mastering the Lance transforms you into an immovable object and an unstoppable force. Its defensive capabilities allow you to withstand the harshest attacks while providing ample opportunities to strike back. If you value safety and precision over raw power and agility, the Lance is a weapon you can't afford to ignore.
Summary:
- The Lance offers unparalleled defense and offensive capabilities, turning you into a walking fortress, perfect for withstanding and countering monster attacks.
- Key mechanics include the Guard to block attacks, Counter-Thrust for immediate retaliation, and Power Guard for maintaining defense while repositioning.
- Despite being defensive, the Lance excels in precise, repetitive attacks targeting specific monster parts, making it effective for breaking tough parts and maximizing thrust damage.
Hammer: Knock Out Your Foes
The Hammer in Monster Hunter is an absolute brute-force weapon that excels in raw, unrelenting damage. If you're looking to knock out your foes and make a dramatic impact on the battlefield, mastering the Hammer is a must.
As a blunt weapon, the Hammer specializes in stunning monsters. It's perfect for targeting less-armored areas such as the head, making it easier to inflict serious concussion damage. This mechanic not only deals a significant amount of damage but can also immobilize your target temporarily. When a monster is stunned, your entire party gets an invaluable window to unleash their strongest attacks.
The key to Hammer mastery is mobility despite its heft. You won't be executing flashy combos, but the Hammer's charge attacks more than make up for that. Charge up by holding down the attack button while moving, then release for a devastating blow. The charged attack alone can change the course of a fight. For instance, when facing the likes of a relentless Radobaan, a Charger Slam to its head can significantly slow it down.
There are also different levels of charge to consider. Level 1 delivers a basic but powerful strike, while Level 3 Charge lets you unleash an earth-shattering Superpound. Timing and positioning are everything. Missing a Level 3 Charge can be costly, leaving you wide open to counterattacks, but landing it can significantly shift the battle in your favor.
Don't underestimate the utility of the Hammer's spinning attack either. Ideal for wide-sweeping damages, it's particularly effective when dealing with larger groups of smaller monsters or when you need to consistently deal damage while evading a monster's primary attacks. Spinning through the legs of a Barroth, for example, can keep you mobile while dealing consistent damage.
Finally, the Hammer's Big Bang combo is a thing of beauty. On a downed monster, rushing in to deliver a full Big Bang combo can utterly obliterate them. Perform this by chaining multiple consecutive hits; watch the damage rack up, leaving immense carnage in your wake.
Mastering the Hammer is about balancing raw power with timing and positioning. It requires understanding your enemy's movements and planning your strikes meticulously. When done right, you'll find the Hammer one of the most rewarding weapons to wield in Monster Hunter, capable of turning the tide of any battle.
Summary:
- The Hammer in Monster Hunter excels in stunning monsters and inflicting serious concussion damage, providing a window for your party to unleash strong attacks.
- Mastering the Hammer involves balancing raw power with mobility, using charged attacks and timing to maximize damage while avoiding counterattacks.
- Utilize the Hammer's spinning attack for wide-sweeping damage and the Big Bang combo for devastating blows on downed monsters.
Bow: Ranged Combat Mastery
If you are looking for a weapon that combines precision, agility, and tactical advantage, the Bow should be your go-to choice in Monster Hunter. As one of the best weapons in the game, mastering the bow is essential for any serious hunter.
The first thing you'll love about the Bow is its incredible range. While melee fighters are up close and personal with monsters, you'll be raining down arrows from a safe distance. But don't mistake distance for disengagement; using a bow requires meticulous aim and timing. For instance, hitting a monster's weak spot can cause significantly more damage, and elemental arrows can exploit a monster's vulnerabilities to great effect.
Another crucial aspect of the Bow is its mobility. You can sprint and dodge while aiming, making it easier to avoid attacks while staying on the offensive. A skilled bow user takes advantage of this by continually repositioning themselves to maintain optimal distance from the target. Have you ever seen a Diablos charging and thought you couldn't escape? With the bow, you can dodge at the last second and counter with a powerful arrow shot.
Customization is another strong suit of the Bow. You can choose from various coatings to apply on your arrows, each providing different tactical benefits. For example, Power Coatings increase your damage output, while Paralysis Coatings offer a chance to immobilize your target temporarily. Switching between coatings mid-fight lets you adapt to the battle's changing dynamics, making you a versatile combatant.
The bow also comes with special shot types like Dragon Piercer and Arc Shot. The Dragon Piercer is a devastating attack that can pierce through multiple weak spots of a monster, dealing massive damage. Meanwhile, the Arc Shot can rain down a volley of arrows, ideal for hitting multiple parts of a large monster or taking down swarms of smaller creatures.
Additionally, synergy with team members can elevate the bow's effectiveness. While heavy weapons like the Great Sword focus on staggering the monster, a bow user can target the head or tail to break specific parts or apply status effects. Combine these efforts, and your team will down monsters quicker and more efficiently.
Remember, mastering the Bow is not just about the weapon itself but about understanding the monsters you're hunting. Each creature has its behavior, weaknesses, and strengths. The more you learn, the more effectively you can use your bow to exploit these aspects. A well-placed sleep coating followed by a barrage of power-coated shots can turn the tide of any battle.
In summary, the Bow is a versatile and powerful weapon that offers a unique blend of ranged combat mastery and strategic depth. Whether you're dodging attacks, applying different coatings, or executing a perfect Dragon Piercer, the bow provides endless opportunities for skilled hunters. So, take the time to master this weapon, and you'll find that it quickly becomes one of the most rewarding arsenals in Monster Hunter.
Summary:
- The Bow offers incredible range, allowing for precision shots from a safe distance, and requires meticulous aim and timing to exploit monster vulnerabilities effectively.
- Its high mobility enables dodging and sprinting while aiming, making it easier to maintain optimal distance and avoid attacks, all while staying on the offensive.
- Customization options like various coatings and special shot types, along with team synergy and understanding monster behavior, make the Bow a versatile and strategic weapon choice.