Monster Hunter: Play Styles Vary with Weapon Choice

For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the sudden success of Wilds might seem like it came out of nowhere. However, Capcom has been meticulously refining its massively successful Monster Hunter series for global acclaim over the years, culminating in what appears to be one of the best-selling games in the franchise.

With over a million concurrent players on Steam, everyone is diving into Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're feeling like an outsider looking in, unsure of how or where to start, I have a simple trick to maximize your enjoyment: find the weapon that best suits your preferred playstyle.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players are greeted with an almost overwhelming arsenal of weapons, each offering a unique way to engage with the game. Whether you're drawn to the heavy, powerful swings of the Great Sword, the agility of the Dual Blades, or the precision of ranged weapons like the Bowgun, there's something for everyone.

There's a natural inclination—perhaps due to its iconic status—to start with the big swords and switch axes. However, these cumbersome weapons require a specific approach, focusing on deliberate swings rather than brute force, making them challenging for beginners. Instead, consider starting with something more agile like the Dual Blades, which open up a world of quick attacks and dodges. This choice can transform your experience: wielding a big sword evokes the strategic combat of Dark Souls, while the Dual Blades bring to mind the fast-paced action of Devil May Cry.

Compared to its predecessors, Wilds has evolved its combat to align more closely with modern action games. While you still need to sheathe your weapon to heal, the combat feels more intuitive for those familiar with recent action RPGs. The key difference, and why choosing the right weapon is crucial, is that unlike other action RPGs where customization comes from skill trees, in Monster Hunter, your playstyle is defined by your weapon choice.

The weapon you select at the outset shapes your entire experience. If you crave speed and combo-heavy action reminiscent of Dante from Devil May Cry, the Dual Blades are perfect, relying on swift attacks, quick dodges, and building a meter for unleashing rapid combos on downed enemies.

AnswerSee ResultsOn the other hand, if you prefer a balance of heavy damage and defensive capabilities with mobility, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starter weapon. The Lance, though less popular due to its focus on defense over flashy attacks, offers a unique combat experience with its parries and counter-attacks, rewarding practice and patience.

Ranged options like the Bowguns are equally, if not more, powerful than melee weapons. When choosing these, ensure you have enough ammo and select the best type for the monster you're facing.

With 14 weapons to choose from, each with distinct abilities and characteristics, they can be broadly categorized into three types: heavy weapons that trade speed for massive damage, light weapons that excel in rapid attacks, and technical weapons. Some weapons, like the Gunlance, offer ranged capabilities, while the Charge Blade can switch between a large axe and a smaller blade. The Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn provide unique buffs with the right combos.

Don't let the variety overwhelm you. Experiment with every weapon in the game's tutorial before committing, as you're sure to find the perfect fit for your playstyle, whether you want to unleash chaos like Dante or adopt a more strategic approach akin to Dark Souls.