Picking Your Weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds
Within the first few minutes of hopping into Monster Hunter Wilds, the game presents you with a crucial task—selecting a weapon from the 14 options available. This decision will shape your playstyle and influence how you tackle the game’s myriad challenges. Each weapon has its unique set of attacks and handling, some excelling at swift, agile movements, while others focus on powerful, defensive strategies. While the in-game guide, Alma, can recommend weapons based on your preferred fighting style, it’s essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each option before making your choice. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all the weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds to help you make an informed decision.
A Comprehensive Overview of the 14 Weapons
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Great Sword: This versatile weapon might be slow in terms of swings and movement speed, but it compensates with robust evasion and defensive capabilities. The Great Sword allows you to perform special counter moves and use sheath-and-run tactics to outmaneuver your foes. You can also guard yourself directly using the sword, making it a solid choice for balanced play.
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Long Sword: Ideal for those who prefer quick, fluid movements and combo-based attacks. The Long Sword allows you to move swiftly around your targets, but it lacks a guard function. Instead, it features a Spirit Gauge that fills as you attack, turning red to boost your damage significantly.
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Sword & Shield: This weapon is perfect for a mobile, defensive playstyle. It allows you to constantly move around your targets while providing a handy shield for quick defense. The combination of mobility and protection makes it a great choice for beginners.
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Dual Blades: Designed for aggressive players, the Dual Blades offer impressive attack animations and the ability to land continuous powerful blows. The Demon Mode further enhances your damage but drains stamina more quickly, adding an element of strategic management.
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Hammer: This weapon provides decent power without significantly sacrificing mobility. While you can’t guard with the Hammer, you can land headshots to stun monsters, making it a formidable choice for those who enjoy powerful, area-of-effect attacks.
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Hunting Horn: Unique among the weapons, the Hunting Horn can provide various buffs through melodies and echo bubbles, enhancing evasion, movement speed, and attack speed. However, it requires precise maneuvering to be effective, making it a bit more challenging for beginners.
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Lance: This defense-heavy weapon has low mobility but excels in quick counterattacks. It’s a solid choice for players who prefer a sturdy, defensive stance on the battlefield.
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Gunlance: A bulky cannon fixed to a lance, the Gunlance offers impressive range and guarding abilities. However, it comes at the cost of low movement speed, making it ideal for players who can handle a more stationary, powerful playstyle.
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Switch Axe: This versatile weapon allows you to switch between a massive Axe and a Sword, each with its own gauge. The Axe Mode provides better reach, while the Sword Mode features faster attacks. Switching to Sword Mode upon maxing out the Axe gauge is a strategic move that can turn the tide of battle.
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Charge Blade: Similar to the Switch Axe, the Charge Blade lets you switch between Sword and Axe modes. The Sword mode is ideal for dodging incoming attacks, while the Axe mode is perfect for delivering powerful blows. You can only guard yourself in the Sword mode, adding another layer of strategic depth.
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Insect Glaive: This weapon allows you to perform midair attacks and jump high into the air. It also equips you with a large insect, called a Kinsect, which can gather Extracts to provide various buffs. The Insect Glaive is perfect for players who enjoy acrobatic, mobile combat.
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Light Bowgun: Fast-firing and highly mobile, the Light Bowgun excels at mid-range combat and offers amazing evasion capabilities. It can switch to a Rapid Fire mode to fire several rounds of ammo quickly. You can also switch between different types of ammo, such as Pierce, Poison, Spread, or Normal, to adapt to various situations.
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Heavy Bowgun: The big brother of the Light Bowgun, the Heavy Bowgun packs more power in each shot but sacrifices some mobility. It also provides automatic guarding in several stances, making it a solid choice for players who prioritize power over speed.
- Bow: This weapon offers a wide array of arrow attacks and allows for quick repositioning around monsters. While it lacks a guard function, you can sidestep to evade charging monsters, making it a versatile choice for players who prefer a mobile, ranged playstyle.
Choosing the Right Weapon for You
If you’re new to Monster Hunter Wilds or diving into the franchise for the first time, it’s best to start with weapons that are easier to use and provide a good balance of mobility, consistent damage output, and evasion. The Sword & Shield, Bow, and Great Sword are particularly recommended for beginners. These weapons offer a solid foundation and are forgiving to new players, allowing you to learn the game’s mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.
Mastering Your Chosen Weapon
The key to mastering any weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds is familiarity with its combos and unique mechanics. Practice is crucial, as each weapon has its own set of moves and strategies that can be exploited to maximum effect. Experiment with different techniques, and don’t be afraid to switch weapons as you progress through the game. Each weapon has its strengths, and by understanding and utilizing these strengths, you can become a more versatile and effective hunter.
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Conclusion
Choosing your weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds is a crucial step that sets the tone for your entire hunting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon is essential. By picking the right weapon and mastering its unique mechanics, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the game’s challenging monsters and emerge victorious. So, step into the Wilds with confidence, and may the hunt be ever in your favor!
