Monster Hunter: Souls-like or Devil May Cry? Weapon Choice Decides

For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the explosive popularity of Rise might seem sudden. However, Capcom has meticulously refined its massively successful Monster Hunter series for global conquest for years, culminating in what appears to be one of the franchise's best-selling entries.

With over a million concurrent players on Steam, Monster Hunter Rise is everywhere. But if you feel like an outsider, unsure where to begin, the key to maximizing your enjoyment lies in a simple trick: finding the weapon that best matches your playstyle.

Monster Hunter Rise offers an almost overwhelming array of weapons, each with a unique feel. From the heavy-hitting Great Sword to the nimble Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the choices are diverse.

While the Great Sword and Switch Axe, being iconic, might tempt you, their deliberate swings demand precise timing, making them less beginner-friendly. Consider the more agile Dual Blades instead. Their rapid attacks and dodges offer a transformative experience. Mastering the Great Sword evokes the calculated combat of *Dark Souls*, while the Dual Blades unleash a *Devil May Cry*-esque flurry of action.

Rise's combat is more streamlined than previous entries, aligning with modern action games. Healing still requires sheathing your weapon, but combat feels intuitive to action RPG veterans. However, unlike other action RPGs that offer skill trees for customization, Monster Hunter Rise hinges on weapon choice.

Your initial weapon selection profoundly shapes your experience. If you crave fast-paced, combo-heavy action reminiscent of Dante, the Dual Blades are perfect. Their quick attacks, dodges, and meter-building system unleash devastating combos on downed foes.

Which Monster Hunter Playstyle Do You Prefer? ---------------------------------------------

The bigger the weapon, the better.Give me speed. More speed.Ranged attacks are the best.I like mixing-and-matching different weapon styles.

AnswerSee ResultsConversely, if you prefer powerful attacks while maintaining defense and mobility, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starting point. The Lance, though less popular due to its defensive focus, combines a large weapon with a shield. Its parries and counters offer a unique, rewarding combat style with practice.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns are also potent. Remember to pack ample ammo and choose the best types for each monster.

While there are 14 weapons, each with unique attributes, they generally fall into three categories: heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical. Some blur these lines—the Gunlance offers range, the Charge Blade switches between axe and blade forms, and the Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn provide unique buffs.

The abundance of choices shouldn't be overwhelming. Experiment with every weapon in the tutorial before committing. You'll find the perfect fit, whether you prefer Dante-esque frenzied attacks or the strategic approach of Dark Souls.