Monster Hunter Rise Weapon Guide
Monster Hunter Rise released worldwide on March 26 for Nintendo Switch, and the sixth instalment in the critically acclaimed action-RPG series is going down a storm amongst reviewers and fans alike. The single player game sees the protagonist take on the role of a Hunter, hunting, you guessed it - monsters. Utilise traps and weaponry to take the beasts down, and learn the style, moves, and uses of each weapon.
There are 14 weapons in Monster Hunter Rise in total, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You choose a weapon each time you begin a hunt, which acts as a sort of "class" for that time period. This means you can test and try out several different weapons until you land on your fave.
Players should be aware that they can experiment any time in the Training Room in-game, similar to Monster Hunter World, where you can practice to your heart's content.
Monster Hunter Rise Weapons
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - BOW
Strengths: Shotgun-like mechanic, works well up close but also excels at range. Speedy and versatile.
Weaknesses: Uses arrow coatings to achieve its full potential, which need to be crafted from common materials found around the world. Can be forged with elemental powers.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - CHARGE BLADE
Strengths: Does the most damage of any weapon in Monster Hunter Rise. Two modes - Sword and Shield Mode and Axe Mode, making it a little more fun to use.
Weaknesses: Tough to use as it requires knowledge of combos, and understanding of each monster's vulnerabilities. Must be charged with damage dealt, which is then stored in the sword, shield, and phial containers for one big burst of damage.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - DUAL BLADES
Strengths: Easy to use and easy to understand. Fast slicing action, and activating Demon mode makes you ultra-powerful. Perfect for new players.
Weaknesses: After dealing enough damage in Demon Mode, you will activate Archdemon Mode which changes some of your attacks, and can be confusing.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - GREAT SWORD
Strengths: The most iconic MH weapon, the Great Sword is powerful and works via a charge-based system to garner harder and harder hits.
Weaknesses: Unwieldy with slow movement, requires a lot of patience to master. Not great for new players with limited knowledge of monsters' weaknesses.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - GUNLANCE
Strengths: A combo lance and explosive, the Gunlance can be used as a stab weapon with a succulent side dish of detonation damage.
Weaknesses: A little too complex for brand-new players, and the defensive style may be boring to some. Slow-moving.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - HAMMER
Strengths: The Hammer is your best bet for knocking monsters out, then inflict major damage (including breaking parts of them off). Best blunt weapon in the game.
Weaknesses: High skill ceiling and hits must be well-timed.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - HEAVY BOWGUN
Strengths: Longer range and deals heavier damage than the Light Bowgun, and the craftable ammo provides even more power.
Weaknesses: Slow movement, and slightly more complex than other ranged weapons available.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - HUNTING HORN
Strengths: Battle bards - rise up! No combos required here, if music be the food of love - play on. Each note deals damage, and each note correlates to a song, buffing you and your allies. Not just for support, as the more you learn, the more powerful you become.
Weaknesses: A lot to learn, but it's worth it. You must have a good head for rhythm and songs.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - INSECT GLAIVE
Strengths: Quick hits with a staff paired with an insect friend (Kinsect) who helps you out in combat situations. Command the Kinsect to attack, which is fun AND cute!
Weaknesses: Rather complex, and probably for more experienced players.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - LANCE
Strengths: A simple weapon, and good for tanky playstyles. The giant shield is useful for absorbing heavy hits from monsters. A safe, stable option.
Weaknesses: Lack of mobility, and slightly boring.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - LIGHT BOWGUN
Strengths: Stay safe and fire from range with the Light Bowgun, as well as retaining good mobility. Using Wyverblast ammo will allow you to set up remotely detonatable bombs.
Weaknesses: Ammo system is a bit complicated.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - LONG SWORD
Strengths: Charge up the Long Sword with attacks, then spend the charge on special combos for extreme damage. Perfect starting weapon, with huge reach.
Weaknesses: Can end up tripping your hunting allies with the swing.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - SWITCH AXE
Strengths: Another charge-up weapon, but with an added perk of being able to switch up and swap your Switch Axe into Sword Mode. Not too difficult to pick up, well-rounded, and features elemental damage.
Weaknesses: A more intermediate weapon choice, and doesn't deal the most damage out there.
Click to enlargeMONSTER HUNTER RISE - SWORD AND SHIELD
Strengths: Flexible, versatile, and enables the use of items with Sword and Shield drawn.
Weaknesses: Start off using this in groups, as it can be difficult to deal optimal damage for new players. Relatively short range.
Begin the hunt in Monster Hunter Rise now!
Images via Capcom | Polygon
