Monster Hunter Weapons: A Historical Overview

Monster Hunter is renowned for its diverse weapon types and engaging gameplay, but did you know that even more weapons have been left out of recent games? Dive into the history of Monster Hunter's weapons to uncover the evolution and variety of this beloved series.

← Return to Monster Hunter Wilds' main article

History of Weapon Types in Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter has captivated gamers for over two decades, ever since the first game launched in 2004. A key aspect of its appeal lies in the wide array of weapon types available to players. Monster Hunter Wilds will offer fourteen distinct weapon types, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, movesets, and mechanics to master.

Over time, the game has introduced new tools and mechanics, transforming weapons like the Great Sword from their initial versions to their latest iterations. Moreover, there are even more weapons from earlier games that were never released in the West. Let's explore the history of Monster Hunter, focusing on the evolution of its weaponry.

First Generation

The first generation introduced weapons that have since become staples of the series, evolving through various iterations with updated movesets and mechanics.

Great Sword

The Great Sword, an iconic powerhouse since the series' inception in 2004, is known for its high single-hit damage but slow movement. In the original game, it relied on hit-and-run tactics and precise spacing. Monster Hunter 2 introduced the Charged Slash, a game-changing move allowing hunters to charge their attacks for devastating results. Subsequent games built on this mechanic, adding new finishers and improving the fluidity of combos. Despite its slow nature, the Great Sword offers a low skill floor but a high skill ceiling, rewarding players who master its True Charged Slash in tight windows.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield epitomizes versatility, offering balanced damage, quick combos, mobility, and utility. Initially considered a beginner's weapon due to its simplicity, it has evolved with additional mechanics and attacks. Monster Hunter 2 allowed item use without sheathing, while later games introduced shield bash combos, backstep and jumping attacks, and the Perfect Rush combo. Despite its short range and moderate damage, the Sword and Shield is a jack-of-all-trades weapon, offering an infinite combo and built-in evasiveness.

Hammer

The Hammer, focusing on blunt damage, excels at breaking monster parts and knocking them out. Since Monster Hunter 2, it has been known as the king of KOs. Its playstyle involves hit-and-run tactics with high mobility and a unique charge mechanic that allows movement while charging. The moveset remained relatively unchanged until Monster Hunter World and Rise introduced the Big Bang and Spinning Bludgeon attacks, adding depth with Strength and Courage modes. The Hammer's simplicity belies its effectiveness, rewarding players who aim for the head and maximize charged attacks.

Lance

The Lance embodies the saying, "a good offense is a great defense," with its long reach and large shield for blocking. Its playstyle resembles an outboxer, poking at a distance while maintaining a guard. Monster Hunter introduced a Counter mechanic, enhancing its defensive identity. Despite its limited attacks and slow movement, the Lance offers significant damage output and rewards players who stand their ground, turning them into a tank on the battlefield.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun, a ranged weapon since the first generation, prioritizes mobility and faster reload speeds. Its smaller size allows for quicker handling and dodging but limits its firepower compared to the Heavy Bowgun. Customizable with attachments, it can Rapid Fire certain ammo types, outshining other ranged weapons in ease of use. Monster Hunter 4 introduced the Critical Distance mechanic, adding depth to ranged combat, while Monster Hunter World added the Wyvernblast, enhancing its mobile, run-and-gun style.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun, another first-generation ranged weapon, offers high damage and access to special ammunition. Its large size limits mobility, requiring strategic positioning. Monster Hunter 3 introduced Siege Mode for continuous firing, while Monster Hunter World added Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe special ammo types. Both bowguns require ammunition preparation, with the Heavy Bowgun's strength lying in its sheer firepower and customization options.

Dual Blades

The Dual Blades, known for their speed and status ailment infliction, were introduced in the Western release of the first game. They excel in fluid, fast combos, embodying a "death by a thousand cuts" philosophy. Demon Mode, introduced early on, enhances damage and attack options but drains stamina. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and 3 Ultimate added the Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode, revolutionizing the weapon's playstyle by allowing stamina-free access to powerful moves. The Demon Dash further enhances mobility and combat effectiveness.

Second Generation

The second generation introduced weapons that, while similar to the originals, offered unique movesets and mechanics.

Long Sword

The Long Sword, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is known for its fluid combos and high damage. It lacks the Great Sword's blocking ability but compensates with higher mobility and a Spirit Gauge mechanic. The gauge, filled by landing attacks, allows access to the Spirit Combo. Monster Hunter 3 added new levels to the gauge and the Spirit Roundslash finisher, while Monster Hunter World introduced the Foresight Slash for parrying and the Spirit Thrust Helm Breaker. Iceborne added the Iai Stance, enhancing its counter-based playstyle.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn, a support weapon introduced in Monster Hunter 2, uses the Recital mechanic to play beneficial songs. Dealing impact damage like the Hammer, it's weaker in raw damage but offers buffs like attack and healing. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate allowed note-playing during attacks, improving its fluidity. Monster Hunter World introduced song queuing and Echo Notes, while Monster Hunter Rise overhauled the weapon for simplicity, automatically casting buffs and halving the song list, sparking debate among players.

Gunlance

The Gunlance, introduced in the second generation, combines the Lance's shield and piercing capabilities with explosive shells. Its gameplay revolves around Shelling Abilities, with Monster Hunter 3 adding quick reloads and the Full Burst attack. Monster Hunter X introduced the Heat Gauge, balancing shell usage with damage output, while Monster Hunter World added the Wyrmstake Shot. The Gunlance's unique mechanics differentiate it from other melee weapons, requiring balanced aggression.

Bow

The Bow, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the most agile ranged weapon, excelling in close-to-mid-range combat. It uses Coatings for enhanced damage and effects, with a hit-and-run style focusing on weak spots. Monster Hunter World standardized its moveset and added the Close-Range Coating, while Monster Hunter Rise reintroduced Shot Types tied to charge levels. The Bow's aggressive, combo-heavy style sets it apart from other ranged weapons.

Third and Fourth Generation

The third and fourth generations introduced innovative weapons with unique mechanics.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, features Axe and Sword modes. Initially requiring a quest to unlock, it balances mobility and damage between modes. Monster Hunter World introduced the Amped state, enhancing Sword Mode, while Monster Hunter Rise extended it to both forms. The Switch Axe's form-swapping mechanics add depth and variety to combat.

Insect Glaive

The Insect Glaive, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, specializes in aerial combat and uses a Kinsect to collect essences for buffs. The weapon's true potential is unlocked by collecting red, white, and orange essences, enhancing attack, mobility, and defense. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne added the Descending Thrust finisher, while Monster Hunter Rise simplified the Kinsect upgrade system. The Insect Glaive's unique design and aerial prowess make it a standout weapon.

Charge Blade

The Charge Blade, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, is a versatile transforming weapon with Sword and Axe modes. It uses Sword Mode to charge phials and Axe Mode to unleash them with the Amped Elemental Discharge. Known for its difficulty and over-the-top finishers, it requires mastering Guard Points and mode transitions. The Charge Blade's mechanical depth and balanced offense make it highly rewarding to master.

Will There Be More?

Monster Hunter Wilds will feature fourteen weapons, but the series has a history of introducing new weapons or porting over existing ones from previous games. With its longevity, the future of Monster Hunter could see even more innovative weapons, adding further depth to its already engaging gameplay. Whether new or returning, these additions could enhance the experience for players, even if some, like myself, remain loyal to classics like the Sword and Shield.

You may also like...