Monster Hunter World is a thrilling action-adventure game that pits players against fearsome beasts in a vast, uncharted world. With over a dozen weapon types to choose from, selecting the right weapon can be a daunting task, especially for new hunters. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Monster Hunter World’s weapons, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal playstyles to help you determine the best weapon for your hunting needs.
Understanding the Basics: Weapon Types and Their Characteristics
Before we dive into the best weapons, it’s essential to understand the different types and their unique characteristics. Monster Hunter World features 14 weapon types, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. Here’s a brief overview of each type:
- Great Sword: High damage, slow attacks, and long recovery times make this weapon ideal for dealing massive blows.
- Long Sword: A balance of speed and power, long swords offer quick combos and decent damage.
- Sword and Shield: Defensive-minded hunters will appreciate the sword and shield’s ability to block attacks and deal moderate damage.
- Dual Blades: Fast, agile, and deadly, dual blades are perfect for high-speed, high-damage combos.
- Hammer: Slow but incredibly powerful, hammers are ideal for stunning monsters and dealing massive blunt damage.
- Hunting Horn: A support-oriented weapon, hunting horns provide buffs and debuffs to help the hunting party.
- Lance: Long-range pokes and defensive capabilities make lances a solid choice for tanking and dealing moderate damage.
- Gunlance: A versatile weapon that combines the lance’s range with explosive shells and melee attacks.
- Switch Axe: A morphing weapon that shifts between axe and sword modes, offering a mix of damage and speed.
- Charge Blade: A high-damage, high-risk weapon that rewards aggressive play with powerful charged attacks.
- Insect Glaive: Fast, agile, and versatile, insect glaives offer a mix of melee and ranged attacks with the aid of a kinetic insect.
- Bow: Silent but deadly, bows provide long-range damage and a high level of accuracy.
- Light Bowgun: A fast-firing, agile weapon perfect for quick, successive shots and elemental damage.
- Heavy Bowgun: A high-damage, long-range weapon ideal for taking down monsters from a safe distance.
Weapon Selection Criteria: What to Consider
When choosing a weapon, several factors come into play. Consider the following criteria to narrow down your options:
Playstyle
- Do you prefer fast, agile attacks or slow, powerful blows?
- Are you comfortable with high-risk, high-reward play or do you prefer a more defensive approach?
Monster Type
- Are you hunting flying creatures or grounded beasts?
- Do you need a weapon with high vertical range or one that excels at close-quarters combat?
Elemental Weaknesses
- Are you aware of the monster’s elemental weaknesses and how your weapon can exploit them?
- Do you need a weapon with multiple elemental options or one that specializes in a single element?
Party Roles
- Are you playing solo or in a team?
- Do you need a weapon that provides support or one that deals massive damage?
The Top Contenders: Best Weapons for Different Playstyles
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the top contenders for different playstyles and hunting scenarios.
The Best for Solo Hunters: Long Sword and Dual Blades
For solo hunters, versatility and survivability are key. Long swords and dual blades offer the perfect balance of speed, power, and armor flexibility. Both weapons provide:
- Quick combos and decent damage
- Agility and mobility to dodge attacks
- Moderate armor options for solo play
The Best for Teams: Hunting Horn and Lance
In team play, coordination and support are crucial. Hunting horns and lances excel at providing buffs and debuffs, making them ideal for team-oriented hunters. These weapons offer:
- Buffs and debuffs to enhance team performance
- Defensive capabilities to protect teammates
- Moderate damage output to contribute to the team’s overall damage
The Best for High-Damage Output: Great Sword and Charge Blade
For hunters seeking pure damage output, great swords and charge blades are the way to go. These weapons provide:
- High damage potential with powerful charged attacks
- Staggering possibilities to leave monsters open to attack
- High-risk, high-reward play that rewards aggressive hunters
The Best for Elemental Damage: Bow and Light Bowgun
When exploiting elemental weaknesses is a priority, bows and light bowguns take center stage. These weapons offer:
- High elemental damage output with precise shots
- Agile movement and quick firing capabilities
- Versatility in elemental options and coatings
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Fit
Choosing the best weapon in Monster Hunter World is a personal decision that depends on your playstyle, hunting scenario, and personal preferences. By understanding the weapon types, their characteristics, and the criteria for selection, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect fit.
Remember, experimentation is key. Try out different weapons, and you might be surprised at how a particular weapon suits your hunting style. With practice and patience, you’ll unlock the full potential of your chosen weapon and become a formidable hunter in the world of Monster Hunter.
| Weapon Type | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Long Sword | Quick combos, decent damage, and armor flexibility | Somewhat slow recovery times and moderate damage output |
| Dual Blades | Fast, agile, and deadly with high-damage combos | Low survivability due to low armor and stagger vulnerability |
In the world of Monster Hunter, adaptability is key. As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter new monsters, weapons, and playstyles. Be prepared to adjust your weapon of choice to counter the challenges that lie ahead. With the right weapon in hand, you’ll be unstoppable in your pursuit of becoming the ultimate hunter.
What is the best weapon for a beginner in Monster Hunter World?
The best weapon for a beginner in Monster Hunter World is the Long Sword. It’s a versatile weapon that’s easy to learn and can be used in a variety of hunting styles. The Long Sword has a wide range of attacks, including slashing attacks, thrusts, and sweeping blows, making it an excellent choice for taking down monsters. Additionally, its long range allows players to keep a safe distance from their quarry, making it easier to dodge attacks and retreat when necessary.
As a beginner, it’s essential to choose a weapon that’s forgiving and allows you to focus on learning the basics of the game. The Long Sword fits the bill perfectly, and its ease of use makes it an excellent starting point for new players. With the Long Sword, you can focus on learning the game’s mechanics, such as combat, movement, and resource management, without worrying about complex weapon mechanics.
What is the most powerful weapon in Monster Hunter World?
The most powerful weapon in Monster Hunter World is often debated among players, and opinions tend to vary depending on playstyle and personal preference. However, according to many players and experts, the Hammer is considered one of the most powerful weapons in the game. The Hammer’s incredible damage output, combined with its high stun potential, makes it an excellent choice for taking down even the toughest monsters.
The Hammer’s high damage output comes from its ability to deal massive blunt damage, which is particularly effective against monsters with high defense. Additionally, its stunning capabilities allow players to immobilize monsters, making it easier to land critical hits and exploit their weaknesses. While other weapons, such as the Great Sword and the Heavy Bowgun, are also incredibly powerful, the Hammer’s versatility and raw power make it a top contender for the most powerful weapon in Monster Hunter World.
What is the best weapon for long-range combat in Monster Hunter World?
The best weapon for long-range combat in Monster Hunter World is the Heavy Bowgun. With its high firepower and excellent range, the Heavy Bowgun allows players to take down monsters from a safe distance. Its high damage output, combined with its ability to load multiple shots, makes it an excellent choice for taking out flying monsters or dealing massive damage to grounded monsters.
The Heavy Bowgun’s range is unmatched by any other weapon in the game, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer to keep their distance from their quarry. Additionally, its ability to load multiple shots allows players to unload a barrage of ammo on their target, making it an excellent choice for taking out multiple monsters at once. While other weapons, such as the Bow and the Light Bowgun, are also effective at long range, the Heavy Bowgun’s sheer firepower makes it the top choice for long-range combat.
What is the best weapon for speed and agility in Monster Hunter World?
The best weapon for speed and agility in Monster Hunter World is the Dual Blades. With their incredibly fast attack speed and agile movements, the Dual Blades allow players to dodge and weave around monster attacks with ease. Their quick slashes and thrusts make them an excellent choice for taking down fast-moving monsters, and their agility allows players to quickly reposition themselves on the battlefield.
The Dual Blades’ speed and agility also make them an excellent choice for exploiting monster weaknesses. With their rapid-fire attacks, players can quickly exploit a monster’s opennings, dealing massive damage in a short amount of time. Additionally, their agility allows players to quickly close the distance between themselves and their quarry, making it easier to land critical hits and take down monsters quickly.
Can I use any weapon for any hunt in Monster Hunter World?
While it’s technically possible to use any weapon for any hunt in Monster Hunter World, some weapons are better suited for specific hunts than others. Different monsters have different weaknesses and move sets, and certain weapons are more effective at exploiting those weaknesses. For example, the Hammer is particularly effective against monsters with high defense, while the Bow is better suited for taking out flying monsters.
That being said, with the right skills and equipment, it’s possible to adapt any weapon to any hunt. However, doing so may require a significant amount of practice and investment in skill points and armor. As you progress through the game, you’ll come to realize that certain weapons are more effective in certain situations, and it’s essential to choose the right weapon for the job to make the most of your hunting experience.
How do I choose the right weapon for a specific hunt in Monster Hunter World?
Choosing the right weapon for a specific hunt in Monster Hunter World involves understanding the monster’s weaknesses and move set, as well as your own playstyle and strengths. Before each hunt, take the time to research the monster you’re about to face, paying attention to its weaknesses, such as elemental vulnerabilities, and its move set. Consider the terrain and environment of the hunt, as well as your own skills and equipment.
Based on this information, choose a weapon that complements your playstyle and exploits the monster’s weaknesses. For example, if you’re facing a monster with high defense, consider using a Hammer or a Great Sword to deal massive blunt damage. If you’re facing a flying monster, the Bow or the Light Bowgun may be a better choice. By choosing the right weapon for the job, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success and make the hunt much more enjoyable.
Can I switch weapons mid-hunt in Monster Hunter World?
No, it’s not possible to switch weapons mid-hunt in Monster Hunter World. Once you start a hunt, you’re locked into the weapon you chose at the beginning of the quest. This is intentional design, as it forces players to think carefully about their weapon choice before starting the hunt and encourages strategy and planning.
While it may be inconvenient to be locked into a specific weapon, it also adds an extra layer of realism to the game. In real-life hunting, you wouldn’t be able to switch weapons mid-hunt, and the game’s design reflects this. Instead, players must adapt to their chosen weapon and find ways to overcome any challenges they encounter during the hunt.