Monster Hunter: Dark Souls or Devil May Cry? Weapon Choice Matters

For newcomers, Monster Hunter Rise's sudden popularity might seem surprising. However, Capcom's years of refining the Monster Hunter series have culminated in what appears to be one of the franchise's best-selling entries. With over a million concurrent Steam players, Monster Hunter Rise is undeniably popular. But if you feel lost, the key to maximizing your enjoyment is simple: find the weapon that best suits your playstyle.

Monster Hunter Rise offers a vast arsenal of weapons, each with a unique feel. From the heavy, powerful Great Sword to the nimble Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the choice is yours.

Rise's combat is more streamlined than previous entries, aligning more with modern action games. Healing still requires sheathing your weapon, but combat feels intuitive to action RPG veterans. However, unlike most action RPGs with skill trees, Monster Hunter Rise's customization hinges entirely on weapon choice. Your initial weapon selection significantly shapes your experience.

If you crave fast-paced, combo-heavy action reminiscent of Dante, the Dual Blades are ideal. They emphasize rapid attacks, quick dodges, and building a meter for powerful combos on downed monsters.

Conversely, for a balance of damage, 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, offering unique parry and counter-attack opportunities.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns offer comparable or even superior power to melee options. Remember to pack sufficient ammo and choose the best types for each monster.

With 14 weapons, each with unique traits, they broadly fall into heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical categories. However, weapons like the Gunlance (range), Charge Blade (transforms between axe and blade), Insect Glaive, and Hunting Horn (unique buffs) blur these lines.

Don't feel overwhelmed by the choices. Experiment with each weapon in the tutorial before committing, ensuring you find the perfect fit, whether it's the frenetic style of Dante or the strategic approach of Dark Souls.