Monster Hunter Weapons: A Historical Overview

Monster Hunter is renowned for its diverse array of weapon types and engaging gameplay, but did you know that even more weapons haven’t made it into the newer games? Dive into the history of Monster Hunter weapons and discover more about this iconic franchise.

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History of Weapon Types in Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter has been captivating players for over two decades since its debut in 2004. One of its hallmarks is the variety of weapon types available, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, movesets, and mechanics. Monster Hunter Wilds will feature fourteen distinct weapon types, each requiring mastery to fully utilize their potential.

The evolution of these weapons from their initial iterations to the latest versions showcases significant changes, not just in movesets but also in mechanics. Additionally, there are weapons from older games that were never released in the West, adding to the series' rich history. Let's explore the evolution of Monster Hunter's weaponry, focusing on the hunter's most essential tool: the weapon.

First Generation

The first generation of Monster Hunter introduced the foundational weapon types that have evolved over time. These original weapons have been refined with new movesets and mechanics.

Great Sword

The Great Sword, an iconic weapon since the series' inception in 2004, is known for its high damage potential but slow attack and movement speed. In the first game, it was designed around hit-and-run tactics, with unique features like increased damage from mid-blade hits.

Monster Hunter 2 introduced the Charged Slash, a move that has become central to the weapon's identity. Subsequent games expanded on this concept, adding new finishers and improving the flow of combos. In Monster Hunter World, the shoulder tackle attack was introduced, enhancing the weapon's utility and fluidity.

The Great Sword offers a low skill floor but a high skill ceiling, making it accessible yet rewarding for players who master its True Charged Slash technique.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield embodies versatility, balancing moderate damage with quick combos, mobility, and utility. Initially seen as a beginner-friendly weapon, it has grown more complex over the series.

In its early form, it focused on quick slashes and mobility. Monster Hunter 2 allowed item use without sheathing, a significant enhancement. Later games added shield bash combos, backstep and jumping attacks, and the Perfect Rush combo, enriching its moveset.

Despite its short range and lower damage, the Sword and Shield excels as a jack-of-all-trades, offering infinite combos, evasion, and defensive options.

Hammer

The Hammer, focused on blunt damage, is essential for breaking monster parts, especially heads, leading to knockouts. Introduced in the first game, its playstyle mirrors the Great Sword's hit-and-run tactics but with higher mobility and a unique charge mechanic that allows movement.

The Hammer's moveset has evolved, with significant changes in Monster Hunter World and Rise, introducing the Big Bang and Spinning Bludgeon attacks. These games also added Strength and Courage modes, enhancing the weapon's versatility and depth.

The Hammer's simplicity belies its potential, rewarding players who can effectively target monster heads and utilize charged attacks.

Lance

The Lance is the epitome of defensive play, offering long-range attacks and robust shielding. Its playstyle is akin to an outboxer, poking from a safe distance while maintaining a strong guard. The Lance's Counter mechanic, introduced in later versions, enhances its defensive capabilities.

Despite its limited mobility and simple attack patterns, the Lance excels in turning hunters into tanks, offering significant damage output when used correctly.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun, a ranged weapon from the first generation, prioritizes mobility and quick reloads. While it offers less firepower than its heavier counterpart, its customization options and Rapid Fire capability make it a versatile choice.

Monster Hunter 4 introduced the Critical Distance mechanic, adding depth to ranged combat. Monster Hunter World added the Wyvernblast, further enhancing its mobility and offensive potential.

The Light Bowgun's evolution has made it more than just a lighter version of its counterpart, offering a unique playstyle that balances ease of use with effectiveness.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun, introduced in the first generation, is the ultimate ranged weapon, offering high damage and versatile ammunition options. Its trade-off is reduced mobility, requiring strategic positioning.

Monster Hunter 3 introduced Siege Mode, allowing sustained shelling without reloading. Monster Hunter World added Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe special ammo types, enhancing its firepower and tactical options.

The Heavy Bowgun's design remains focused on delivering powerful attacks, requiring careful preparation and ammunition management.

Dual Blades

The Dual Blades, known for their speed and fluid combos, are ideal for inflicting status ailments and elemental damage. Introduced in the Western release of the first game, they emphasize rapid, multi-hitting attacks.

The Demon Mode, which boosts damage and adds offensive moves, is central to their playstyle. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and 3 Ultimate introduced the Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode, revolutionizing the weapon's use by allowing stamina-free access to enhanced moves.

The Dual Blades continue to evolve, offering a dynamic and offensive playstyle that rewards speed and precision.

Second Generation

The second generation introduced new weapons that, while similar to their predecessors, brought unique movesets and mechanics.

Long Sword

The Long Sword, known for its fluid combos and high damage, was introduced in Monster Hunter 2. It shares similarities with the Great Sword but offers greater mobility and a more dynamic combo structure.

The Spirit Gauge, filled by landing attacks, allows access to the powerful Spirit Combo. Monster Hunter 3 added the Spirit Roundslash, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. Monster Hunter World introduced the Foresight Slash, a parry move that complements the weapon's fluidity.

The Long Sword's evolution has shifted it from a combo-focused weapon to one that emphasizes counters and dynamic play.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the quintessential support weapon, offering buffs through its Recital mechanic. Each horn plays notes that, when combined, provide various beneficial effects.

While similar to the Hammer in dealing impact damage, the Hunting Horn's focus on buffs makes it unique. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate allowed notes to be played while attacking, improving its fluidity. Monster Hunter World introduced song queuing and Echo Notes, enhancing its combat effectiveness.

Monster Hunter Rise overhauled the weapon, simplifying its mechanics but maintaining its support role. This change sparked debate among fans but improved its accessibility.

Gunlance

The Gunlance, introduced in the second generation, combines the Lance's defensive capabilities with explosive shelling. Its gameplay revolves around managing unlimited ammunition and utilizing Shelling Abilities.

Monster Hunter 3 added a quick reload mechanic and the Full Burst attack, enhancing its aggressive potential. Monster Hunter X introduced the Heat Gauge, adding a layer of strategic depth. Monster Hunter World introduced the Wyrmstake Shot, further diversifying its moveset.

The Gunlance's unique blend of melee and ranged capabilities requires a balanced approach to maximize its effectiveness.

Bow

The Bow, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the most agile ranged weapon, specializing in close-to-mid-range combat. It uses mobility and chargeable attacks to deal significant damage, supported by various Coatings.

Monster Hunter World streamlined its moveset, making it more combo-heavy and universally accessible. Monster Hunter Rise reintroduced Shot Types tied to charge levels, adding complexity to its playstyle.

The Bow's evolution has embraced an aggressive, combo-oriented approach, distinguishing it from other ranged weapons.

Third and Fourth Generation

The third and fourth generations introduced innovative weapons with unique mechanics, including morphing capabilities and aerial combat.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, features Axe Mode and Sword Mode. Initially requiring a quest to unlock, it offers a balance between mobility and damage.

The weapon's morphing capabilities were enhanced in subsequent games. Monster Hunter World introduced the Amped state, empowering Sword Mode attacks. Monster Hunter Rise extended this to both forms, encouraging dynamic switching during combat.

The Switch Axe's unique mechanics have made it a standout weapon, broadening the series' design possibilities.

Insect Glaive

The Insect Glaive, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, excels in aerial combat, paired with a Kinsect that collects essences for buffs. The weapon's potential is unlocked by collecting red, white, and orange essences, enhancing attack, mobility, and defense.

While its core gameplay remains consistent, upgrades to the Kinsect and new attacks, like the Descending Thrust in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, have enriched its playstyle. Monster Hunter Rise simplified the Kinsect upgrade system, making it more accessible.

The Insect Glaive's unique aerial mechanics and buff system make it a versatile and engaging weapon.

Charge Blade

The Charge Blade, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, is a complex weapon with Sword and Axe modes. It uses Sword Mode to charge phials and Axe Mode to unleash powerful attacks like the Amped Elemental Discharge.

Mastering the Charge Blade involves understanding Guard Points, phial management, and mode transitions. Its versatility and depth make it a challenging but rewarding weapon.

The Charge Blade's balanced offense and mechanical complexity offer a truly versatile combat experience.

Will There Be More?

Monster Hunter Wilds will feature the fourteen weapons discussed, but the series has a history of introducing new weapons and revisiting old ones. Given its longevity, future games may bring even more innovative weapon types, enhancing the depth and excitement of the gameplay.

While I'm personally loyal to the Sword and Shield, I'm always eager to see what new weapons Capcom will introduce to keep the series fresh and engaging.

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