Monster Hunter: Choose Your Weapon, Play Like Dark Souls or Devil May Cry

For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the sudden success of Wilds might seem like it came out of nowhere. However, Capcom has been meticulously refining its massively successful Monster Hunter series for years, aiming for global dominance. The result is what promises to be one of the best-selling games in the franchise.

Boasting over a million concurrent players on Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds is capturing the attention of gamers worldwide. If you're feeling like an outsider looking in, unsure of how or where to start, I have a simple yet effective tip to enhance your Monster Hunter experience: find the weapon that aligns perfectly with your preferred playstyle.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players are immediately presented with a vast array of weapons, each offering a unique approach to combat. From the heavy, powerful Great Sword to the agile Dual Blades, and even the ranged Bowgun, there's something for everyone.

It's tempting to start with the iconic Great Sword or Switch Axe, but these heavy weapons require precise, deliberate swings rather than brute force, making them challenging for beginners. Instead, consider starting with the more nimble Dual Blades. This choice unlocks a realm of swift attacks and dodges, transforming the gameplay experience. When using a big sword, Monster Hunter feels akin to the strategic combat of Dark Souls; with Dual Blades, it mirrors the fast-paced action of Devil May Cry.

Monster Hunter Wilds has evolved its combat mechanics to align more closely with modern action games. While you still need to sheathe your weapon to heal, the combat now feels more intuitive for players accustomed to recent action RPGs. The key difference, and the reason why choosing the right weapon is crucial, is that unlike other action RPGs where players can customize their playstyle through skill trees, in Monster Hunter, it's all about the weapon you choose.

The weapon you select at the outset will shape your entire experience. If you crave a fast, combo-heavy playstyle that feels like Dante from Devil May Cry has entered the Monster Hunter world, the Dual Blades are your best bet. They excel in quick attacks, agile dodges, and building up a meter that, once full, unleashes a rapid combo on downed enemies.

Which Monster Hunter Playstyle Do You Prefer? ---------------------------------------------

The bigger the weapon, the better.Give me speed. More speed.Ranged attacks are the best.I like mixing-and-matching different weapon styles.

AnswerSee ResultsOn the other hand, if you prefer a weapon that can deliver heavy damage while maintaining mobility and defense, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starter choice. The Lance, though less popular due to its focus on defense over flashy attacks, offers a unique combat experience with its parries and counter-attacks, rewarding those willing to invest time in mastering it.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns are also highly effective, often matching or surpassing melee weapons in power. When opting for these, ensure you're well-stocked with the right ammo for the specific monster you're hunting.

Monster Hunter Wilds features 14 weapons, each with distinct abilities and characteristics, categorized broadly into heavy, light, and technical types. Heavy weapons offer massive damage at the cost of speed, light weapons focus on rapid attacks, and technical weapons provide a mix of both. Some weapons, like the Gunlance with its ranged capabilities, the Charge Blade that transforms between a large axe and a smaller blade, and the Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn that offer unique buffs, blur the lines between these categories.

Don't let the variety overwhelm you. Take advantage of the game's tutorial to try out each weapon before committing. This way, you're sure to find the perfect fit, whether you're aiming to unleash chaos like Dante or prefer a more strategic approach reminiscent of Dark Souls.