Monster Hunter Can Play Like Dark Souls or Devil May Cry, Depending on Your Weapon

For newcomers, Monster Hunter Rise's explosive success might seem sudden. However, Capcom's years of refining the Monster Hunter series for global appeal 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 everywhere. Feeling lost? The key to maximizing your enjoyment is surprisingly simple: find the weapon that best suits your playstyle.

Monster Hunter Rise offers an initially overwhelming array of weapons, each with a unique feel. From heavy hitters like the Great Sword to nimble Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the choices are vast.

While the Great Sword and Switch Axe are iconic, their deliberate, precise swings aren't the easiest starting point. Consider the more agile Dual Blades instead. They unlock a world of swift attacks and dodges, transforming the experience. Using a Great Sword evokes the measured combat of *Dark Souls*, while Dual Blades offer the frenetic action of *Devil May Cry*.

Rise modernizes the combat compared to previous entries, feeling more intuitive to action RPG veterans. Healing still requires sheathing your weapon, but combat flows more smoothly. The crucial difference, however, lies in weapon choice. Unlike other action RPGs that offer skill trees for customization, Monster Hunter centers its diverse gameplay around weapon selection.

Your initial weapon choice fundamentally shapes your experience. Prefer fast combos and high-octane action? Dual Blades are your answer, emphasizing quick attacks, dodges, and a meter that unleashes powerful combos on downed monsters.

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 ResultsConversely, if you prioritize heavy damage, defense, and mobility, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starting point. The Lance, while less popular due to its defensive focus, combines a large weapon with a shield. Its parries and counters offer a unique, rewarding combat style with practice.

Ranged weapons, such as the Bowguns, are equally powerful, if not more so. Remember to manage your ammo and select appropriate rounds for each monster.

With 14 weapons, each boasting unique abilities, they broadly fall into three categories: heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical. However, some blur these lines—the Gunlance offers range, the Charge Blade switches between axe and blade forms, and the Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn provide unique buffs.

The sheer choice can be daunting, but don't be overwhelmed. Experiment with every weapon in the tutorial before committing. You'll find the perfect fit, whether you crave Devil May Cry-style frenzy or the strategic depth of Dark Souls.