Monster Hunter is renowned for its diverse array of weapon types and engaging gameplay, but did you know there are even more weapons from older games that haven't made it to the newer releases? Dive into the history of Monster Hunter weapons to discover the evolution and unique characteristics of each type.

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History of Weapon Types in Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter has been captivating gamers for over two decades since its debut in 2004. One of its defining features is the wide variety of weapon types available to players. Monster Hunter Wilds will offer fourteen distinct weapon types, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, movesets, and mechanics to master.

As the series has evolved, so have its weapons. The Great Sword, for instance, has transformed significantly from its initial version. Additionally, there are weapons from older games that never reached Western audiences. Let's explore the history of Monster Hunter, focusing on the weapons that have become a hunter's most crucial gear.

First Generation

The first generation of Monster Hunter introduced weapons that have become iconic within the series. These original weapons have evolved over time, gaining new movesets and mechanics.

Great Sword

The Great Sword, introduced in 2004, is the powerhouse of Monster Hunter weapons, known for its high damage output. However, its slow attack and movement speeds require strategic hit-and-run tactics. The weapon's unique feature in the first game was that hits with the middle of the blade dealt more damage.

In Monster Hunter 2, the Charged Slash was introduced, allowing players to charge their attacks for increased damage. Subsequent games added more finishers and improved combo fluidity, such as the shoulder tackle in Monster Hunter World, which helps players transition into charged attacks more quickly.

The Great Sword offers a low skill floor but a high skill ceiling, making it accessible yet challenging to master, especially when maximizing damage through the True Charged Slash in tight windows.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is known for its versatility, offering balanced damage with quick combos, good mobility, and utility. Initially seen as a beginner-friendly weapon, it has evolved with added mechanics like the ability to use items without sheathing in Monster Hunter 2.

Later games introduced the shield bash combo, backstep, jumping attacks, and the Perfect Rush combo, enhancing its moveset. Despite its short range and moderate damage, the Sword and Shield is a jack-of-all-trades, providing an infinite combo, evasion options, and a last-resort block.

Hammer

The Hammer, focusing on blunt damage, excels at breaking monster parts, particularly heads, to stun them. Its playstyle, similar to the Great Sword, involves hit-and-run tactics, but it offers surprising mobility and a unique charge mechanic allowing movement while charging.

The Hammer's moveset remained largely unchanged until Monster Hunter World and Rise, which introduced the Big Bang and Spinning Bludgeon attacks. These games also added Strength and Courage modes, altering charge attacks and effects, requiring players to adapt their strategies based on monster matchups.

Lance

The Lance is the epitome of defensive play, offering a long reach and a shield capable of blocking most attacks. Its playstyle resembles an outboxer, focusing on safe, ranged pokes while maintaining a strong guard. The Lance's Counter mechanic, introduced in later versions, further reinforced this identity.

Despite its limited mobility and attack variety, the Lance's high damage output and defensive capabilities make it a unique choice, turning hunters into formidable tanks on the battlefield.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun, a ranged weapon from the first generation, offers mobility and quick reloads due to its smaller size. While it sacrifices firepower for agility, it can be customized with various attachments to suit different playstyles.

Monster Hunter 4 introduced the Critical Distance mechanic, adding depth to ranged combat. Monster Hunter World added the Wyvernblast, allowing players to plant bombs that detonate on impact, enhancing the weapon's offensive capabilities and mobility.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun, introduced in the first generation, is the premier ranged weapon, offering high damage and versatile ammunition options. Its slow movement when drawn is offset by its ability to equip a shield for protection.

Monster Hunter 3 introduced Siege Mode, allowing continuous shelling without reloading. Monster Hunter World added special ammo types like Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe, enhancing its firepower and strategic depth.

Dual Blades

The Dual Blades, known for their speed and multi-hitting attacks, excel at inflicting status ailments and elemental damage. Introduced in the Western release of the first game, they focus on fluid combos and the Demon Mode, which boosts damage at the cost of stamina.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and 3 Ultimate introduced the Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode, allowing access to new attacks and evasive maneuvers without stamina drain. The Demon Dash, a unique movement tool, was further enhanced in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate with the Adept Hunter Style.

Second Generation

The second generation introduced weapons that, while similar to their first-generation counterparts, offered unique movesets and mechanics.

Long Sword

The Long Sword, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is known for its fluid combos and high damage. It features the Spirit Gauge, which, when filled, allows access to the powerful Spirit Combo.

Monster Hunter 3 added levels to the Spirit Gauge, introducing the Spirit Roundslash finisher. Monster Hunter World further enhanced its mechanics with the Spirit Thrust Helm Breaker and the Foresight Slash, a parry attack. Iceborne introduced the Iai Stance, adding new attacks and parries, making the Long Sword a dynamic, counter-based weapon.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the series' support weapon, using the Recital mechanic to play songs that provide various buffs. While it deals impact damage like the Hammer, its primary role is support.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate allowed notes to be played during attacks, improving the weapon's fluidity. Monster Hunter World introduced song queuing and Echo Notes, enhancing its combat effectiveness. Monster Hunter Rise overhauled the weapon, simplifying its mechanics and making it more accessible.

Gunlance

The Gunlance, introduced in the second generation, combines the Lance's defensive capabilities with explosive shelling. Its unique Shelling Abilities vary by weapon, affecting the type of explosions.

Monster Hunter 3 added a quick reload mechanic and the Full Burst attack, enhancing its aggressive playstyle. Monster Hunter X introduced the Heat Gauge, adding a new layer of strategy. Monster Hunter World added the Wyrmstake Shot, a powerful finisher.

Bow

The Bow, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the most agile ranged weapon, focusing on close-to-mid-range combat and mobility. It uses Coatings to enhance damage or inflict status effects.

Monster Hunter World simplified its mechanics, making its moveset universal and adding the Close-Range Coating. Monster Hunter Rise reintroduced Shot Types tied to charge levels, enhancing its aggressive, combo-heavy playstyle.

Third and Fourth Generation

The third and fourth generations introduced weapons with unique mechanics, including morphing capabilities and buff systems.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, features Axe and Sword modes. Initially, players had to unlock it through a quest, but it became available from the start in later versions.

The weapon's design revolves around balancing offense between modes. Monster Hunter World introduced the Amped state, empowering Sword Mode. Monster Hunter Rise extended this to both modes, encouraging form-swapping during combat.

Insect Glaive

The Insect Glaive, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, specializes in aerial combat and is paired with a Kinsect that collects essences for buffs. These essences enhance attack, mobility, and defense, with the strongest state achieved when all three are collected.

While its core gameplay remained consistent, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne added the Descending Thrust finisher. Monster Hunter Rise simplified the Kinsect upgrade system, introducing new types and making it more accessible.

Charge Blade

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

Mastering the Charge Blade involves understanding its Guard Points and transitions between modes. Its complexity makes it challenging but rewarding, offering balanced offense and deep mechanics.

Will There Be More?

Monster Hunter Wilds will feature the fourteen weapons mentioned, but the series has a history of introducing new weapons or reintroducing older ones. As the franchise continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more innovative weapons that enhance the game's depth and excitement.

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