Monster Hunter Weapons: A Historical Overview

Monster Hunter is renowned for its diverse weapon types and engaging gameplay, but did you know that even more weapons have been left out of newer games? Dive into the history of Monster Hunter weapons and discover the evolution and stories behind these iconic tools.

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History of Weapon Types in Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter has been captivating gamers for over two decades since its first release in 2004. The series is particularly famous for its wide array of weapon types, each offering unique strengths, weaknesses, movesets, and mechanics. Monster Hunter Wilds will feature fourteen different weapon types, each requiring players to master their distinct characteristics.

The evolution of these weapons from their initial iterations to the latest versions is remarkable. For instance, the Great Sword has transformed significantly over time. Additionally, there are weapons from older games that never made it to Western releases. Let's explore the rich history of Monster Hunter weapons, focusing on the most essential piece of a hunter's arsenal: the weapon.

First Generation

The first generation of Monster Hunter introduced several iconic weapons that have evolved over time, becoming staples of the series.

Great Sword

The Great Sword, arguably the most iconic weapon in the franchise, debuted in the original 2004 game. Known for its high damage potential, it requires a strategic approach due to its slow attack and movement speed. In the first game, it was designed for hit-and-run tactics, with a unique feature where hitting a monster with the middle of the blade caused more damage than the tip or hilt.

Monster Hunter 2 introduced the Charged Slash, a pivotal move that became a hallmark of the Great Sword. This allowed hunters to charge their weapon for up to three levels, delivering devastating blows. Subsequent games built upon this, introducing new finishers and improving the fluidity of combos, such as the shoulder tackle in Monster Hunter World, which enabled hunters to transition into charged attacks more swiftly.

The Great Sword is accessible to beginners yet offers a high-skill ceiling, rewarding players who can maximize damage with the True Charged Slash in tight windows.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield epitomizes versatility, offering a balanced approach with quick combos, mobility, and utility, albeit with relatively lower single-strike damage. Initially seen as a beginner's weapon due to its straightforward mechanics, it evolved significantly over the series.

In its first iteration, the weapon focused on quick slashes and mobility. Monster Hunter 2 added the ability to use items without sheathing the sword, enhancing its utility. Subsequent generations further enriched its moveset, including shield bash combos, backstep and jumping attacks, and the Perfect Rush combo and aerial finishers in Monster Hunter World and Rise.

Despite its short range and moderate damage, the Sword and Shield's versatility makes it a jack-of-all-trades, often underestimated due to its simplicity but offering depth that becomes apparent with use.

Hammer

The Hammer, one of the two weapons focused on blunt damage, excels at breaking monster parts and inducing knockouts, particularly by targeting the head. Introduced in the first game, its playstyle mirrored the Great Sword's hit-and-run tactics but with superior mobility despite its appearance.

The Hammer's charge mechanic allowed movement while charging, setting it apart. Its moveset remained relatively consistent until significant changes in Monster Hunter World and Rise, which introduced the Big Bang and Spinning Bludgeon attacks, adding depth with Strength and Courage modes that altered charge attacks.

Mastering the Hammer involves aiming for the head to knock out monsters quickly, enabling powerful charged attacks and long combo finishers.

Lance

The Lance embodies the principle that "a good offense is a great defense," with its long reach and large shield offering robust protection. Its playstyle focuses on poking from a distance while maintaining a defensive stance, with limited but effective attacks like forward and upward thrusts.

Monster Hunter 2 introduced the Counter mechanic, enhancing its defensive capabilities. Often perceived as "boring" due to its straightforward animations, the Lance rewards players for standing their ground, turning them into formidable tanks.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun, a ranged weapon from the first generation, offers mobility and faster reload speeds due to its smaller size. While its firepower is less than its heavier counterpart, it compensates with customization options like long barrels, silencers, and scopes.

Monster Hunter 4 introduced the Critical Distance mechanic, adding depth to ranged combat. Monster Hunter World added Wyvernblast, allowing hunters to plant bombs that detonate on impact, further enhancing its mobility and differentiating it from the Heavy Bowgun.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun, introduced in the first generation, offers high damage and access to special ammunition, ideal for long-range artillery. Its slow movement while drawn is offset by its flexibility in ammunition types and the ability to equip a shield.

Monster Hunter 3 introduced Siege Mode, allowing continuous firing without reloading. Monster Hunter World added Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe, special ammunition types that don't deplete the hunter's inventory, enhancing its firepower.

Dual Blades

The Dual Blades, known for their speed and fluid combos, excel at inflicting status ailments and elemental damage. Introduced in the Western release of the first game, they enable a "death by a thousand cuts" strategy.

Demon Mode, a temporary state that boosts damage and access to more offensive moves, was introduced early on. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and 3 Ultimate added the Demon Gauge, leading to Archdemon Mode, which offered new attacks and evasive maneuvers without stamina drain.

Second Generation

The second generation introduced weapons that, while similar to the originals, offered unique movesets and mechanics.

Long Sword

The Long Sword, known for its fluid combos and high damage, was introduced in Monster Hunter 2. It resembles a katana and offers higher mobility than the Great Sword but cannot block attacks. Its core mechanic, the Spirit Gauge, is filled by landing attacks, enabling the Spirit Combo for significant damage.

Monster Hunter 3 expanded the Spirit Gauge with new levels and the Spirit Roundslash finisher. Monster Hunter World added the Spirit Thrust Helm Breaker and the Foresight Slash, enhancing its fluidity and counter-based playstyle.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the series' support weapon. It uses a Recital mechanic to play notes that combine into beneficial effects like attack and defense buffs. While dealing impact damage, it's generally weaker than the Hammer but offers unique support capabilities.

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

Gunlance

The Gunlance, introduced in the second generation, combines elements of the Lance and Bowgun. It features unlimited ammunition regained through reloading and offers explosive rounds. Monster Hunter 3 introduced quick reloads and the Full Burst attack, enhancing its aggressive playstyle.

Monster Hunter X added the Heat Gauge, balancing shell usage with physical damage. Monster Hunter World introduced the Wyrmstake Shot, a powerful finisher.

Bow

The Bow, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the most agile ranged weapon, specializing in close-to-mid-range combat. It uses Coatings to enhance damage and inflict effects, with chargeable attacks that shoot multiple arrows.

Monster Hunter World standardized its moveset, integrating Shot Types into its base mechanics. Monster Hunter Rise reintroduced Shot Types tied to charge levels, enhancing its aggressive and combo-heavy playstyle.

Third and Fourth Generation

The third and fourth generations introduced innovative weapons, including morphable types and the unique Insect Glaive.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, features Axe and Sword modes. Initially earned through a quest, it offers a balance between mobility and damage. Monster Hunter World introduced the Amped mechanic, enhancing Sword Mode with phial effects. Monster Hunter Rise extended this to both modes, encouraging seamless transitions.

Insect Glaive

The Insect Glaive, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, is designed for aerial combat, paired with a Kinsect that collects essences for buffs. The weapon excels at mounting monsters, a new mechanic in Monster Hunter 4. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne added the Descending Thrust finisher, and Monster Hunter Rise simplified its upgrade system and introduced new Kinsect types.

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, which are unleashed in Axe Mode with the Amped Elemental Discharge. Known for its complexity, mastering its Guard Points is crucial for effective play.

Will There Be More?

While Monster Hunter Wilds will feature fourteen weapons, the series has a rich history of additional weapons not included in Western releases. With the longevity of the series, future games may introduce new weapons or bring back older ones, enhancing the depth and variety of gameplay.

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