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

Monster Hunter Rise's unexpected success might seem sudden, but Capcom's strategic global push for its Monster Hunter franchise has been underway for years. The result? A seemingly best-selling title in the series.

Steam boasts over a million concurrent players, making Monster Hunter Rise a global phenomenon. However, newcomers might feel lost. The key to maximizing enjoyment? Choosing the right weapon.

Rise offers a vast weapon arsenal, each with a distinct playstyle. From the heavy, powerful Great Sword to the agile Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the options are plentiful.

While the Great Sword and Switch Axe are iconic, their deliberate, precise swings aren't beginner-friendly. The Dual Blades, however, offer a more accessible entry point with their rapid attacks and dodges. The difference is striking: the Great Sword evokes the calculated combat of Dark Souls, while the Dual Blades mirror the action-oriented style of Devil May Cry.

Rise's combat is more modern and intuitive compared to previous entries, aligning better with contemporary action RPGs. Weapon choice, however, remains paramount; unlike skill trees, weapon selection dictates your playstyle.

Your initial weapon choice significantly shapes your experience. For fast-paced, combo-heavy action reminiscent of Dante, the Dual Blades excel, emphasizing speed, dodges, and powerful combos on downed foes.

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, the Sword and Shield offers a strong balance of damage, defense, and mobility. The Lance, though less popular due to its defensive focus, provides a unique parry-and-counter experience.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns offer potent alternatives to melee combat, but require careful ammo management and selection based on the target monster.

With 14 weapons, categorized into heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical types, the variety is immense. However, weapons like the Gunlance (range), Charge Blade (shifting forms), Insect Glaive, and Hunting Horn (buffs) bridge these categories.

Don't be overwhelmed! Experiment with each weapon in the tutorial before committing. Whether you crave Dante-esque fury or Dark Souls-like strategy, the perfect weapon awaits.