Monster Hunter's renowned for its diverse weapon arsenal and captivating gameplay. But did you know even more weapons existed in earlier games, absent from newer releases? This exploration delves into the history of Monster Hunter weaponry.

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A Look Back at Monster Hunter Weaponry

Monster Hunter boasts a rich history, spanning over two decades since its 2004 debut. A key element is its varied weapon selection. Monster Hunter Wilds offers fourteen distinct weapon types, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, move sets, and mechanics.

The evolution from the original Great Sword to its modern iteration is remarkable, showcasing significant advancements in mechanics and movesets. Furthermore, several weapons from earlier games never saw a Western release. Let's examine the history of these iconic hunter tools.

First Generation Weapons

These weapons debuted in the original Monster Hunter and its variants. They've endured, evolving with enhanced movesets and mechanics.

Great Sword

Arguably the franchise's most iconic weapon, the Great Sword's high damage output comes at the cost of mobility. Its devastating single hits are offset by slow attack animations. Early iterations focused on hit-and-run tactics. Monster Hunter 2 introduced the Charged Slash, a defining feature. Subsequent games refined combos and added moves like the shoulder tackle (Monster Hunter World), increasing efficiency. The Great Sword offers a low skill floor but a high skill ceiling, rewarding mastery of timing and damage maximization.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield embodies versatility, balancing moderate damage with quick combos, blocking capabilities, and high mobility. Initially considered beginner-friendly, its moveset expanded across the series. Monster Hunter 2 enabled item use while the weapon remained drawn. Later additions included shield bash combos (Monster Hunter 3), backstep and jumping attacks (Monster Hunter 4), and the Perfect Rush combo and aerial finishers (Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise). While lacking in raw damage and range, its versatility and ease of use make it a deceptively deep weapon.

Hammer

One of two blunt weapons (dealing impact, not slashing, damage), the Hammer excels at breaking monster parts, especially heads, leading to KOs (Monster Hunter 2 onwards). Its playstyle resembles the Great Sword's hit-and-run approach, but with surprisingly high mobility for its size. Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise introduced significant changes with the Big Bang and Spinning Bludgeon attacks, enhancing its offensive capabilities. The addition of Strength and Courage modes further increased strategic depth. The Hammer's core objective remains simple: headshots for KOs and maximizing charged attacks.

Lance

The Lance epitomizes the adage "a good offense is a great defense." Its long reach and large shield provide exceptional defense, capable of blocking most attacks with the right skillset. Its playstyle is defensive, focusing on poking attacks from a safe distance. The Counter mechanic enhances its defensive capabilities. While its animations might appear less flashy, the Lance rewards strategic positioning and skillful defense, transforming the hunter into a formidable tank.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun is a highly mobile ranged weapon, offering faster reload speeds and movement compared to its heavier counterpart. Its customization options, including barrels, silencers, and scopes, allow for tailored builds. The ability to Rapid Fire certain ammo types compensates for its lower damage output. Monster Hunter 4 introduced Critical Distance, adding strategic depth to ranged combat. Monster Hunter World added Wyvernblast and a slide maneuver, enhancing its already mobile nature. Despite its seemingly simpler design, the Light Bowgun offers a surprisingly nuanced and effective playstyle.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun is the premier ranged weapon of the first generation, boasting high damage and access to specialized ammunition. Its size and weight, however, limit mobility. Customization options include shields for added defense. Monster Hunter 3 introduced Siege Mode, allowing for continuous firing. Monster Hunter World introduced Wyvernheart (minigun-like) and Wyvernsnipe (powerful single-shot) special ammo, requiring strategic ammunition management. The Heavy Bowgun remains a powerful artillery weapon, prioritizing firepower over mobility.

Dual Blades

The Dual Blades prioritize speed and fluid combos, excelling at inflicting status ailments and elemental damage. Demon Mode increases damage but drains stamina. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate introduced the Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode, refining the Demon Mode mechanic. The Demon Dash provides exceptional mobility, further enhanced by the Adept Hunter Style's perfect dodge in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. The Dual Blades remain a high-risk, high-reward weapon, demanding precise execution.

Second Generation Weapons

These weapons, introduced in the second generation, are distinct from their first-generation counterparts, offering unique mechanics and movesets.

Long Sword

The Long Sword combines fluid combos, high damage, and skillful mechanics. The Spirit Gauge, filled by landing attacks, enables the Spirit Combo and its powerful finishers. Monster Hunter 3 introduced Spirit Roundslash, adding tiered attack buffs. Monster Hunter World added Foresight Slash, a parry attack, further enhancing its combo potential. Iceborne's Iai Stance provided additional parry options, making the Long Sword a dynamic and counter-focused weapon.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn is a support weapon, using Recitals (combinations of notes) to provide various buffs. It deals impact damage, focusing on headshots for stuns. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate allowed note playing during attacks, improving fluidity. Monster Hunter World introduced song queuing and Echo Notes, enhancing its offensive and supportive capabilities. Monster Hunter Rise simplified the Recital system, making it more accessible but also more divisive among players.

Gunlance

A hybrid of Lance and Bowgun, the Gunlance combines the Lance's shield with shelling capabilities. Its attacks are primarily slashing, and it features finishers like Wyvern's Fire. Monster Hunter 3 introduced quick reload and Full Burst, increasing its offensive potential. Monster Hunter X added the Heat Gauge, adding a risk/reward element to shelling. Monster Hunter World introduced Wyrmstake Shot. The Gunlance remains a unique weapon demanding careful management of shelling and attacks.

Bow

The Bow is a highly mobile ranged weapon focusing on close-to-mid-range combat and fluid combos. It uses Coatings to enhance damage and inflict status effects. Monster Hunter World streamlined its moveset, integrating Shot Types into the base moveset. Monster Hunter Rise reintroduced Shot Types tied to charge levels. The Bow's agile, combo-heavy style distinguishes it from the Bowguns.

Third and Fourth Generation Weapons

These weapons, introduced in Monster Hunter 3 and Monster Hunter 4, feature unique transforming mechanics.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe alternates between Axe Mode (high mobility, long reach) and Sword Mode (higher damage, Elemental Discharge finisher). Monster Hunter World introduced the Amped state, enhancing damage. Monster Hunter Rise extended the Amped state to both modes, encouraging fluid switching. The Switch Axe's unique form-shifting gameplay remains a distinctive feature.

Insect Glaive

The Insect Glaive utilizes a Kinsect to collect essences for buffs. It excels at aerial combat and mounting. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne added Descending Thrust. Monster Hunter Rise simplified Kinsect upgrades and introduced new Kinsect types. The Insect Glaive's buff system and aerial mobility define its unique playstyle.

Charge Blade

The Charge Blade is a complex transforming weapon with Sword Mode (phial charging) and Axe Mode (Amped Elemental Discharge). Mastering its Guard Points is crucial for efficient phial charging. Its versatility and high skill ceiling make it a rewarding but challenging weapon.

Future Possibilities?

While Monster Hunter Wilds features fourteen weapons, the series' history suggests future additions or the return of previously unreleased weapons. The potential for further weapon diversity enhances the game's already compelling gameplay.

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