Monster Hunter: World (MHW), developed by Capcom, has gained immense popularity due to its intricate ecosystems, challenging hunts, and a wide array of weaponry that players can master. The game’s success can be attributed to its deep and engaging combat system, largely defined by the variety of weapons available. Each weapon in Monster Hunter: World offers a unique playstyle, catering to different preferences and strategies. This comprehensive review will explore all the weapon types in the game, their strengths and weaknesses, and the overall impact they have on the gameplay experience.
Table of Contents
Overview of Weapons in Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter: World offers 14 different weapon types, each with its unique mechanics and movesets. The weapons can be broadly categorized into melee and ranged, and further into light, heavy, and technical classes. The diversity in weaponry ensures that every player can find a weapon that suits their playstyle, whether they prefer swift and agile attacks or slow and powerful blows.
Melee Weapons
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Sword and Shield
- Dual Blades
- Hammer
- Hunting Horn
- Lance
- Gunlance
- Switch Axe
- Charge Blade
- Insect Glaive
Ranged Weapons
- Light Bowgun
- Heavy Bowgun
- Bow
Detailed Analysis of Each Weapon
1. Great Sword
Overview: The Great Sword is a heavy weapon known for its high damage output and the ability to block attacks. It has a slow attack speed but compensates with powerful charge attacks that can deal massive damage to monsters.
Strengths:
- High damage per hit.
- Ability to block attacks.
- Charged attacks deal significant damage.
Weaknesses:
- Slow attack speed.
- Limited mobility while attacking.
Playstyle: The Great Sword requires a patient and tactical approach. Players must learn to time their attacks and charges for maximum damage while managing their positioning to avoid taking hits.
2. Long Sword
Overview: The Long Sword offers a balance between speed and power. It features a Spirit Gauge that, when filled, allows players to perform devastating Spirit Blade attacks.
Strengths:
- Good balance of speed and power.
- Excellent reach.
- Spirit Gauge mechanic provides powerful combo potential.
Weaknesses:
- No ability to block.
- Requires practice to master the Spirit Gauge mechanics.
Playstyle: Long Sword users benefit from a mix of offensive and defensive play. Building and maintaining the Spirit Gauge is key to maximizing damage output, and players need to be adept at dodging attacks.
3. Sword and Shield
Overview: The Sword and Shield combination offers versatility and speed. It allows players to use items with the shield up, providing a balance between offense and defense.
Strengths:
- High mobility.
- Ability to use items without sheathing the weapon.
- Good balance of attack and defense.
Weaknesses:
- Lower damage compared to other melee weapons.
- Limited range.
Playstyle: Ideal for beginners, the Sword and Shield provides a forgiving and versatile playstyle. Players can quickly transition between attacking, blocking, and using items, making it suitable for various combat situations.
4. Dual Blades
Overview: Dual Blades are the fastest weapon in the game, allowing players to unleash rapid combos. The Demon Mode increases attack speed and damage further.
Strengths:
- Extremely high attack speed.
- Demon Mode enhances damage and mobility.
- High combo potential.
Weaknesses:
- Low individual hit damage.
- No ability to block.
Playstyle: Dual Blades require an aggressive playstyle, focusing on relentless attacks and maintaining Demon Mode. Players need to be agile and precise to maximize damage while avoiding monster attacks.
5. Hammer
Overview: The Hammer is a heavy weapon that excels at dealing blunt damage, making it effective for stunning monsters. It has a charge mechanic similar to the Great Sword.
Strengths:
- High stun potential.
- Charged attacks deal massive damage.
- Effective at breaking monster parts.
Weaknesses:
- Slow attack speed.
- Limited range.
Playstyle: Hammer users need to focus on head attacks to stun monsters and create openings for teammates. The weapon requires good positioning and timing to maximize its effectiveness.
6. Hunting Horn
Overview: The Hunting Horn is a support-oriented weapon that combines melee attacks with the ability to play songs that provide buffs to the team.
Strengths:
- Provides team buffs.
- Decent damage output.
- Unique support role.
Weaknesses:
- Complex moveset.
- Requires knowledge of songs and buffs.
Playstyle: Hunting Horn players must balance attacking with playing songs to support the team. Understanding the timing and effects of songs is crucial for maximizing the weapon’s potential.
7. Lance
Overview: The Lance is a defensive weapon with a long reach and the ability to block attacks. It offers precise thrusts and the ability to counterattack.
Strengths:
- Strong defensive capabilities.
- Long reach.
- Effective at countering attacks.
Weaknesses:
- Slow movement.
- Requires precise timing for counterattacks.
Playstyle: Lance players must focus on defense and counterattacks. Properly timing blocks and counters can lead to significant damage while minimizing risk.
8. Gunlance
Overview: The Gunlance combines the defensive capabilities of the Lance with explosive attacks. It features a Shelling mechanic that deals additional damage.
Strengths:
- Strong defensive capabilities.
- Explosive Shelling attacks.
- High burst damage potential.
Weaknesses:
- Limited mobility.
- Shelling consumes ammo and requires reloading.
Playstyle: Gunlance users need to manage Shelling and ammo while maintaining a balance between offense and defense. Proper positioning and timing are crucial for maximizing damage output.
9. Switch Axe
Overview: The Switch Axe is a versatile weapon that can switch between Axe and Sword modes. Each mode offers unique attacks and benefits.
Strengths:
- Versatile with two modes.
- High damage output.
- Element Discharge deals massive damage.
Weaknesses:
- Requires managing the Switch Gauge.
- Limited defensive options.
Playstyle: Switch Axe players must switch between modes to adapt to different combat situations. Managing the Switch Gauge and executing Element Discharge effectively are key to mastering this weapon.
10. Charge Blade
Overview: The Charge Blade is a complex weapon that can switch between Sword and Shield mode and Axe mode. It features a Phial system that stores energy for powerful attacks.
Strengths:
- Versatile with two modes.
- High burst damage with Elemental Discharge.
- Strong defensive capabilities.
Weaknesses:
- Complex mechanics.
- Requires managing Phials and the Charge Gauge.
Playstyle: Charge Blade players need to balance between charging Phials and unleashing powerful Elemental Discharge attacks. Mastery of both modes and understanding the Phial system are crucial.
11. Insect Glaive
Overview: The Insect Glaive offers high mobility and the ability to control a Kinsect, which can provide buffs and deal damage. It excels at aerial combat.
Strengths:
- High mobility and aerial attacks.
- Kinsect provides buffs and support.
- Versatile playstyle.
Weaknesses:
- Requires managing the Kinsect.
- Lower raw damage compared to other melee weapons.
Playstyle: Insect Glaive players need to master aerial combat and Kinsect management. Properly utilizing the Kinsect for buffs and damage can significantly enhance effectiveness.
12. Light Bowgun
Overview: The Light Bowgun is a ranged weapon that offers high mobility and the ability to use various ammo types for different effects.
Strengths:
- High mobility.
- Versatile ammo types.
- Rapid fire capability.
Weaknesses:
- Lower damage per shot compared to Heavy Bowgun.
- Limited defensive options.
Playstyle: Light Bowgun players need to manage ammo types and positioning to maximize damage while avoiding monster attacks. The weapon’s versatility allows for different strategies depending on the monster.
13. Heavy Bowgun
Overview: The Heavy Bowgun is a powerful ranged weapon that deals high damage per shot. It offers a variety of ammo types and has the ability to use Wyvernsnipe and Wyvernheart special attacks.
Strengths:
- High damage per shot.
- Versatile ammo types.
- Special attacks deal massive damage.
Weaknesses:
- Slow movement.
- Longer reload times.
Playstyle: Heavy Bowgun players need to focus on positioning and timing to deal maximum damage. Managing ammo and utilizing special attacks effectively are key to success.
14. Bow
Overview: The Bow is a versatile ranged weapon that offers rapid fire and the ability to use various coatings for different effects.
Strengths:
- High mobility.
- Rapid fire capability.
- Versatile coatings for different effects.
Weaknesses:
- Requires managing coatings.
- Lower damage per shot compared to Heavy Bowgun.
Playstyle: Bow players need to maintain distance and use coatings strategically to maximize damage. The weapon’s mobility allows for agile combat and quick repositioning.
Crafting and Upgrading Weapons
In Monster Hunter: World, weapons can be crafted and upgraded using materials obtained from hunting monsters and gathering resources. Each weapon tree offers multiple paths, allowing players to tailor their weapons to their preferred playstyle and the preferred playstyle and the specific monsters they are hunting. The crafting and upgrading system is a core part of the Monster Hunter experience, encouraging players to explore and defeat a wide variety of monsters to collect the necessary materials.
Crafting Weapons
Gathering Materials: To craft weapons, players must gather materials from defeated monsters, environmental resources, and quest rewards. Each weapon requires a specific set of materials, which can be viewed in the Smithy.
Weapon Trees: Each weapon type has multiple trees, each leading to different final weapons with unique attributes. Players must decide which tree to pursue based on the weapon’s elemental properties, damage, and additional effects.
Initial Crafting: To craft a weapon, players select the desired weapon from the Smithy menu and use the required materials and zenny (in-game currency). Once crafted, the weapon can be equipped and used immediately.
Upgrading Weapons
Upgrade Paths: Weapons can be upgraded along their respective trees, improving their stats and unlocking new abilities. Upgrading requires additional materials and zenny. Some weapons also have branching upgrade paths, allowing for further customization.
Upgrade Requirements: Similar to crafting, upgrading weapons requires specific materials obtained from hunting monsters and gathering resources. As players progress through the game, they will encounter tougher monsters that drop rarer materials needed for higher-tier upgrades.
Maximizing Weapon Potential: Upgrading weapons not only increases their raw damage but also enhances their elemental damage, affinity (critical hit chance), and other special attributes. Fully upgrading a weapon maximizes its potential and makes it more effective in hunts.
Weapon-Specific Mechanics
Each weapon in Monster Hunter: World comes with its own set of unique mechanics and features that distinguish it from the others. Understanding and mastering these mechanics is essential for effective combat.
Great Sword Mechanics
Charge Attacks: The Great Sword’s charge attacks are its main source of damage. Players can charge their attacks to different levels, with each level increasing the attack’s power.
Tackle: The tackle move allows players to cancel a charge attack while still dealing damage. It is also used to reduce incoming damage, providing a defensive option.
Long Sword Mechanics
Spirit Gauge: The Long Sword’s Spirit Gauge fills as players land hits. When full, it allows the use of powerful Spirit Blade attacks that increase the gauge’s level.
Foresight Slash: This move allows players to dodge attacks and counter with a powerful strike, increasing the Spirit Gauge. It requires precise timing but is highly rewarding.
Sword and Shield Mechanics
Item Use: The Sword and Shield allow players to use items without sheathing their weapon, providing versatility and quick access to healing, traps, and other tools.
Perfect Rush: A high-damage combo that can be executed after a successful guard or certain attacks. It requires precise timing and positioning.
Dual Blades Mechanics
Demon Mode: Activating Demon Mode increases attack speed and damage while draining stamina. Maintaining Demon Mode is key to maximizing damage output.
Archdemon Mode: After dealing enough damage in Demon Mode, players enter Archdemon Mode, which provides additional moves and boosts without consuming stamina.
Hammer Mechanics
Charge Attacks: Similar to the Great Sword, the Hammer’s charge attacks are its main source of damage. Players can move while charging, allowing for better positioning.
Spinning Bludgeon: A powerful move that deals multiple hits and is effective for stunning monsters. It can be charged for increased damage.
Hunting Horn Mechanics
Songs: The Hunting Horn can play songs that provide buffs to the team. Each attack corresponds to a note, and combinations of notes create different songs.
Encore: After playing a song, players can perform an encore to extend the duration and enhance the effects of the buffs. Timing and coordination are crucial.
Lance Mechanics
Guard and Counter: The Lance excels at guarding attacks and countering with precise thrusts. Mastering the timing of blocks and counters is essential.
Power Guard: An advanced guarding technique that reduces stamina drain and allows for quicker counterattacks. It requires precise timing.
Gunlance Mechanics
Shelling: The Gunlance’s Shelling attacks deal explosive damage. Shelling consumes ammo, which must be managed and reloaded.
Wyvern’s Fire: A powerful attack that deals massive damage but requires a long cooldown. Proper timing and positioning are essential for its effective use.
Switch Axe Mechanics
Switch Gauge: The Switch Gauge allows players to switch between Axe and Sword modes. Managing the gauge is crucial for maximizing damage.
Element Discharge: A powerful attack in Sword mode that consumes the Switch Gauge. It deals massive damage and is key to the weapon’s playstyle.
Charge Blade Mechanics
Phials: The Charge Blade stores energy in Phials, which can be used for powerful Elemental Discharge attacks. Managing Phials and the Charge Gauge is crucial.
Guard Point: A defensive move that blocks attacks while transitioning between modes. Proper timing can lead to counterattacks and increased Phial charge.
Insect Glaive Mechanics
Kinsect Management: The Insect Glaive allows players to control a Kinsect, which can gather extracts from monsters to provide buffs.
Aerial Combat: The weapon excels at aerial attacks, allowing players to vault into the air and strike from above. Mastering aerial combat is key to its effectiveness.
Light Bowgun Mechanics
Ammo Types: The Light Bowgun can use various ammo types, each with different effects. Managing ammo and selecting the right type for the situation is crucial.
Rapid Fire: Some ammo types can be fired in rapid succession, increasing damage output. Proper positioning and timing are important for maximizing effectiveness.
Heavy Bowgun Mechanics
Wyvernsnipe and Wyvernheart: Special attacks that deal massive damage. Wyvernsnipe fires a powerful shot along the ground, while Wyvernheart transforms the weapon into a gatling gun.
Shield Attachments: The Heavy Bowgun can be equipped with a shield for added defense, allowing players to block attacks while firing.
Bow Mechanics
Coatings: The Bow uses coatings to add effects to arrows, such as poison, paralysis, or increased damage. Managing coatings and selecting the right one for the situation is key.
Charge Shots: The Bow’s damage increases with charged shots. Players must manage the charge levels and aim accurately to maximize damage.
Endgame and Meta Considerations
As players progress to the endgame in Monster Hunter: World, they encounter tougher monsters and new challenges. Weapon choice and build optimization become increasingly important.
Meta Weapons
Certain weapons and builds are considered “meta” for their high damage output and effectiveness in endgame content. These meta builds often involve specific weapons, armor sets, and decorations that maximize damage and survivability.
Elemental and Status Effects
In the endgame, understanding elemental weaknesses and status effects becomes crucial. Equipping weapons with the appropriate elements or status effects can significantly increase damage against specific monsters.
Augmentations
Weapons can be augmented to enhance their stats and add additional effects. Augmentations require materials obtained from tempered monsters and other endgame activities. Choosing the right augmentations can further optimize a weapon’s performance.
Community and Resources
The Monster Hunter: World community offers a wealth of resources for players looking to master their weapons and improve their gameplay.
Online Forums
Reddit: The Monster Hunter subreddit is a popular place for discussions, tips, and sharing builds.
GameFAQs: The Monster Hunter: World section on GameFAQs offers guides, FAQs, and community discussions.
YouTube Channels
Many YouTubers create content focused on weapon guides, builds, and gameplay tips. Some popular channels include Gaijin Hunter, Arekkz Gaming, and Rurikhan.
Discord Servers
There are numerous Discord servers dedicated to Monster Hunter: World where players can seek advice, find hunting partners, and share their experiences.
Wikis and Databases
Monster Hunter Wiki: A comprehensive resource for information on weapons, monsters, quests, and more.
Kiranico: A detailed database that provides information on weapon stats, materials, and monster weaknesses.
Conclusion
Monster Hunter: World offers a rich and diverse array of weapons, each with its unique mechanics and playstyles. From the heavy-hitting Great Sword to the agile Dual Blades, every weapon provides a distinct experience that caters to different player preferences. Mastering a weapon in Monster Hunter: World requires practice, patience, and a deep understanding of its mechanics.
The crafting and upgrading system encourages exploration and hunting, rewarding players with powerful weapons as they progress. Endgame content further challenges players to optimize their builds and master their chosen weapons.
Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned hunter, the weapon system in Monster Hunter: World provides endless opportunities for customization and mastery, ensuring that every hunt is a unique and thrilling adventure.