Monster Hunter Weapons: A Historical Overview

Monster Hunter, renowned for its diverse weapon types and engaging gameplay, has a rich history that extends beyond the weapons featured in the latest games. Delve into the fascinating evolution of Monster Hunter's weaponry and discover the weapons that never made it to the West.

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History of Weapon Types in Monster Hunter

Since its debut in 2004, Monster Hunter has captivated players with its array of weapon types, each offering unique strengths, weaknesses, movesets, and mechanics. Monster Hunter Wilds will feature fourteen different weapon types, each with its own distinct flavor. Over the years, these weapons have evolved significantly, with some older weapons never reaching Western audiences. Let's explore the history of Monster Hunter, focusing on the pivotal role of weapons in the franchise.

First Generation

The original weapons introduced in the first Monster Hunter game and its variants have become iconic, evolving over time with new movesets and mechanics.

Great Sword

The Great Sword, a hallmark of the franchise since 2004, is known for its high damage output at the cost of speed. In its early versions, it was centered around hit-and-run tactics, with a unique damage variation based on the blade's hit point. Monster Hunter 2 introduced the Charged Slash, a game-changer that has become a staple of the weapon's appeal. Subsequent games refined the weapon's mechanics, adding new finishers and improving the flow of its combos. The Great Sword remains a weapon with a simple entry point but a deep skill ceiling, rewarding players who can master its True Charged Slash in tight combat windows.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield epitomizes versatility, offering quick combos, mobility, and utility despite its lower damage per strike. Initially, it was seen as a beginner-friendly weapon, but its evolution has added depth with mechanics like item usage without sheathing and complex movesets. From the shield bash combo in Monster Hunter 3 to the Perfect Rush in Monster Hunter World, the Sword and Shield has grown into a jack-of-all-trades weapon that rewards skilled play with its infinite combo potential and defensive capabilities.

Hammer

Focusing on blunt damage, the Hammer is renowned for its ability to stun monsters by targeting their heads. Similar to the Great Sword, it employs a hit-and-run strategy but offers more mobility. Its charge mechanic, allowing movement while charging, adds a unique layer to its playstyle. Significant updates in Monster Hunter World and Rise introduced new attacks like Big Bang and Spinning Bludgeon, along with dual modes (Strength and Courage) that enhance its versatility and depth.

Lance

The Lance is synonymous with defense, offering a long reach and a large shield to block most attacks. Its playstyle emphasizes a steady offense from a safe distance, with limited but powerful attacks like thrusts and counter maneuvers. Though often seen as less flashy, the Lance's design encourages players to stand their ground, rewarding them for their defensive prowess.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun, a ranged weapon since the franchise's inception, offers mobility and faster reloads at the cost of firepower compared to its heavier counterpart. Its customization options and the ability to Rapid Fire certain ammo types set it apart. The introduction of Critical Distance in Monster Hunter 4 and Wyvernblast in Monster Hunter World added strategic depth to its gameplay, enhancing its run-and-gun style.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun, introduced in the first generation, excels in firepower and ammunition variety but sacrifices mobility. Its design as a support weapon was enhanced with Siege Mode in Monster Hunter 3 and specialized ammo types like Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe in Monster Hunter World. Its intricate gameplay loop involves careful ammunition management, making it a powerful tool in the right hands.

Dual Blades

The Dual Blades, known for their speed and multi-hitting attacks, were introduced in the Western release of the first game. Their focus on quick, fluid combos and status ailment infliction is enhanced by the Demon Mode, which increases damage and access to new attacks at the cost of stamina. The introduction of the Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode in later games transformed the weapon's gameplay, emphasizing maintaining the Archdemon state for maximum effectiveness.

Second Generation

The second generation introduced new weapon types that built upon the originals, offering unique mechanics and movesets.

Long Sword

The Long Sword, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, offers fluid combos and high damage without the ability to block. Its Spirit Gauge mechanic, filled by landing attacks, allows access to powerful Spirit Combos. Over time, the weapon evolved to include new levels of the Spirit Gauge and finishers like the Spirit Roundslash and Spirit Thrust Helm Breaker, making it a dynamic and counter-based weapon.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the quintessential support weapon, using Recital mechanics to play songs that provide various buffs. Initially requiring a pause in combat to perform, subsequent games improved the fluidity of switching between attacks and songs. Monster Hunter Rise overhauled the weapon, simplifying its mechanics but also sparking debate about its complexity and effectiveness.

Gunlance

The Gunlance, introduced in the second generation, combines the defensive capabilities of the Lance with the explosive power of shelling. Its unique Shelling Abilities and finishers like Wyvern's Fire set it apart. Over time, mechanics like quick reloads, Full Burst, and the Heat Gauge added layers to its aggressive playstyle, requiring a balance between physical and shelling attacks.

Bow

The Bow, introduced in Monster Hunter 2, is the most agile ranged weapon, excelling in close-to-mid-range combat with its mobility and combo-based attacks. Its use of Coatings and chargeable shots adds strategic depth. While earlier games introduced Shot Types, Monster Hunter World simplified its moveset, making it more accessible while retaining its aggressive nature.

Third and Fourth Generation

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

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, offers two modes: Axe Mode for mobility and reach, and Sword Mode for higher damage and the Elemental Discharge finisher. Its morphing capabilities were enhanced over time, with the Amped mechanic in Monster Hunter World and further improvements in Monster Hunter Rise, encouraging seamless transitions between modes for maximum damage.

Insect Glaive

The Insect Glaive, introduced in Monster Hunter 4, is renowned for its aerial prowess and the unique Kinsect system. Players can collect essences to gain buffs, with the weapon excelling in mounting monsters. While its core gameplay remained consistent, subsequent games added new attacks and simplified the Kinsect upgrade system, making it more accessible to new players.

Charge Blade

The Charge Blade, also introduced in Monster Hunter 4, is a complex weapon with Sword and Axe Modes, offering versatility and powerful finishers like the Amped Elemental Discharge. Its mastery involves understanding Guard Points and phial management, making it a challenging yet rewarding weapon to wield.

Will There Be More?

While Monster Hunter Wilds will feature the fourteen weapons mentioned, the series has a history of introducing new weapons and revisiting older ones. Given the franchise's longevity, future games may bring new weapon types or reintroduce those that were exclusive to certain regions. As a fan, I look forward to seeing how the series continues to evolve its arsenal, even if I remain loyal to the Sword and Shield.

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