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

For newcomers, Monster Hunter Rise's sudden popularity might seem surprising. However, Capcom's years of refining the Monster Hunter series have culminated in what appears to be one of the best-selling entries. With over a million concurrent Steam players, the game is undeniably a hit. But if you're feeling lost, the key to maximizing your enjoyment is surprisingly simple: find the weapon that best suits your playstyle.

Monster Hunter Rise offers a vast array of weapons, each with a unique feel. From the heavy-hitting Great Sword to the nimble Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the choice is yours.

Rise modernizes the combat compared to previous entries, feeling more intuitive to action RPG veterans. While sheathing is still required for healing, the core combat is smoother. However, unlike other action RPGs that allow extensive customization through skill trees, Monster Hunter Rise emphasizes weapon choice as the primary means of tailoring your experience.

Your initial weapon selection profoundly shapes your gameplay. If you crave fast-paced, combo-heavy action reminiscent of Dante, the Dual Blades are ideal. Their rapid attacks and meter-based ultimate combo are highly satisfying.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns provide substantial power. Remember to manage your ammo and choose the right types for each monster.

With 14 weapons, each with unique attributes, the choices can feel overwhelming. They broadly fall into heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical categories. However, weapons like the Gunlance (range capabilities), Charge Blade (transforms between axe and blade), Insect Glaive, and Hunting Horn offer unique gameplay mechanics.

Don't be intimidated by the options. Experiment with each weapon in the tutorial before committing, ensuring you find the perfect fit, whether it's the Devil May Cry-esque frenzy of the Dual Blades or the strategic approach of Dark Souls.