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

For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the explosive popularity of Monster Hunter Rise might seem sudden. However, Capcom's years of refining the Monster Hunter series for global audiences have culminated in what appears to be one of the best-selling entries yet.

With over a million concurrent players on Steam, Monster Hunter Rise is everywhere. But if you're feeling lost, unsure where to begin, the key to maximizing your enjoyment is surprisingly simple: find the weapon that best suits your playstyle.

Monster Hunter Rise offers an almost overwhelming array of weapons, each with a unique feel. From the heavy, powerful Great Sword to the nimble Dual Blades, and the ranged Bowgun, the choices are diverse.

While the Great Sword and Switch Axe are iconic, their deliberate swings prioritize precision over brute force, making them less beginner-friendly. Consider starting with something more agile, like the Dual Blades. Their rapid attacks and dodges offer a transformative experience. Using a Great Sword feels like the measured combat of *Dark Souls*, while the Dual Blades evoke the action-packed style of *Devil May Cry*.

Rise modernizes the combat compared to previous entries, aligning it more with contemporary action games. While sheathing is still needed for healing, the combat feels intuitive to action RPG veterans. However, unlike other action RPGs that offer extensive skill trees, Monster Hunter Rise's customization hinges entirely on weapon choice.

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

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, if you prefer high damage output with strong defense and mobility, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starting point. The Lance, while less popular due to its defensive focus, combines a large weapon with a shield. Its parries and counters offer a unique, albeit challenging, combat experience.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns are also potent, offering comparable or even superior damage to melee options. Remember to manage your ammo and choose the right types for each monster.

With 14 weapons, each with unique attributes, they broadly fall into three categories: heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical. However, weapons like the Gunlance (range), Charge Blade (shifting forms), Insect Glaive, and Hunting Horn (buffs) blur these lines.

Don't be overwhelmed by the choice. Experiment with every weapon in the tutorial before committing, ensuring you find the perfect fit, whether you prefer the frenetic action of Dante or the strategic depth of Dark Souls.