Everything You Need to Know About Monster Hunter: World’s 14 Weapon Types

Earlier this year, Capcom revealed the 14 weapon types that will be in Monster Hunter: World. The weapon types for the January 2018 release fall into three categories: light, heavy, and technical weapons. Those who have played previous installments of Monster Hunter should note that in this PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (PC release date TBD) release players can alternate between weapons during a mission.

Light Weapons

Players that prefer agility and ease of use over high-damage or more technical attacks will be right at home within this section.

Sword & Shield

The Sword & Shield is a well-balanced weapon with quick-strike capability. It is great for beginners and boasts allowing the hunter to still use healing items and their slinger with their sword still drawn, reducing their vulnerability.

Dual Blades

Hunters will find that Dual Blades sacrifice the added defense of a shield for more attacks per second. Dual Blades might be the quickest weapon in the game and, when Demon Mode is activated, enable an intense combo that can stun monsters.

Long Sword

The Long Sword has an above average range and is capable of long chain combo attacks. Hunters can still remain agile with this weapon, but they sacrifice the quickness of the Dual Blades or additional defense of the Sword & Shield for range, combos, and the special ability Spirit Blade, which raises the hunter’s attack power.

Light Bowgun

Like the Dual Blades, the Light Bowgun favors agility and speed over defense and offense. Hunters can avoid monsters and rapidly unload shells into monsters for some steady DPS. The Light Bowgun is a great supportive option in a team as well, especially if the player uses special ammo like Wyvernblast.

Heavy Weapons

This is the section for those hunters who prefer carefully timing their hits for heavy damage in one swoop over speed.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is your standard tank weapon, offering very high attack while being one of the slowest and heaviest weapons. On top of already having high attack power, the Great Sword has a long range and charged slashes that can stun monsters and have overwhelming power.

Hammer

Trade the long range of the Great Sword for blunt force, and a hunter will find themselves with the Hammer. Players can stun monsters instantly with the Hammer’s charged attack, which is a nice blunt force hit to the head. They can then follow up with fierce hits while the monster is temporarily incapacitated.

Lance

For hunters that don’t want to sacrifice offence or defense, the Lance is a nicely balanced option that enables players to deal consistent damage. Players can keep their shield up while moving, enabling them to efficiently counter with well-placed jabs of the lance from a distance.

Gunlance

The Gunlance fires powerful shells capable of pushing enemies back and keeping them a safe distance away, but the blade can be used like a normal lance against monsters as well. It is also noteworthy that hunters can have a shield with the Gunlance and raise their defense.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun takes the Light Bowgun and trades agility for high powered artillery that renders incredible damage to monsters. Hunters using the Heavy Bowgun must remember to utilize the powerful special ammo like Wyvernsnipe and Wyvernheart.

Technical Weapons

Technical Weapons are for hunters looking for a challenge. For the best results, these weapons require learning and sticking to certain play styles and setups: less hack and slash, more training and careful execution.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe is a versatile weapon that provides hunters with the ability to switch between a long-reaching Axe and a Swift Sword. The Sword has a special elemental discharge which, after charging for a moment, can be released upon monsters as a powerful attack.

Charge Blade

The Charge Blade is another versatile option for hunters. It transforms between a powerful Axe that has extended reach and a sword and shield combo. The recommended method for using this weapon is to build up energy in the Sword and Shield combo and then release this energy against monsters with powerful attacks in Axe mode.

Insect Glaive

Interested in fighting from a different perspective? The Insect Glaive is the choice for you. The Insect Glaive enables hunters to maneuver around monsters in the sky and descend for swift blows from any angle. In addition, hunters can send their giant beetle “Kinsect” to monsters and the player’s giant green bug buddy will give the hunter various boosts.

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn is a great support weapon to add to the hunting party. Its melodies provide the party with various buffs to help all that hunting go smoother, but don’t worry if you are caught: the Hunting Horn can still hold its own with a decent reach and good attack power.

Bow

Finally, there is the Bow. It is a standard ranged weapon that allows players to impale monsters with various arrows. The technical aspect of this weapon comes with the ability to apply different poisons to the arrows. Taking a split second to do so enables hunters to afflict monsters with status ailments to aid in the hunter’s battle.

That’s all 14 weapon types! Which one are you most interested in trying? Let us know in the comments!