Monster Hunter Wilds: Select Your Weapon for a Dark Souls or Devil May Cry Experience

For those new to Monster Hunter, the meteoric rise of Wilds may feel surprising. Capcom has spent years refining its globally celebrated Monster Hunter series, and the result is poised to be one of the franchise's top-selling titles.

With over a million players active on Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds is captivating gamers worldwide. If you're new and wondering how to dive in, the key to unlocking the full potential of Monster Hunter lies in one simple choice: selecting the weapon that matches your preferred playstyle.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players are greeted with a vast array of weapons, each offering a distinct approach to combat. Options range from powerful, heavy weapons like the Great Sword to agile choices like the Dual Blades or long-range tools like the Bowgun.

It’s tempting to gravitate toward iconic heavy weapons like great swords or switch axes, but their deliberate, calculated swings can be tricky for beginners. Instead, consider starting with nimble Dual Blades, which enable swift attacks and evasive dodges. The contrast is striking: a great sword delivers a methodical, Dark Souls-like combat experience, while Dual Blades evoke the fast-paced, action-packed style of Devil May Cry.

Compared to earlier Monster Hunter titles, Wilds refines combat to align with modern action RPGs. While sheathing your weapon to heal remains, the controls feel more intuitive for players familiar with recent action RPGs. Unlike other RPGs that rely on skill trees for customization, Monster Hunter hinges on your weapon choice to shape your playstyle.

Your initial weapon choice defines your journey. For those craving speed and combos, Dual Blades deliver a frenetic, Dante-esque experience with rapid attacks, quick dodges, and a meter that unleashes devastating combos when filled.

For players who prefer dealing heavy damage while staying mobile and defensive, the sword and shield is an excellent starting point. The lance, though less popular due to its defensive focus, pairs a large weapon with a shield for parries and counter-attacks, offering a unique combat rhythm with practice.

Ranged weapons like the Bowgun match the power of melee options. If you choose these, ensure you carry sufficient ammo tailored to the monster you’re facing.

With 14 unique weapons, each falls into one of three categories: heavy for massive damage at the cost of speed, light for rapid strikes, and technical for specialized mechanics. Some weapons, like the Gunlance, Charge Blade, or Insect Glaive, blend these styles, offering versatility through ranged attacks, transformations, or buffs.

The variety can feel daunting, but don’t worry. Experiment with each weapon in the game’s tutorial to find the one that clicks, whether you’re channeling Dante’s flair or Dark Souls’ strategic precision.