MONSTER HUNTER RISE Guide: Weapons

Go on a hunt wherever you want, whenever you want in MONSTER HUNTER RISE, out now on Nintendo Switch! Freely explore sweeping landscapes inspired by ancient Japan, slay ferocious wild monsters solo or co‑operatively with friends, and forge powerful weapons and armour from your spoils in this sprawling action RPG.

We’ve already covered the basics and some tips on how to hunt monsters, it’s now time to take a look at some of the weapons available!

Let’s go over the weapons below and see what advantages and disadvantages they bring!

Light weapons

Dual Blades

Dual Blades are a good place to start if you’re new to MONSTER HUNTER RISE as they are quick and good for racking up consecutive blows. The Dual Blades are perfect for an extremely offensive approach, and are further powered up when using Demon Mode. Since there’s no defence while using this weapon, you will have to become adept at dodging incoming attacks.

Sword and Shield

A short, quick blade, accompanied by a shield, combining both offensive and defensive moves. Sword and Shield is the only weapon type that allows the consumption of items without sheathing. This is a good weapon choice for those who want to be relatively quick but also have some form of defence.

Long Sword

The Long Sword is an elegant weapon that allows you to deal wide blows, evades and counterattacks. It’s a very versatile weapon, and enables you to execute powerful combos once your Spirit Bar is charged up.

Light Bowgun

The Light Bowgun is a ranged weapon that fires in quick bursts. It’s an extremely flexible weapon and can use several types of ammunition, in order to adapt to the weaknesses of the monster you’re hunting. Ammunition management is naturally essential to using the Light Bowgun but it does allow you to hunt from afar and avoid the monster’s attacks. If you’re playing with friends, they can distract the monster close-up while you shoot from further out!

Heavy weapons

Great Sword

The Great Sword is an enormous blade that is slow but hits enemies with powerful blows, especially if the attacks are charged. The Great Sword is easy to use, but to take advantage of its strength you will need to act with the right timing. Make sure to watch the monster closely for an opening!

Hammer

The Hammer is a big blunt weapon that deals heavy blows, while allowing for good mobility. The blows inflicted to the head of the monster might stun it or knock it out so it’s a useful weapon to have when hunting in packs! You can even use charge attacks to deal even more damage.

Lance

The Lance deals out powerful lunges, while also offering a strong defence. It comes with one of the best shields available in MONSTER HUNTER RISE, capable of countering any incoming attacks thanks to the Power Guard. Although it doesn’t allow you to move around quickly, it does allow you to quickly charge while covering long distances.

Gunlance

As the name suggests, the Gunlance is a lance that comes with a powerful cannon! It combines the great defence offered by the Lance with the power of projectiles. It can also fire a powerful shot called Wyvern’s Fire which requires a cooldown once used, so make it count!

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun has immense firepower, but is limited by its weight. It can fire an impressive number of bullets, thanks to Wyvern Fury or, if needed, a more accurate and focused shot. Like the Light Bowgun, the Heavy Bowgun is a good option to have when playing with friends, as they can take on the monster close-up while you take aim from afar.

Technical weapons

Hunting Horn

The Hunting Horn is a technical weapon that produces melodies when racking up consecutive attacks. These melodies power up the Hunter and their allies in battle. The quick blunt hits of this weapon are the perfect choice to quickly weaken monsters, while simultaneously buffing yourself and your buddies.

Switch Axe

The Switch Axe is a very technical weapon that can be used as either an Axe or a Sword. In Axe mode, you’ll be quicker and the attacks will have a longer range, while in Sword Mode you will deal more damage, but be more restricted in your speed of movement. The latter mode usage is limited by a flask, which can be recharged while in Axe Mode, so make sure to practice with both!

Charge Blade

The Charge Blade combines a sword and a shield to form a double axe. While attacking monsters with this weapon, you will build up energy that may be transferred into the shield to increase its resistance. In Axe Mode you’ll be able to unleash powerful explosions too!

Insect Glaive

This weapon is formed by a club and small insects called Kinsects. It can be used to extract essence from the monster, that can power you up. The Insect Glaive offers extreme mobility, allowing you to execute high jumps, especially useful against monsters susceptible from being attacked from above.

Bow

The Bow is a long range weapon that offers a good mobility to its user. It’s capable of firing arrows in quick succession or as a burst of arrows. Its ammunition can be modified to add several effects to each shot too. As with the Light and Heavy Bowgun, the Bow allows you to attack from afar but be sure not to get too close as the Bow isn’t the best weapon for close-quarters combat!

To ensure you always the advantage over the monsters you hunt, it is good advice to practice with a multitude of the 14 available weapons. You can swap out what you are using at the Item Box in Your Room in Kamura Village or in the Tent whilst on a hunt. Simply select Change Equipment and then Equipment Box to equip different weapons and armor. Using the Item Box, you can even register and change equipment loadouts which can save time if you need to change tactics whilst on a hunt.

You can also change weapons at the Smithy in Kamura Village, simply speak with Hamon the Blacksmith where you can forge or upgrade weapons and armor, customize your Bowgun or manage your equipment which allows you to change between weapons and even sell equipment you no longer need if you are low on funds.

Forming a team of hunters with a good range of weaponry is important when playing with friends in multiplayer. Find out about the benefits of playing with other hunters and how to go about it in our MONSTER HUNTER RISE multiplayer guide.