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

For newcomers, Monster Hunter Rise's explosive success might seem sudden. However, Capcom's years of refining the Monster Hunter series for global appeal have culminated in what appears to be one of the franchise's best-selling titles. With over a million concurrent Steam players, it's clear Monster Hunter Rise is captivating audiences. But if you're feeling lost, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the game, there's a simple trick to maximizing your enjoyment: choosing the right weapon.

Monster Hunter Rise offers a vast arsenal of weapons, each with a distinct playstyle. From the heavy-hitting Great Sword to the nimble Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the options are almost overwhelming.

While the Great Sword and Switch Axe are iconic, their deliberate, precise swings aren't the easiest starting point. Beginners might find more success with the Dual Blades, which offer a fast-paced, dodge-heavy combat experience. This shift is significant: the Great Sword evokes the methodical combat of *Dark Souls*, while the Dual Blades channel the frenetic action of *Devil May Cry*.

Monster Hunter Rise streamlines combat compared to previous entries, aligning it more closely with modern action games. Healing still requires sheathing your weapon, but combat feels more intuitive. However, unlike other action RPGs with extensive skill trees, Monster Hunter Rise emphasizes weapon choice to define your playstyle.

Your initial weapon selection profoundly shapes your experience. If you crave fast combos and high-octane action, the Dual Blades are perfect, relying on rapid attacks, quick dodges, and a meter that unleashes powerful combos on downed monsters.

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 ResultsAlternatively, for a balance of damage, defense, and mobility, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starting point. The Lance, while less popular due to its defensive focus, offers a unique parry-and-counter combat experience.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns provide considerable power. Remember to manage ammo and choose appropriate 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. Weapons like the Gunlance (range capabilities), Charge Blade (shifts between axe and blade), Insect Glaive, and Hunting Horn offer unique gameplay mechanics and buffs.

Don't be overwhelmed by the choice. Experiment with weapons 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 depth of a Dark Souls-inspired approach.