Monster Hunter: Play Styles Echo Dark Souls or Devil May Cry Based on Weapon Choice

For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the sudden success of Wilds might seem like it came out of nowhere. However, Capcom has been meticulously refining its massively successful Monster Hunter series for years, aiming for global dominance. The result is what appears to be one of the best-selling games in the series. With over a million concurrent players on Steam, it's clear that everyone is diving into Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're feeling like an outsider looking in, unsure of how or where to start, I have a secret to maximizing your Monster Hunter enjoyment with one simple trick – finding the weapon that best suits your preferred playstyle.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players are immediately presented with an almost overwhelming arsenal of weapons, each offering a unique playstyle. Whether you're drawn to heavy, brutish weapons like the Great Sword, something more agile like the Dual Blades, or prefer the precision of ranged weapons like the Bowgun, there's something for everyone.

There's a temptation – perhaps because it's Monster Hunter's most iconic weapon – to start with the big swords and switch axes. However, these cumbersome weapons require a very specific approach, prioritizing intentional swings over brute force, and they're not the easiest to master at first. Instead, I recommend opting for something more nimble, like the Dual Blades, which unlock a world of quick attacks and dodges. The difference is transformative: when using a big sword, Monster Hunter echoes the considered combat and careful approach of Dark Souls; with Dual Blades, it's reminiscent of Devil May Cry's action-focused combat.

Compared to previous Monster Hunters, Wilds adjusts the combat to align more closely with modern action games. While you still need to sheathe your weapon to heal, combat feels more intuitive for those familiar with recent action RPGs. The key difference – and why choosing a weapon that suits your playstyle is crucial – is that, unlike other action RPGs where players can customize their playstyle through skill trees, in Monster Hunter, it's all about weapon choice.

The decision you make at the start defines your entire experience. If you prefer something super fast and combo-heavy, making you feel like Dante from Devil May Cry has been transported into the Monster Hunter series, go for the Dual Blades. They rely on fast attacks, quick dodges, and building up a meter that, when full, can unleash a rapid combo on downed enemies.

On the flip side, if you prefer a weapon that can deal heavy damage while keeping your defenses up and maintaining mobility, the sword and shield is an excellent starter weapon. The lance, one of the least popular weapons in the game because it favors defense over flashy attacks, combines a big weapon with a shield. Its parries and counter-attacks offer a unique combat experience, though they require practice.

There are also ranged weapons like the Bowguns, which are equally, if not more, powerful than melee weapons. If you choose one of these, remember to pack enough ammo and ensure you're using the best ones for the particular monster you're fighting.

With 14 weapons to choose from, each with unique abilities and characteristics, they're effectively divided into three main types – heavy, which deal massive damage in exchange for speed; light, which offer rapid attacks; and technical weapons. There are also weapons that blend these archetypes – the Gunlance has ranged capabilities, the Charge Blade can switch between a big axe and a smaller blade with a button press, and the Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn can be used to gain unique buffs with the right combos.

There's a ton of choice, but don't get overwhelmed. Try out every weapon in the game's tutorial before fully committing, because you will definitely find the right fit for you, whether that's kicking up a frenzy like Dante or prioritizing strategy like Dark Souls.