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

For newcomers, Monster Hunter Rise's sudden success might seem surprising. However, Capcom's years of refining the Monster Hunter series have culminated in what appears to be one of the best-selling entries. With over a million concurrent Steam players, the game is undeniably popular. But if you feel lost, overwhelmed by the options, there's a simple key to maximizing your enjoyment: choosing the right weapon.

Monster Hunter Rise offers a vast arsenal, each weapon boasting a unique playstyle. From the heavy-hitting Great Sword to the nimble Dual Blades and ranged Bowguns, the choices are plentiful.

While the Great Sword and Switch Axe are iconic, their deliberate, strategic swings aren't the easiest starting point. The Dual Blades, however, offer a more accessible entry, emphasizing speed and dodging. This transformative difference shifts the combat experience: the Great Sword evokes the measured combat of *Dark Souls*, while the Dual Blades bring to mind the action-packed style of *Devil May Cry*.

Rise's combat is more modern and intuitive than previous entries, aligning more closely with contemporary action RPGs. While sheathing remains necessary for healing, the combat flow feels familiar to players of recent action RPGs. However, unlike those games which offer skill trees for customization, Monster Hunter Rise hinges weapon choice for defining your playstyle.

Your initial weapon selection fundamentally shapes your experience. If you crave fast-paced, combo-heavy action reminiscent of Dante, the Dual Blades are ideal, relying on quick attacks, 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, combines a large weapon with a shield, offering unique parry and counter-attack opportunities.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns provide considerable power, but require careful ammo management and selection based on the target monster.

The fourteen available weapons fall broadly into three categories: heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical. However, some blur these lines—the Gunlance offers range, the Charge Blade switches between axe and blade forms, and the Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn provide unique buffs through combos.

While the choices are numerous, don't be intimidated. Experiment with each weapon in the tutorial before committing, ensuring you find the perfect fit, whether it’s Devil May Cry-style frenzied combat or Dark Souls-inspired strategic play.