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

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 hugely successful Monster Hunter series for global dominance over the years, and the result is what appears to be one of the best-selling titles in the franchise.

With over a million concurrent players on Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds is capturing the attention of gamers worldwide. If you're feeling like an outsider looking in, unsure of how or where to begin, I have a secret to maximizing your Monster Hunter enjoyment with this one simple trick—finding the weapon that best suits your playstyle.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players can choose from an almost overwhelming arsenal of weapons, each with its own unique playstyle. Whether you're drawn to heavy, brutish weapons like the Great Sword, something more nimble like the Dual Blades, or prefer 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 specific approach, prioritizing intentional swings over brute force. They're not the easiest to master initially. Instead, I recommend opting for something more agile like the Dual Blades, which unlock a world of quick attacks and dodges. The difference is transformative: using a big sword, Monster Hunter echoes the deliberate combat and careful approach of Dark Souls; with Dual Blades, it's more reminiscent of Devil May Cry's action-focused combat.

Indeed, compared to previous Monster Hunter games, Wilds adjusts the combat to align more closely with modern action games. While you still need to sheathe your weapon to heal, the combat feels more intuitive for those accustomed to 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 approach through skill trees, in Monster Hunter, it's all about weapon choice.

The decision you make at the outset defines your 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. These 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 a great 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 aren't for everyone, but with practice, you can achieve a very unique combat experience.

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 weapons that deal massive damage in exchange for speed, light weapons that offer rapid attacks, and technical weapons. Some weapons, like the Gunlance, have ranged capabilities, while the Charge Blade can transform between a big axe and a smaller blade with a button press. 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 you fully commit, because you will definitely find the right fit for you, whether that's unleashing a frenzy like Dante or prioritizing strategy like Dark Souls.