Welcome to our Monster Hunter World Weapons Guide. This is the most comprehensive guide when it comes to weapons and we have details relating to every weapon found in the game. Monster Hunter World is the newest installment in the series and we return to the world of monsters to slay them.
Here we have the most detailed guide that you need to about Weapons in Monster Hunter World. We have listed all weapons, their strengths, weaknesses, skills, combos, and controls for using these weapons. We have also detailed which are the best weapons and which are the worst weapons in the game. With the help of this weapons guide, you can easily learn about all weapons and decide which weapon is most suited for your gameplay.
It is more than important to know what how different weapons work. It allows you to choose the right kind of weapon for your current build.
In addition to the weapons, affinity is also something you need to keep an eye on. It allows you to tune your weapons to deal extra damage to your enemies. Understanding the weapons tree, affinity, character builds, is crucial to make sure you check out some of our other guides as well in the main guides section. Especially those who are beginners to the series.
Detailed Weapons Guide – Monster Hunter World
There are different types of unique weapons that you can use in Monster Hunter World. In total, there are 14 different types of weapons all ranging from Hammers, Bows, and Swords to Bowguns. Each weapon has unique skills, combos, and bonuses, which we have detailed below for you.
Below you will find all weapons along with their combos, details, skills, tips, and tricks for using them. Our Monster Hunter World Weapons Guide details Monster Hunter World weapons tree and everything that you need to know about weapons in Monster Hunter World.
- Bow
- Lance
- Hammer
- Gunlance
- Switch Axe
- Dual Blades
- Long Sword
- Great Sword
- Insect Glaive
- Hunting Horn
- Charge Blade
- Light Bowgun
- Heavy Bowgun
- Sword and Shield
The Great Sword
The main strength of The Great Sword lies in its damage. It deals heavy damage but at the cost of speed. This is most suited for players who prefer damage dealing type of gameplay or in other words tanks. It also allows you to block your attacks.
Although it looks very heavy and big, it does not affect your evading speed so you can still evade enemies easily.
Attacks and Controls
It features different attack types. Pressing triangle will perform an Overhead Slash while holding it will yield a Charged Slash dealing even more damage to enemies.
The circle is Wide Slash, which works well for crowd control while pressing triangle and circle at the same time will land a Rising Slash, which lifts you in the air to continue with a combo. You can tackle your enemies by pressing triangle and circle while charging and block enemy attacks by pressing R2.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with The Great Sword.
- Circle, Circle, Circle
- Circle, Triangle + Circle, Circle
- Hold Triangle, Left Analogue + Hold Triangle, Left Analogue + Hold Triangle
The Long Sword
The Long Sword is also great damage dealers. They are used for dealing maximum damage, however, they have less damage when compared with The Giant Sword but it allows greater mobility. It will make you more nimble at the cost of a little damage.
It will allow you to move and dodge while you are moving as well as gives you additional damage with Spirit Blade mode.
Attacks and Controls
Just like The Great Sword, The Long Sword has different attacks that you can unleash on your enemies. Pressing triangle will give you a standard attack; the circle is the thrust attack while triangle and circle pressed together result in an evading attack.
Pressing R2 will turn it into a Spirit Blade allowing you to perform additional moves. During a combo, pressing R2 and circle will result in a Foresight Slash while pressing R2 with Triangle results in Spirit Thrust attack.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with The Long Sword.
- R2, R2, R2, R2
- Triangle + Triangle + Triangle
- Triangle + Circle, R2, R2, R2 + Triangle
Sword and Shield
This is the best all-around balanced weapon. It offers decent damage and protection as well since you will be using the shield for blocking enemy attacks. You will be able to perform attacks with the sword, block with the shield and perform some bash attacks with the shield.
The charging attacks are good for toppling giant enemies giving you a window for following attacks,
Attacks and Controls
Pressing Triangle for the standard attack and circle for the special attack. Triangle plus circle is the advancing Slash attack. During a combo, you can also perform a Charged Slash by holding the left analog down and holding the circle button. You can guard with R2 and ready your slinger with L2.
Pressing R2 and L2 at the same time will fire your slinger. R2 and Triangle is Rising slash lifting you in the air and you can use your items by pressing L2 or R2 and square at the same time.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Sword and Shield.
- Circle, Circle, Circle, Hold Circle
- Triangle + Circle, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle
- Left Analogue + Circle, Circle, Circle, Hold Circle
- Triangle + Circle, Left Analogue + Hold Circle, Triangle
Dual Blades
Dual Blades are very fast paced weapons and suit those players who prefer fast-paced attacks on enemies. They lack in damage but once you land an attack, you fill your demon gauge. Once this is complete, you can enter Demon Mode, which has a lot of new attacks and moves, which feature additional damage.
Once the Demon Gauge is completely filled, it further allows you to enter Archdemon mode, which increases your attack speed and actions. Dual Blades are must-use for players that want their game to be as fast as possible.
Attacks and Controls
When it comes to attacks, pressing triangle will launch your standard attack, the circle is your lunging attack while triangle and circle at the same time is the Blade Dance advanced move. Once the Demon Gauge is full, press R2 to enter Demon Mode.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Dual Blades.
- Triangle, Triangle, Triangle
- Circle, Circle, Triangle, Circle
- Triangle, Triangle, Triangle+ Circle
Bow
The bow is the best weapon when mobility and stealth is your game. It also gives you great freedom and range. No other weapons allow this much mobility but it seriously lacks in damage if you are not using special attacks such as Dragon Piercer.
You can opt for different types of arrows and you can use different items such as poisons to modify the behavior of the damage dealt to the enemies. It also allows you to charge the attacks for more piercing attacks.
Attacks and Controls
To fire arrows, first, you need to ready the bow with L2. Pressing L2 will also show the crosshairs on the screen. You can shoot with R2 once the bow is ready to shoot. Pressing circle results in a special shot. Dragon Piercer is a great attack and you can perform it by pressing triangle and circle at the same time.
To coat the arrow with an item, press L1, and X or Triangle to select a coating and then triangle to load or unload the coating.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Bow.
- Hold R2, Tap R2, Circle
- Hold R2, Hold R2 + Circle
Heavy Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun is one of the heaviest and deadliest weapons in the game. When you have it equipped, you will unable to walk and evade properly. You will have decreased mobility but at the expense of this mobility, you will have extreme amounts of damage. You will literally blow away any enemies and small monsters with a single hit.
It comes with a variety of ammo types so you use them according to the situation at hand. We recommend that you use the Heavy Bowgun only if you have a company with you. It will not do you much good when you are alone and have no support when the enemy gets up close and personal with you.
Attacks and Controls
You can aim with L2 and fire the weapon with R2. Once fired, sit back and enjoy the destruction it leaves in its path for your enemies. You can load it with the circle and reload it with the triangle.
To choose a different ammo type press L1, X, and Triangle at the same time. Pressing Triangle and Circle at the same time results in a melee attack.
Light Bowgun
The Light Bowgun is much lighter than the Heavy Bowgun allowing better movement. Since it is lighter so naturally, it has lower damage as well.
However, the movement it allows pretty much counters the lower damage as it allows you to evade easily and hit the monster from a different angle. It also allows you to put down bombs on the ground, which are a great way of setting up traps.
Attacks and Controls
Aim the Bowgun with L2 and fire with R2. Pressing circle will let you put down bombs which are used as traps mostly. Triangle is the reload button. You can choose the ammo with L1 + X or Triangle. Pressing triangle and circle at the same time results in a decent melee attack.
Insect Glaive
The Insect Glaive serves two purposes. First, as it is a weapon, you use it to deal damage to your enemies. Second, since it looks like a staff, it also helps you to get some air. You can use it to jump high in the air and land on monsters to mount them and deal incredible damage.
It also gives you the ability to harvest extracts from monsters using Kinsect who are summoned using it. Once the extracts are harvested, you get a temporary boost.
Attacks and Controls
Coming to controls, your standard attack is tied to the triangle; circle is your strong attack while L2 and Triangle is the Harvest Extract ability. You can press L2 and circle to recall the Kinsect, L2, and R2 are used to mark targets and to jump high in the air, you can press R2 and X.
Once in the air, you can land some attacks. Press Triangle in the air to perform an Aerial Attack and Circle in the air to perform a Jumping Advancing Slash attack. You can also evade in the air by pressing X.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Insect Glaive.
- R2 + X, X, Circle
- Left Analogue + Circle, Triangle, Circle
- Left Analogue + Triangle, Triangle, Triangle
Hammer
Considering a single attack hit points, the Hammer has the highest hit points. Every single attack deals more damage to the enemy than any other weapon in the game. However, due to its sheer size, it has a low rate of attack and naturally decreases your mobility as well.
It has different attacks that totally make up for the decreased attack because of the high level of damage each attack does to the enemy. Hammer can also stun enemies.
Attacks and Controls
You can perform the standard attack with triangle, Big Bang I attack by pressing circle and perform a charged attack by pressing and holding the R2 button.
If you simply release the R2 button after charging, you will perform a Charged Attack but if you press circle during the charging process, you will perform a Power Charge.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Hammer.
- Triangle, Triangle, Triangle
- While Charging, Release R2, Triangle, Triangle
- While Charging, Release R2, Triangle, Triangle
- Hold R2, Left Analogue + Release R2, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle
Hunting Horn
Perhaps the unique weapon in the whole game is the Hunting Horn. It is a weapon but it does not kill. On the other hand, it is used to perform buff inducing melodies.
These melodic buffs affect you and your teammates so this weapon is most effective when playing in parties. Otherwise, you will not be dealing much damage to the enemies.
Attacks and Controls
You can perform three Notes with the Hunting Horn, one from each button triangle, circle and triangle, and circle. These are three notes, which are assigned to the basic attack buttons of a normal button. You can perform these melodies by pressing the R2 button.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Hunting Horn.
- Triangle, Triangle, R2, R2
- Triangle, Circle, Circle, R2, R2
- Circle, Triangle + Circle, Triangle, R2, R2
- Left Analogue Up + Triangle, Triangle, R2, R2
- Triangle + Circle, Triangle + Circle, Circle, R2, R2
- Triangle, Triangle + Circle, Triangle + Circle, R2, R2
- Circle, Triangle, Circle, Left Analogue Right or Left + X
- Circle, Left Analogue Up + Triangle + Circle, Triangle + Circle, Left Analogue Up + Triangle
Lance
Lance is more focused on defense as it gives you a shield and good range of attack. While using a lance, you are at a safe distance from the monsters. The counter-thrust ability is great when you want to dish out a quick counter right after an attack block.
Power Guard reduces the stun time at the cost of stamina so you need to be careful while using it. Lance is a good defense weapon but it is not suited for those looking for weapons that are more offensive.
Attacks and Controls
You can press triangle for Mid Thrust and circle for Wide Sweep. Pressing both at the same time will result in a Wide Sweep attack. Combining circle with R2 will perform Counter-Thrust.
A Guard Dash can be performed by pressing R2, Left Analogue and triangle at the same time. To turn this dash into an attack, press R2, triangle and circle at the same time. R2 is used for guarding while combining R2 with X is Power Guard.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Lance.
- Triangle, Triangle, Left/Right Left Analogue + X
- R2 + Left Analogue + Triangle, Circle, Triangle or Circle
- R2 + Circle, Triangle or Circle, R2 + Circle, Triangle or Circle
Gunlance
Gunlance is like a more offense-oriented variant of the Lance. It lacks defense as compared to the Lance but when it comes to offense, it leaves Lance behind in every aspect. It can fire shells at much longer range, which are also more powerful.
Each shell is fired individually so you can fire one shell change position if required and then fire again. If you want, you can also fire like a shotgun but it will have very less accuracy.
Attacks and Controls
You can perform a Forward Attack by pressing triangle, circle is used for shelling while pressing triangle and circle at the same time executes a Strong Attack. You can also perform an Upward Attack by pressing R2 and Triangle at the same time.
When out of ammo, press R2 and circle at the same time to reload. You can guard with R2 and perform the Wyvern’s Fire attack by pressing R2, triangle, and circle at the same time.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Gunlance.
- Triangle + Circle, Triangle, Circle
- Left Analogue + Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Circle
- Triangle + Circle, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle or Circle
Switch Axe
Switch Axe is a combination of Axe and Sword. It allows you to seamlessly connect combos between the two and is the best combination of damage and mobility. The more efficient you are with your combos, more your weapon becomes capable of dealing increased damage.
Every seamless switch increases your damage so keep the combos going to deal more and more damage with the same weapon. This is the weapon of choice for combo lovers.
Attacks and Controls
It features double the number of moves because both Axe and Sword can be used in the battle at the same time. While using Axe, triangle is your standard attack, circle is your wild swing and the more you press, you will keep swinging it around you.
It works well for crowd control. To attack and jump, press triangle and circle at the same time. You can also perform an Advancing attack by pressing Left Analogue and circle at the same time.
Combos
You can switch to the Sword any time by pressing R2. When using the sword, triangle is your standard attack and circle is your strong attack. Triangle and circle when pressed together will land the Element Discharge special attack.
When you are bored with the sword, press R2 to switch back to the Axe. This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Switch Axe.
- Tap Circle, R2
- Left Analogue + Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle
- Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Circle, Triangle + Circle, Tap Triangle
Charge Blade
Our final weapon in the Monster Hunter World is the Charge Blade. Now this works in the same as the Switch Axe but it has more emphasis on defense. This does not mean that the weapon has no offensive capabilities. It has a pretty decent offense as well.
Therefore, you get pretty much of everything with the Charge blade. It lets you store energy generated after every attack in sword mode and when you switch to the Axe, you can unleash this stored energy in the form of elemental attacks.
Attacks and Controls
When using the Sword, you can perform different attacks while the Axe has its own unique attacks. With the Sword equipped, you can perform the standard attack with the triangle and perform a Charged Double Dash by holding the circle for some time. Triangle and Circle will let you perform a Forward Slash.
Sliding Slash is performed by pressing Left Analogue to choose a direction and pressing circle. It can be performed in the middle of a combo as well. R2 and Triangle land a Morph Slash while R2 and circle is used to Charge Phials.
You can block attacks by pressing R2. When you have the Axe equipped, press triangle for the standard attack and circle for the Element Discharge attack. You release the collected energy, press triangle, and circle for an Amped Element Discharge attack. You can switch back to the Sword using the R2 button.
Combos
This section contains some sample combos that you can perform with Charge Blade.
- Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Circle
- Triangle + Circle, Triangle, Triangle
- Hold Circle, R2 + Circle, Hold Triangle
- Left Analogue + Triangle, Circle, Circle
- Hold Circle, Triangle + Circle, Triangle + Circle, R2
- Triangle > Circle > Triangle > Circle
- Hold Circle > R2 + Circle > Hold Triangle
- Left Analogue + Triangle > Circle > Circle
Best Weapons
Below we have mentioned the weapons, which according to us are the best weapons to use. These weapons are suited for players of diverse play styles so it is not necessary that you may like these weapons. It all comes down to how you want to play the game.
Charge Blade
Charge Blade is so far the best weapon that you can get in Monster Hunter World. It is because it is a combination of two weapons. You can use it in two ways. One is the Sword and Shield and an Axe.
Along with that, you can also store all energy generated by the Sword attacks and unleash them when you switch to the Axe. It may become repetitive as you play the game but the sheer brute punch it packs makes you forget the repetitions. Both modes have unique combos and attacks so it will keep the fun going.
Great Sword
Great Sword is big and slow but it packs quite a punch and makes quick way of monsters with ease. It can also be used to block monster attacks. It is suitable for more strategic players. If you prefer fast-paced gameplay then the Great Sword is not for you. It is extremely slow and will mostly take quite a time to attack especially when you are trying to use the charge attack.
For any player who wants to deal maximum damage with each hit but is not too worried about the slow mobility, Great Sword is the weapon for him.
Heavy Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun is the weapon of choice for ranged players. Nothing comes close to the Heavy Bowman when it comes to ranged attacks. It packs quite a punch, has two fire modes and a variety of ammo types that you can use. Each ammo type is effective against specific type of monster so it gives you quite an edge against most of the monsters.
However, it has one downside, when you are playing alone, it will not be very useful, as you will get a hard time aiming it at the monster. Also, make sure you do not run out of ammo in a battle otherwise you will be running around with nothing to
attack.
Long Sword
Long Sword offers decent attack range and some really good combos. It also has an alternate fire mode called Spirit Blade which increases the attack power. Longsword offers good mobility as well as it lacks in defense and it sometimes might even topple your allies near you. So you need to be careful when fighting alongside allies.
Insect Glaive
Insect Glaive is excellent weapon for people who want as much mobility as possible. With the Insect Glaive, you can jump high and land on monsters to mount them and deal some serious damage. It also has some good combos, however; the learning curve is a little high. You will need some serious practice if you want to master the Insect Glaive.
Dual Blades
Dual Blades is the weapon of choice for newcomers to the Monster Hunter games. It is the easiest to use weapon in the game. They not only look cool but they pack quite a decent punch as well. It has good attack moves and combos but it is heavy on the stamina. Apart from heavy stamina use, it also has no defense so your best option with Dual Blades is to keep moving around. It provides good mobility and freedom.
Weapons You Should Avoid!
Apart from the best weapons in the game, these weapons, on the other hand, are the least used weapons in the game. It might be because they are useless or have better alternatives in the game. Some might lack good combos or even lack good damage dealing and mobility both. Overall, you should try to avoid using these weapons in the game.
Sword and Shield
Sword and Shield do very less damage to the enemies while the shield is not very effective when it comes to blocking the damage. Although it provides good mobility and allows you to consume items without the need to put your weapons away, it is still not that much used by players in the game because of their basic look and mediocre damage.
Bow
The bow is the easiest and the most boring weapon to use in Monster Hunter World. It does not pose any challenge and it extremely easy to use. However, it does very little damage, especially the normal arrows. Coating with items enhance the arrows but it still lacks the punch of other weapons. Unless you are using coated or charged arrows, do not use Bow.
Hammer
The worst part of Hammer is its bluntness as it cannot be used to severe parts of monsters during battle. It also requires you to be right in the face of the monster to attack. Swinging it around also requires time so it somewhat limits your mobility. Its high damage gets overshadowed by the slow speed as a counter-attack will not wait for your attack to charge. It cannot be used for defense as well.
Hunting Horn
Hunting Horn is the unique weapon of the game. It is an excellent support weapon as it can heal and buff allies but when playing solo, it is not much of a use. It lacks defense and charge attacks. When playing with teams, it comes to great use but when playing solo, it feels like an upgraded hammer.
This concludes our Monster Hunter World Weapons Guide. If you want to add anything to this guide, feel free to use the comments section below!
