Home News > Monster Hunter Wilds: Best Weapons for Beginners

Monster Hunter Wilds: Best Weapons for Beginners

by Ava Mar 22,2025

Choosing the best weapons in *Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak* as a beginner can feel daunting. While the game offers a starting weapon based on a short quiz, it isn't always the ideal choice for new hunters. Even with *Sunbreak*'s improved tutorial, understanding weapon mechanics takes time.

This guide simplifies things by highlighting five user-friendly weapons perfect for starting your *Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak* journey. We'll provide a concise overview of each, explaining their strengths and what to expect.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Beginner Weapons

Hammer

A hunter in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, using a stun hammer to attack a Lala Barina

The hammer is ideal for newcomers. It delivers massive damage with minimal complex combos. Master a few key moves—an overhead smash, a spinning hit, a powerful charged attack, and the Big Bang combo (ending in a strong charged hit)—and you're good to go. Hammers boast high attack power, making them effective even with weaker status effect options. Simple, powerful, and effective.

Dual Blades

A hunter in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak using the dual blades against a sand leviathan

Dual blades offer a slightly steeper learning curve than the hammer but remain relatively straightforward. Their agility surpasses other weapons, aiding in dodging and striking. Basic combos form the foundation, but Demon Mode unlocks devastating blade dance skills for high damage output. Remember, Demon Mode consumes stamina; strategic use and stamina-boosting meals are crucial.

Sword and Shield

A hunter in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak performing a downward thrust attack with the sword and shield

The sword and shield presents a versatile option with a high skill ceiling. The shield's ability to block attacks is a significant advantage, allowing for seamless integration into your combat flow without sacrificing mobility. While complex maneuvers exist, basic combos are sufficient for early hunts. The standout feature? Item usage without sheathing—a game-changer for efficient hunting.

Light Bowgun

A hunter in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak using normal ammo with the light bowgun against a Lala Barina

The Light Bowgun is perfect for observing monster behavior from a safe distance while chipping away at their health. It offers unlimited basic ammo and the ability to use special ammo types (elemental infusions, etc.). More versatile than the bow and smoother than the heavy bowgun, it’s a safer, albeit slower, option for learning fight patterns. Consider keeping it upgraded even after mastering other weapons, as it's excellent for applying status ailments or exploiting weaknesses.

Long Sword

A hunter in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak using the Long Sword

The Long Sword is the most complex weapon on this list. Its effectiveness relies on precise timing and positioning. Basic attacks, including a strike-and-retreat move and a quick sheathe skill, form the base. However, true power comes from spirit slash attacks and their enhanced versions, requiring a built-up spirit meter. Mastering these, especially the challenging three-part aerial combo, takes practice but offers high rewards for dedicated hunters.