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Monster Hunter Wilds: Best Weapons for Beginners

by Grace Mar 19,2025

Choosing the best weapons in *Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak* as a beginner can feel overwhelming. The game offers a starting weapon, but it might not be the ideal choice for every new hunter. Even with improved onboarding, *Sunbreak* doesn't fully explain weapon mechanics upfront.

This guide simplifies things by highlighting five user-friendly weapons perfect for beginners, along with explanations to help you get started.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Weapons for Beginners

Hammer

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

The hammer is ideal for newcomers. Its high damage output requires minimal complex combos. Master a few key moves – an overhead smash, a whirling hit, a charged attack, and the powerful Big Bang combo – and you'll be dealing significant damage. Hammers boast higher attack power than many other weapons, making them effective even with weaker status ailment options.

Dual Blades

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

Dual blades also offer a gentle learning curve with simple combos, but provide more action than the hammer. Their high mobility aids dodging and striking. While basic combos are effective, Demon Mode unlocks powerful blade dance skills for increased damage, though it consumes stamina. Remember to eat stamina-boosting meals before hunting with dual blades.

Sword and Shield

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

The sword and shield is versatile, offering a high skill ceiling for later mastery. The shield allows blocking without significant movement penalties, easily integrated into your combat flow. Combos range from simple slashes to more complex maneuvers, but even basic attacks are effective. A key advantage is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon, a significant benefit in combat.

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 distance while dealing damage. It offers unlimited basic ammo and various special ammo types (elemental infusions, etc.), making it more versatile than the bow and smoother to handle than the heavy bowgun. Hunts may take longer, but it's a safer option for learning monster attack patterns. Consider keeping it as a secondary weapon even after mastering other weapons due to its ease of applying status ailments and exploiting weaknesses.

Long Sword

The Long Sword is the most complex on this list. Its effectiveness relies on precise timing and positioning. Basic attacks include a useful strike-and-retreat move and a sheathe skill for quick repositioning. True power comes from spirit slash attacks and their enhanced versions, requiring a filled spirit meter. These attacks range from simple slashes to more complex maneuvers that demand careful positioning. The most powerful attack is a three-part combo, but its success depends on hitting the initial slash; otherwise, you'll miss the opportunity. It takes practice, but it’s a rewarding weapon once mastered.