"Monster Hunter Gameplay: Choose Your Weapon, Experience Dark Souls or Devil May Cry"

For newcomers to the Monster Hunter series, the soaring success of Monster Hunter Wilds might appear to have come out of nowhere. However, Capcom has been meticulously refining the Monster Hunter series for years, aiming for global acclaim. The result? Monster Hunter Wilds, poised to be one of the franchise's top-selling titles.

With over a million concurrent players on Steam, it's clear that everyone is diving into Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're feeling like an outsider, unsure of where to begin, I've got a game-changing tip for maximizing your enjoyment: find the weapon that aligns perfectly with your playstyle.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players are greeted with a diverse arsenal of weapons right from the start. From the heavy, brute-force Great Sword to the agile Dual Blades, and even the long-range Bowgun, each weapon offers a unique approach to combat.

While the iconic Great Sword and Switch Axe may be tempting due to their prominence in the series, these hefty weapons require a strategic approach, emphasizing precision over power. They can be challenging for beginners. Instead, consider starting with the nimble Dual Blades, which open up a realm of swift attacks and evasive maneuvers. The shift in experience is remarkable: wielding a Great Sword feels like the calculated combat of Dark Souls, whereas the Dual Blades evoke the fast-paced action of Devil May Cry.

Monster Hunter Wilds has evolved its combat system to better align 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 lies in weapon selection, as Monster Hunter lacks the customizable skill trees found in other games. Your initial choice sets the tone for your entire experience.

If you crave the thrill of rapid, combo-heavy combat reminiscent of Dante from Devil May Cry, the Dual Blades are your go-to. They excel in quick strikes, agile dodges, and building up a meter for devastating combos on downed foes.

Conversely, if you seek a balance of damage and defense with good mobility, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starting point. For those who appreciate a more defensive approach, the Lance offers a unique experience with its parries and counter-attacks, despite being less flashy.

Ranged options like the Bowguns are just as potent as melee weapons. When choosing these, ensure you have ample ammo and select the right type for the monster you're tackling.

With 14 weapons available, each boasting distinct abilities, they can be categorized into heavy, light, and technical types. Heavy weapons trade speed for massive damage, light weapons excel in rapid attacks, and technical weapons offer more nuanced gameplay. Some weapons, like the Gunlance, blend ranged capabilities with melee, while the Charge Blade can switch between a large axe and a smaller blade. The Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn can provide unique buffs with the right combinations.

Don't let the variety overwhelm you. Experiment with all weapons during the game's tutorial to find the perfect match for your style, whether you aim to unleash chaos like Dante or strategize like in Dark Souls.