Summary
Monster Hunter Worldwas a huge step forward for Capcom’s long-running franchise, offering numerous quality-of-life changes and a more expansive way to navigate through maps to chase down boss monsters. However, one thing it kept from previousMonster Hunterentries was its roster of 14 weapon types players can choose from.
While some of the new game mechanics inMonster Hunter Worldmay change how players interact with theseweaponscompared to previous games, a handful of them are still as welcoming to beginners as ever. These six weapons inMonster Hunter Worldare a lot less complex than other weapons and might be the best way for newcomers to learn the ropes.
Updated June 08, 2025 by Blaise Santi: We’re merely months away from the next chapter of the Monster Hunter series with Monster Hunter Wilds. It’ll be sad to say goodbye to Monster Hunter World, but there’s still a brief opportunity for newcomers to dip their toes into the franchise before deciding to purchase the upcoming title.
With that in mind, here’s a more definitive look at ten of the fourteen unique weapon types in the game, with our recommendations for not only which ones are the easiest to learn, but also our recommendations for the best armor sets, skills, and specific weapons to try out!
The Weapon For Fortnite Or Resident Evil Fans
Recommended Weapons
Taroth Blitz “Support”, Kjarr Blitz “Ice”, Devil’s Madness, Fatalis Depths, Safi’s Aquashot
Recommended Ammo
Pierce Ammo, Recover Ammo, Exhaust Ammo, Wyvern Ammo
If players are accustomed to games likeMonster Hunter, then the Light Bowgun might not be the best weapon to start with. However, if players are more a fan of shooter games, particularly third-person shooters, then the Light Bowgun might be the best entry point intoMonster Hunter World. Compared to the Heavy Bowgun, this weapon is a great mix of long-range attacking with decent movement.
Though it might be difficult to share a similar experience as Blademaster hunters, Light Bowgun certainly makes for a completely different gameplay experience!Fans can mix and match different ammo typesfor a versatile hunt, and even support their allies from the sidelines with ammunition that can heal or increase defenses.
Recommended Skills
Agitator, Quick Sheath, Speed Sharpening, Protective Polish, Mind’s Eye
The Long Sword may not be as simplisticas other Blademaster weapons like Great Sword or Hammer, but it’s certainly a preferable choice for those who want to feel like samurai inMonster Hunter. This weapon is a healthy mix of up-close-and-personal swordsmanship with long-ranged capabilities, emphasizing combos and evasion to be a speedy and unpredictable hunter in battle.
However, the Long Sword is not without its downsides that can prove detrimental to newer hunters. Because of its long range and large hitbox, the Long Sword is frequently capable of tripping teammates, knocking them out of combos, and potentially leaving them open to vicious attacks. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem for solo hunters or those trying to complete the main story.
Monsters Are Much Less Scary From Far Away
Anjanath Flamebow, Taroth Arrow “Thunder,” Hazak Velos, Tsali Flier, Kjarr Bow “Water”
Recommended Coatings
Power Coating, Blast Coating
As far as weapons in theMonster Hunterfranchise go,Gunner weapons are notoriously more complicatedthan Blademaster weapons. They can be very useful for team battles, especially given how supportive they can be, but becoming a solo Gunner may feel like playing an entirely different game. However, the Bow is the easiest one to get into.
The Bow is a great entry point for early Gunners, as they’ll get used to moving around and avoiding the monsters as they fire off shots. It also has a much simpler mechanic regarding arrow coatings, which allow shots to deal specific types of damage to monsters. Overall, it’s the most agile of the Gunner weapons and even has options for close-range combat.
Recommended Kinsect
True Dragon Soul, Pseudocath III
The Insect Glaive looks a lot more complicated than it really is in practice. The weapon features a large staff that players can utilize with rapid chain attacks, which makes it one of the fastest weapons in the game. However, what really makes the Insect Glaive unique is the Kinsect attached to the player’s arms.
By sending the Kinsect out, they can collect a monster’s essence and return it to the player, offering different boosts based on which monster part they latched onto. If you collect all three kinds of buffs (Orange, Red, and White), players will earn a triple buff, which makes them even more powerful as they launch into the air and attack monsters with combos.
Guard, Partbreaker, Evade Extender, Guard Up, Resentment
With the Lance, blocking is the name of the game. Players will be equipped with a massive lance and a massive shield, spending most of their time tanking monster attacks until they can find an opportunity to stab the enemy. This makes it a great weapon, especially for cooperative play online, as Lance users can draw a monster’s attention away from allies.
What’s most complicated about the Lance, aside from special abilities like back steps and charge attacks, is that players will want to take advantage of specific Armor abilities. However, paying attention to these may end up helping teach newcomers how much they canbenefit from certain Armor skills compared to others.
Marathon Runner, Affinity Sliding, Critical Element, Focus
When it comes to the weapons inMonster Hunter World, few have the brute speed of the Dual Blades. Although it may appear that the base attack of Dual Blades weapons is low, that’s because the weapon prioritizes the number of hits over time rather than raw strength. As a result, this weapon will teach players the value of combo attacks.
What makes Dual Blades an even easier weapon is that players don’t have to be too concerned with movement, as a combo attack will lock Dual Blade users in place.The weapon also has a Demon Mode and Archdemon Mode, which will power up hunters' attacks after a certain amount of time. However, it can be tricky to pull off.
Guard, Handicraft, Constitution, Critical Eye, Peak Performance
There’s a reason why the Sword and Shield is the default weapon that players are equipped withat the start of everyMonster Huntergame. The weapon contains a perfect balance of many other weapon types. Players get a small shield to get them used to blocking, and they have enough speed and attack to deal serious damage in solo hunts as well as during online play.
The Sword and Shield alsohas many quality-of-life attributes. For example, players can consume health items while the weapon is unsheathed, a quality shared by no other weapon. Its combos are easy enough to learn to make this one of the perfect starter weapons, even if some aspects of it aren’t exactly simplistic.
Attack Boost, Critical Eye, Critical Draw, Quick Sheath, Focus
The Great Sword will bea very attractive weapon for players who love raw power. In terms of base attack, Great Swords boast the most strength. However, they lack speed, which can benefit many newcomers to the series. Oftentimes, the fast-paced action and intense combos can turn people off from the franchise as a whole.
Thankfully, there’s no need to worry about long combo chains when it comes to swinging the Great Sword. Though it may be a difficult weapon to master against higher-level monsters, like the Tigrex, it’ll make a great starting point for any hunter. Plus, it even has a blocking feature, though it won’t deflect strong attacks too well.
Slugger, Divine Blessing, Partbreaker, Attack Boost, Fortify
IfMonster Hunter Worldis the most accessible ofMonster Huntergames, then newcomers to the series may just want a weapon that’s fun and easy to use. Introducing…the Hammer! This weapon may have the slow, brute strength swings of the Great Sword, but it also has the ability to combo and charge attacks, unleashing a fury of hits on enemy monsters.
A lot becomes simplified aboutMonster Huntergameplay when using the Hammer. Cutting damage is replaced by impact damage, allowing players to have an easier time stunning monsters if they target heads. Suffice it to say, but with the Hammer,Monster Hunter Worlddoesn’t get simpler or more fun, especially for new players.
