Monster Hunter: Choose Your Playstyle - Dark Souls or Devil May Cry

For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the sudden success of Wilds might seem unexpected. However, Capcom has been meticulously refining the Monster Hunter series for global acclaim over the years, resulting in what appears to be one of the best-selling entries in the franchise. With over a million concurrent players on Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds has captured the gaming community's attention. If you're feeling like an outsider and unsure about how to dive in, here's a key tip to enhance your Monster Hunter experience: choose the weapon that aligns perfectly with your preferred playstyle.

Monster Hunter Wilds offers an extensive array of weapons right from the start, each with a distinct playstyle. You might be drawn to heavy, powerful options like the Great Sword, or prefer something more agile like the Dual Blades, or even opt for ranged weapons such as the Bowgun. It's tempting to gravitate towards the iconic large swords and switch axes, but these require a specific, deliberate approach, focusing on strategic swings rather than brute force, which can be challenging for beginners. Instead, consider starting with something more nimble, like the Dual Blades, which allow for swift attacks and dodges. The impact on gameplay is significant: wielding a big sword evokes the deliberate combat of Dark Souls, while the Dual Blades echo the fast-paced action of Devil May Cry.

Wilds has evolved the series' combat to align more closely with modern action games, making it more intuitive for those familiar with recent action RPGs. However, the key difference lies in weapon choice rather than skill customization, which defines your entire gameplay experience. If you crave a fast, combo-heavy style reminiscent of Dante from Devil May Cry, the Dual Blades are ideal, offering rapid attacks, quick dodges, and a meter that, once filled, unleashes a rapid combo on downed enemies.

Conversely, if you prefer dealing heavy damage while maintaining mobility and defense, the Sword and Shield is an excellent starting point. The Lance, though less popular due to its emphasis on defense over flashy attacks, offers a unique combat experience through parries and counter-attacks with practice. For those interested in ranged combat, Bowguns are equally potent, but remember to stock up on the right ammo for the monster you're facing.

With 14 weapons available, each with unique abilities and categorized broadly into heavy, light, and technical types, there's a lot to choose from. 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 offer unique buffs with the right combinations. Don't feel overwhelmed; take advantage of the game's tutorial to experiment with each weapon. You're sure to find the perfect match for your style, whether you're aiming for the frenetic energy of Dante or the strategic depth of Dark Souls.