Capcom has been slowly feeding us weapon details for the next major instalment in the Monster Hunter series, and we now have all the remaining weapons to dive into (not literally as that would hurt). So strap on your greatsword, make sure the Palicos are fed, and get ready to hunt some new features coming to Monster Hunter Wilds.
You can catch up on Part One here:
Lala Barina & Scarlet Forest
The above video debuted at Gamescom Opening Night Live, and shows a brand new monster as well as more detailed areas coming to the game. In the video, we see the latest big beastie to enter the fray, a surprisingly beautiful spider monster (called Temnocerans in the game’s monster class system) called Lala Barina.
Lala Barina is introduced in the new Scarlet Forest biome through a red webbing that feels straight out of a Japanese horror game. These bright red strands are woven into a huge nest, and from the video also used as a flower-like armour for Lala Barina itself. This fight takes place in the Scarlet Forest, which is the second biome shown so far in Wilds. It’s far darker than the open Windward Plains shown off previously, and seems akin to the Ancient Forest from Monster Hunter World.
READ MORE: New gameplay trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds
In Monster Hunter Rise we saw Rakna Kadaki, another spider-style monster who could wrap up hunters and spit silk webs to make the hunt more difficult. We assume Lala Barina will have a handful of similar abilities.
The video also gives us a look at one of the base camps, most likely in the Windward Plains desert area that we’ve seen. Lastly, we also get a good look at Rey Dau, the lightning-wielding flying wyvern who was teased at during the previous trailers. This is described as the apex predator of this region, which means it’ll likely be a capstone fight for the Windward Plains region.
Light Bowgun
The second ranged weapon on our list after the Heavy (both in weight and firepower) Bowgun from last week. The Light Bowgun is a mid-range alternative that has generally lower range and damage statistics, but trades that off for much higher mobility and status effects.
This is a very mobile weapon that allows the hunter to dodge and slide around the monster, taking advantage of rapid-fire shots to deal quick damage before darting away again.
The Light Bowgun historically has also had a strong number of status effect shots and ammunition types that can negatively affect monsters. Shots like sleep or paralysis can easily turn the tide on dangerous fights.
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Unsurprisingly, Focus mode in the above video shows carefully aimed shots to damage enemy weak spots, as well as specialised shots to deal damage or status debuffs.
While Monster Hunter Wilds has shown off the ability to swap weapons on the fly while riding your Seikret, we’ve also seen that ranged weapons can fire while mounted as well, likely making these bowguns more accessible to a wide range of hunters.
Sword and Shield
Moving into the weapon breakdown videos, the first off the bat is the Sword and Shield. The Sword and Shield has always been a very fast and versatile weapon in previous titles. The gist is that both the sword and shield are weapons, with the sword doing slashing damage to cut off tails, and the shield doing bludgeoning damage, which can daze monsters. The Sword and Shield is also considered a bit of a support weapon, as it’s the only weapon that lets you use some support items with the weapon drawn, so you save time healing on the move.
The Focus Mode additions to the Sword and Shield look to be set up moves, as well as counters. We see a new version of the Falling Bash move from previous titles, as well as the Perfect Rush moves that deal plenty of slashing or bludgeoning damage depending on which you use.
This armour set and weapon included in the video also confirms Rathalos as a returning monster in Monster Hunter Wilds. The hunter here is shown wearing the Rathalos set, which comes from hunting the great red wyvern. This armour and weapon set are often imbued with fire damage and fire resistance.
Switch Axe
Another weapon with multiple forms, akin to the Charge Blade from our previous round-up, the Switch Axe is very versatile and able to deal huge damage. The Switch Axe has two forms, an axe and a sword variant, each with unique weapons and effects.
As shown in the video, Axe mode has very long reach and wild, swinging arcs to attack. These attacks often carry huge momentum, and enter into long combo strings that stack damage nicely. As you swing the axe, you charge up phials that are expended in Sword mode. Sword mode has shorter range, but huge swings that deal great damage. Based on the phials you’ve charged there are also explosive attacks that can stun monsters or apply status effects.
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In the above video, the weapon design showcased is very unique, almost certainly alluding to an as yet unannounced monster. But we’ll likely hear more as we get closer to release.
The Bow is the most mobile of the ranged weapons, and gives plenty of options for hunters that want a bit of variety in how they hunt. It can be used at a variety of ranges, and like the Bowguns comes with specialised shots to deal status effects on monsters. The video above does show some new setup abilities like dodges and counters that give the Bow some close-range alternatives.
Tracer Arrows
Tracer Arrows are a new addition to Monster Hunter Wilds, which in the above video are shown to cause ordinary arrows to home in on the tracer after it’s placed. The Tracer then explodes after a certain amount of damage.
Fashion is always a huge part of the Monster Hunter community, and the set shown off in this video is spectacular. I do not know what monster this set is from yet, but this Three Musketeers outfit will almost certainly be a favourite amongst Fashion Hunters.
Focus mode here shows the ability to target weak points, and a very cool looking Red Dead Redemption style tagging shot that fires multiple arrows at tagged weak spots for big damage.
Lance
The Lance weapon type has always been the bulwark of the Monster Hunter series. It has the strongest defensive statistics and is able to shrug off most attacks thanks to the huge shield wielded in the right hand.
Looking at the overview video, it seems much of the attention is being paid to defensive abilities and counterattacks, as we see a couple of blocks that open up the monster to vicious counter-thrusts. The core attacking capability of the Lance is primarily about attacking from place of safety behind the shield. As we see in the video, most of the attacks are done from relative safety, and striking out when the monster is bounced off the shield.
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The video also shows Focus mode pinpointing monster weak spots as well as setting up some larger rush attacks and shield bashes that definitely put the monster on the back foot.
Dual Blades
Last but not least, we come to the Dual Blades. Easily the fastest weapon in the Monster Hunter arsenal (also the best for anyone who’s a fan of Naruto-running around the place). The Dual Blades trade damage and range for agility and attacking speed. This makes them great weapons for applying statuses to monsters, as well as dealing damage quickly and darting away to safety.
The above video showed a few new moves tied to Focus mode, specifically a couple of flashy aerial moves that show the hunter pinwheeling along the back of the Balahara that is being hunted in the video.
We also get a look at Demon Mode, which has long been a staple of the Dual Blade kit. Demon Mode is an ability that revs up while you’re attacking, then when triggered the character flips the blades to a reverse grip. In this mode you have a whole new set of moves, as well as access to incredibly fast combos and higher damage.
It definitely looks like the Dual Blades will be keeping their reputation as the berzerkers of the Monster Hunter crew, thought they might have a few new flashy moves to show off.
There you have it! All 14 Weapons are currently revealed for Monster Hunter Wilds. I’ll most likely be carting my trusty Hunting Horn around the battlefield, but will definitely have to try some of these new and improved weapons.
We’ll share more as it’s revealed, and look forward to Monster Hunter Wilds being released sometime next year.
