Top 5 beginner weapons in Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter World is enjoying a massive resurgence of players as of publication. Many revere World as the best in the series, so it’s no surprise that returning veterans and new players alike are flocking to the title. If you’re part of the latter, let me show you the top five beginner weapons in Monster Hunter World.

Related: Is Monster Hunter World cross-platform?

Best weapons for beginners in Monster Hunter World

I want to preface this list by saying that the weapon balancing in Monster Hunter World is tuned to perfection. You can make any weapon work if you put the time in to learn it. That said, some are easier to understand, and those are the ones I’ll recommend in this list:

#5 Dual Blades

Dual Blades are great for beginners as they feel fast, responsive, and a far cry from heavier weapons like the Great Sword. If you’re into Hack n’ Slash games, you’ll feel at home with the Dual Blades and cut monsters into ribbons.

The only issue with the Dual Blades is they can teach bad habits. Large Monsters can wreck overconfident Hunters. As you grow with the Dual Blades, you must adopt a mobile playstyle and be ready to disengage if the going gets tough. If you can do that, these might be the weapons you use for the entire game.

#4 Long Sword

Novice Hunters attracted to the stylish Long Sword will be pleased to learn it’s perfect for beginners. The Long Sword deals respectable damage and rewards an aggressive playstyle. You also have good movement options for evading attacks.

Another massive perk of the Long Sword is its cutting capabilities. You can effortlessly slice off tails, giving your group more resources. 

Just remember you can trip your friends over in group hunts. A great Long Sword player is always mindful of their team before they go in for the kill.

#3 Hammer

The Hammer is a little unwieldy but offers Hunters a simple game plan. As a Hammer user, your goal in every hunt is to go for the head and knock the monster out. Groups will love you as a knockout means free damage for everyone. 

Busy fights can overwhelm a newcomer, but you’ll always know what to do with the Hammer. Slugger is an essential skill to fit into your armor; once you have it, you can knock down the nastiest beasts in the game. Just ensure you don’t overextend, as you’re targeting the part of the monster with teeth!

#2 Bow

There’s some great advanced tech to exploit with the Bow later on, and it is arguably the best-ranged weapon for beginners. Bow users are mobile and can use simple combos to deal damage. The Dragon Piercer attack is gloriously satisfying and is easy to land on fallen monsters. 

A quick word of advice for any would-be archers: spam your shots. You’ll do far more damage if you rapidly fire your arrows instead of carefully placing each one. While you might struggle to sever tails, you can do almost everything else. 

#1 Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield (SNS) are widely regarded as the best beginner weapons, and for good reason. SNS users can employ a mobile playstyle and deal respectable damage with quick combos. You have plenty of movement options and a shield the size of a dinner plate to hide behind when everything goes wrong.

Jokes aside, SNS teaches solid fundamentals, and a skilled hunter can deal constant damage throughout a fight. You can also exploit openings and close distance with your hops. Some Hunters think the SNS is a stepping stone to more “advanced” weapons, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone of any skill level can use the humble Sword and Shield and be a great asset to the team. If that’s not what a great beginner weapon is all about, I don’t know what is.

Why isn’t Great Sword on the list?

As a Great Sword main, I won’t pretend it’s the bastion of complexity, as it’s quite the opposite. Despite its simplicity and potential for massive damage, the Great Sword is slow and clunky. 

Great Sword users need a firm grasp of Monster Hunter fundamentals. Rushing in when it’s not ‘your turn’ is a death sentence, and small monsters will run rings around you. If you’re like me and the width of your smile is tied to how big your damage numbers are, then the Great Sword may be for you. 

If the Samurai life of the Long Sword tickles your fancy, why not check out our guide on the best Longswords in the game?