A - Great Sword
The iconic Great Sword is always a safe bet. It has good reach, and its charged attacks are capable of inflicting the greatest damage in the game.
It's not a weapon built for combos, and its controls are simple but effective. However, it is a slow weapon, and requires correct positioning and timing to maximise its output.
The Petalace has greatly contributed to improving mobility and survival when using the Great Sword, which helps it take one of the top spots in our rankings.
A - Gunlance
A heavy shield in one hand, the fusion of a lance and a cannon in the other: the Gunlance is an exotic weapon with surprising capabilities, but is highly effective in Monster Hunter Rise.
With a large reach, but little base mobility, players can block almost any attack before counterattacking with a deluge of explosive shells. Even more damage can be done by the Wyvern's Fire charged attack.
The introduction of the Petalace has significantly helped to address the Gunlance's weaknesses compared to previous titles, giving it some high-mobility techniques and the means to restore its sharpness. It also benefits the reloading of Wyvern's Fire.
The result is a powerful weapon that is rather easy to play.
A - Hammer
Similar to the Great Sword in its charged attacks, the Hammer allows for much greater mobility. It can also stun opponents, which is incredibly useful.
The Petalace just adds to its formidable attacks, but it does have some faults — it has less reach than some weapons, and requires the player to target the head for maximum effect.
A - Light Bowgun
The Light Bowgun is perhaps the easiest, safest, and most reliable weapon in the game, under all circumstances. It allows the player to attack at long range with a wide variety of ammunition, tailored to each opponent.
It's also very easy to target a specific part of the monster with the Light Bowgun, to break armor or inflict heavy damage. With great mobility and short animations, the player will also find it easy to dodge.
Finally, the Light Bowgun allows the player to lay mines, to aid in battlefield control.
The notable flaw is the need to constantly manage ammunition, and even craft new ammo mid-fight.
A - Switch Axe
For players who like changing up their gameplay alongside spectacular attacks, the Switch Axe is a good option. Alternating between sword and axe, both have great attack power and unique attacks.
Rise has been generous with this weapon, as it now comes with a huge AoE attack that grants immunity to flinching and knock-back, and a devastating super attack that can be used in many situations.
It's not the easiest weapon to use, but it performs well.
A - Bow
Hugely popular in World, the Bow is a highly mobile weapon that lets players to attack the monster without getting too close.
It has pretty good damage, and Rise has added some new tools — including a range of debuffs the player can inflict on monsters.
While a safe bet, endurance management and aiming make this weapon more difficult to master.
After rebooting the series with Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter makes its return with a new Switch title bursting with innovation set within a world that wears its Japanese influences heavily on its sleeve. But will Rise live up to its immense potential, or will it fall short?
