Start by trying weapons in the Training Area, then follow the Progress Guide and choose Village or Hub quests based on whether you want a solo or multiplayer quest track. You do not need to settle on one weapon immediately: Monster Hunter Rise has 14 weapon types, and its Wirebugs serve both movement and weapon-specific combat functions.
Which weapon should you start with in Monster Hunter Rise?
There is no universally best beginner weapon. Nintendo describes 14 weapon types with different traits and play styles; the right first choice depends on the pace, reach, and mechanics you enjoy. The Long Sword, Hammer, Hunting Horn, and Dual Blades are useful options to test, not a ranked list.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Monster Hunter Rise - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition - Nintendo Switch Deluxe Edition | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Monster Hunter Rise - Nintendo Switch (Renewed) | $29.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| Weapon | What to expect | Consider it if you like… |
|---|---|---|
| Long Sword | Speed and reach, with technical dodges, counters, a Spirit Gauge, and Spirit Blade attacks. | Combining mobile attacks with timing-based counters. |
| Hammer | Heavy blunt attacks and charge attacks, with good mobility; some attacks can stun. | Big hits and a direct, close-range approach. |
| Hunting Horn | Blunt damage and melodies that provide buffs to the hunting party. | Attacking while supporting other hunters. |
| Dual Blades | Fast, repeated cutting attacks and Demon Mode; stamina management matters. | Staying aggressive with quick attacks. |
Test before committing
Attack speed, reach, and combos vary considerably by weapon. Visit the Training Area to try a weapon and get comfortable with its attacks and Wirebug behavior before taking it against an aggressive monster. If the feel is wrong, change equipment at the village Item Box and try another type. Nintendo’s beginner guide describes the Training Area as a place to practice weapons and Wirebug use.
How do Wirebugs work?
The Wirebug Gauge appears on screen and is a resource for both traversal and combat. The action depends on whether your weapon is sheathed or drawn:
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- The debut of the new “wirebug” mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options.
- The game will introduce magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster, as well as other new monsters like the shape-shifting aknosom, the amphibious tetranadon, and more.
- New hunting partners called palamutes can be personalized and used to ride across the terrain, providing players with all-new traveling and attack options.
- In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the immersive story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “rampage” events that threaten kamura village.
- Play solo, or join up to three other hunters in local or online co-op play. The Nintendo Switch system also allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
- Weapon sheathed: Wirebug actions perform a Wiredash, allowing you to move through the environment while consuming gauge.
- Weapon drawn: Wirebug input activates a weapon-specific Silkbind function, which is a combat action.
Gauge regeneration speed, gauge consumption, and available Silkbind actions differ by weapon. There is no single universal timing or move to memorize for every setup. Check the on-screen button prompts and the weapon-specific control information in Hunter’s Notes; exact inputs also depend on your platform. Practice both movement and combat use in the Training Area, then learn how your chosen weapon spends and recovers its gauge.
Should you do Village or Hub quests?
The two quest counters lead to separate tracks with different play contexts. Hinoa handles Village quests, which are single-player only. Minoto handles Hub quests, which can be played solo or with others. If you want multiplayer, choose Hub quests; Village quests cannot be played with other hunters.
Rank #2
- The debut of the new “wirebug” mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options.
- The game will introduce magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster, as well as other new monsters like the shape-shifting aknosom, the amphibious tetranadon, and more.
- New hunting partners called palamutes can be personalized and used to ride across the terrain, providing players with all-new traveling and attack options.
- In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the immersive story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “rampage” events that threaten kamura village
- Play solo, or join up to three other hunters in local or online co-op play. The Nintendo Switch system also allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
If you are unsure what to do next, check the on-screen Progress Guide, which tracks Village and Gathering Hub progress. Pay attention to NPC speech bubbles as well: the manual notes that they can flag information relevant to advancement, with red bubbles especially important for progression.
What should you do before a hunt?
- Read the quest card. Check its objective and failure conditions before departing. Not every quest is simply a monster hunt.
- Look up the target. Hunter’s Notes can provide monster locations, rewards, weaknesses, and habits. Use that information to prepare rather than guessing at what the encounter requires.
- Bring useful supplies. Potions and Well-done Steak are reliable basics. Check the camp Supply Box for temporary supplies, too. You can gather resources to craft consumables or buy some from certain villagers using in-game currency.
- Make sure your equipment feels workable. If your weapon or armor is not helping with the problem you are having, return to the Item Box and adjust it before the next attempt.
How should you choose and upgrade early equipment?
Armor consists of five pieces and provides defense, elemental resistance, and other stats. Choose with the target and your play style in mind: for example, fire resistance can be useful against a fire-breathing monster. Hunter’s Notes and the experience of a hunt can help you identify what to adjust, whether that is survivability or a weapon that better suits your approach.
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Rank #3
- The debut of the new “wirebug” mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options.
- The game will introduce magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster, as well as other new monsters like the shape-shifting aknosom, the amphibious tetranadon, and more.
- New hunting partners called palamutes can be personalized and used to ride across the terrain, providing players with all-new traveling and attack options.
- In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the immersive story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “rampage” events that threaten kamura village.
- Play solo, or join up to three other hunters in local or online co-op play. The Nintendo Switch system also allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
Hunt rewards supply materials for making and upgrading weapons and armor, as well as selecting skills. At the Smithy, forging or upgrading equipment requires money and specified materials. Armor can also be improved with Armor Spheres and money; doing so does not change its appearance. There is no established universal early-game armor set or upgrade schedule, so improve gear in response to the hunts you are taking on.
Where to check exact controls
Controls differ by platform and weapon, including Wirebug actions. Use the in-game Hunter’s Notes and on-screen prompts for the controls that match your setup. Nintendo’s Monster Hunter Rise beginner guide covers getting started, while Capcom’s official manual provides game-system details.
Quick Recap
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