Monster Hunter Wilds is bringing back all 14 weapons that players have come to know and love. Despite the familiarity, that doesn't mean that everything is going to feel the exact same in Capcom's newest installment in this beloved franchise. With each new game, players have experienced gains or losses to their favorite weapons, and this time is no exception. While there have been some nerfs put in place by the developers, there are plenty of buffs and new features for the entire roster.

During the first public beta test of Monster Hunter Wilds, the devs collected plenty of information and listened closely to player . Many of the major changes that were later made to the release version are based directly on that beta test . From bringing back fan-favorite abilities to inventing new mechanics, Monster Hunter fans have a bold new direction to set forth in.

10 Hit Stop Makes All Weapons Feel More Satisfying

Attacks Will Feel Powerful And Impactful

"Hit Stop" is the term for a brief but meaningful pause when a weapon strikes a monster. This small moment of hesitation improves the player's experience dramatically, giving them a greater feeling of power in the face of overwhelming odds. The devs commented on the Monster Hunter YouTube channel after the first public beta that many players had reported the impact of weapons feeling underwhelming. In a great moment of listening to the player base, they responded by turning up the Hit Stop dramatically across the board.

To pair with this change, sound effects were also improved to emphasize the weight of attacks. Much of this is focused on big moves and finishers, so every weapon should feel incredible when they get their moment in the spotlight. Monster Hunter games have always provided moments of feeling powerful in the heat of battle. These small changes reinforce the commitment of the devs to providing this sensation.

9 Great Sword True Charge Slash Gets A Buff

This Massive Weapon Now Deals Plenty Of Damage

The Great Sword is known for unleashing devastating damage and is capable of bringing even the strongest monsters to their knees. Their charged attack has always been a well-known part of the Great Sword arsenal, but during the open beta many players complained it felt underwhelming. To respond to this, the devs boosted both the damage and used the Hit Stop changes to improve the impact of this powerful attack.

While this is not the biggest change to the weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, it is a very welcome one. Whether you play Great Sword or have one in your hunting party, it's always satisfying to see one strike true with a charged attack. With these tweaks, this giant weapon is back to unleashing cleaving strikes that threaten to tear a monster's tail right from its body.

8 Hammer Will No Longer Launch Allies Into The Air

Friendly Fire Will Be Less Frustrating Across The Board

Every Hammer player has done it from time to time. The hunt is completed, carving is done, and they uppercut a party member into the sky. This will no longer be an option in Monster Hunter Wilds, as the devs have changed this aerial launch into a simple knock back onto the ground. Friendly fire has generally been reduced across the board, but Hammer players will certainly be feeling it the most.

While this "feature" was used for silly antics, it could also be a legitimate disruption to hunters during combat. When a Hammer gets to spinning, they can easily send their fellow hunters flying, even disrupting other attacks in the process. While some players have complained about this tweak, Capcom has expressed its commitment to the change and does not have plans to revert it.

7 Vaulting Dance Returns For Insect Glaive

Glaives Can Take To The Sky Once More

Insect Glaive is well known for soaring through the sky and dancing about, slashing the back of a monster to pieces. During the beta, players noticed the distinct lack of Vaulting Dance, which allows Insect Glaives to bounce back up into the sky and become helicopters in the process. Luckily, the devs have already confirmed that this aerial fighting style will be returning with even greater buffs for flying hunters.

Along with the return of Vaulting Dance, Insect Glaive s should have more precise control in midair and the ability to combo many different actions together on the fly. This will lead to even greater aerial combat, perfect for this weapon's s. The devs also announced a buff to the weapon that raises aerial attack power by two levels every time the player vaults up into the air. This is sure to encourage plenty of launches and helicopter spins.

6 Sword & Shield Buffs Promise Mobility & Variety

This Fan Favorite Has More Options At Its Disposal

The Sword and Shield is widely considered one of the best weapons for new hunters. With its quick attacks, mobility, and guard, it has been consistently used as a well-rounded option across several games. The devs have committed to improving this experience even further, increasing the effectiveness of the weapon's evasion with Backstep and Sliding Swipe. In addition, regular attacks with the weapon and Perfect Rush have both gotten buffs in damage to make the entire kit feel much more rewarding to use.

In addition to these adjustments, the devs have also provided Sword and Shield s the ability to use Rising Slash right out of a guard. This quick follow-up attack, being able to activate right from a guard, allows skilled players to counteract a monster's actions immediately. With this new variety of tools at their disposal, Sword and Shield mains have a lot to be excited about in Monster Hunter Wilds.

5 Switch Axe Can Unleash Damage Without Interruption

Sword Mode Will Also Charge Much Faster

The unique combination of both axe and sword, the Switch Axe is a beloved weapon that charges up devastating attacks over time. Dealing damage with the axe mode eventually builds the gauge for the sword, allowing a temporary buff capable of damaging even the hardiest monster. Switch Axe players will be happy to hear that the sword mode will now charge even faster in the newest game.

In addition to getting sword mode faster, the finishing move Full Release Slash has received an incredible buff, preventing hunters from being knocked back while using it. With this extra knockback negation, Switch Axe hunters will have an easier time completing their attacks without being interrupted. With these two buffs combined, Switch Axe has been on the receiving end of some powerful changes that are sure to please hunters who take up this weapon.

4 Kinsect Extracts Provide Powerful New Buffs

Collecting All Three Extracts Will Be Well Worth The Effort

An even larger change for the Insect Glaive is the buffs coming to the Kinsect, the bug companion that gathers colored extracts from monsters. While the extracts have always provided useful buffs, the new additions are sure to be welcome advantages. The orange extract will now negate knockback while the weapon is drawn. This means that as long as a Kinsect has gathered the orange extract from a monster, it will be much harder to get knocked around by your target.

In addition, gathering all three extracts – red, white, and orange – will mitigate other disrupting effects. Wind Pressure, Tremors, and Roars will become much less effective for Insect Glaive s when they have all three extracts from their Kinsect. This is an amazing buff that will be sure to keep hunters with this weapon happy.

3 Lance Charge Counter Can Charge While Guarding

This Defensive Weapon Got A Lot Better

The Lance is by far one of the most defensive weapons in Monster Hunter, blocking powerful strikes and retaliating with damaging pokes. During the beta, players found the new Charge Counter move difficult to use due to its need to charge from specific types of moves and situations. With this , Charge Counter can now be charged up while guarding and chained into from any other move. This provides far better flexibility for Lance s looking to tank damage for their team.

On top of that, Power Guard now charges to higher levels more quickly when defending against monster attacks of higher power levels. This means that the Lance is rewarded even further for blocking attacks that could otherwise lead to a quick cart ride back to camp. With these buffs, Lance is poised to be in a great position upon launch of the game.

2 Ranged Weapons No Longer Need To Restock

An Incredible Quality Of Life Change For A Seamless Experience

The Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, and Bow are well known for requiring ammunition or coatings to make the most of their attacks. In the past, resources had to be gathered and crafted to keep these weapons in good working order. However, Monster Hunter Wilds has overhauled this system. Now basic ammunition like Normal, Pierce, and Spread have unlimited uses while out in the field. The same goes for coatings on the Bow, preventing the need for constant restocking.

The devs main reason behind this change was reinforcing the seamless gameplay loop present in Monster Hunter Wilds. Hunters no longer need to go back to camp to begin new hunts, which leaves the ranged weapons feeling a little more like a burden than their melee counterparts. More powerful ammo can still be gathered and crafted, however. This was kept in place to reward the extra effort, but it is no longer necessary to use the weapon on the fly.

1 Focus Mode Brings New Abilities For All Weapons

Wounding Monsters Will Reward Players With Extra Damage

Brand new to Monster Hunter Wilds is Focus Mode, a new way to carefully aim attacks and guards in order to strike the same place over and over. Dealing damage in the same location over time will create wounds, which Focus Mode can highlight to show the player. Hitting these wounds will then deal even more damage. New Focus Strikes for every weapon provide special attacks that specifically damage wounds and weak spots even more. Combined, these tactics will alter the way the game is played for all weapons.

These brand-new ways to hunt make this easily the biggest change to weapons in the new game. With every weapon affected and powered up by this new hunting technique, Focus Mode promises to bring about an even greater experience for all players. All in all, Monster Hunter Wilds promises to be an incredible new entry in the beloved franchise.

Source: Monster Hunter/YouTube (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)