Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin has fan-favorite weapons from the main series, but handles them in a unique way. Each hunter will want one from each of the three schools of damage: slashing, bludgeoning, and piercing. As such, there is technically no "best" weapon, but rather the best in terms of how they feel and perform.
Weapon Types in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
6. Hunting Horn (Bludgeoning)
The hunting horn fills the familiar role of a support weapon and primarily buffs the party. As such, those that like to do big damage and don't want to play support to NPCs will likely have a hard time adjusting to the weapon. Each horn has its own unique songs that have a wide variety of effects, so this weapon requires a little more in-depth knowledge than the others. Due to the lack of damage and intricacies, it's hard to recommend to anyone that doesn't already adore the weapon.
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5. Gunlance (Piercing)
The gunlance is almost needlessly complicated when compared to the other piercing weapon, the bow. It generates ammo with each attack that can then be spent instead of Kinship. However, these attacks take an inordinate amount of time to charge with regular attacks generating one ammo and Head-to-Head victories generating two. For those dedicated to the weapon, it's not bad but when a weapon swap is required, it's a tough pill to swallow.
4. Greatsword (Slashing)
The greatsword is the default weapon that every Rider will start their journey with. By charging it, Riders are able to unleash devastating skills and attacks. However, it requires a decent amount of Kinship to build up to said attacks. It's a little involved, but the return on investment is there for Riders willing to spend the time mastering it.
3. Bow (Piercing)
The bow, like the greatsword, relies on charges to deal the most efficient damage. However, its real strength is in its ability to apply statuses like Paralysis and Poison. It's a great weapon to keep in the arsenal and negates the need for knives to apply statuses to monsties. Plus, as a quick swap weapon, there isn't a huge penalty like losing charges for swapping to it.
2. Sword and Shield (Slashing)
The sword and shield is your basic, straightforward, no-nonsense damage dealer. The skills it acquires cost a meager amount of kinship but dish out a surprising amount of damage. Additionally, it is able to perform counters and deal bonus bludgeoning damage.
1. Hammer (Bludgeoning)
The hammer feels just as good in Stories as it does in other main entries. And, like that tried-and-true hammer, this one relies on charge attacks. These levels are gained from winning Head-to-Heads and are spent to deal massive damage. Knowledge of the monstie you're fighting is required, but the payoff is well worth it.
For more Monster Hunter goodies, check out What are Tetranadon weaknesses, resistances, & drops | Monster Hunter Rise on Pro Game Guides.
Christian has been playing games since he could hold a controller in the late 80s. He's been writing about them for nearly 15 years for both personal and professional outlets. Now he calls Pro Game Guides home where he worships at the altar of Destiny 2.