Mastering Monster Hunter Stories 2: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Weapons – Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a captivating RPG that brings a fresh take on the Monster Hunter franchise. Unlike its action-packed predecessors, this game blends traditional turn-based combat with strategic monster management, offering a deep and rewarding gameplay experience. One of the key aspects of excelling in Monster Hunter Stories 2 is choosing and mastering the best weapons. In this guide, we’ll explore the top weapons, their strengths, and how to use them effectively to dominate your battles.
Understanding Weapon Types in Monster Hunter Stories 2
Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers six weapon types, each catering to different playstyles. Understanding their mechanics is crucial for selecting the right weapon for every situation. Here’s a brief overview of each weapon type:
1. Great Sword
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- A heavy-hitting weapon that excels in dealing massive damage through charged attacks.
- Ideal for players who prefer a slower but more devastating playstyle.
2. Sword and Shield
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- A balanced weapon offering a mix of offense and defense.
- Provides excellent versatility and is beginner-friendly.
3. Hammer
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- A melee weapon focused on powerful blunt damage.
- Effective against enemies with high defense and for breaking monster parts.
4. Hunting Horn
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- A unique weapon that combines combat and support.
- Allows players to buff themselves and their allies while dealing damage.
5. Bow
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- A ranged weapon perfect for maintaining distance from enemies.
- Offers high mobility and elemental versatility.
6. Gunlance
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- A weapon that blends offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Features explosive attacks and a shield for protection.
Each weapon has unique advantages and drawbacks, so selecting the best weapon depends on your playstyle and the monsters you’re facing.
Top 3 Best Weapons for Every Playstyle
1. Great Sword: The Powerhouse
The Great Sword is the go-to weapon for players who want to deal immense damage in a single strike. Its charged attacks, such as Strong Charge and Mighty Slash, can obliterate enemies when timed correctly. To maximize its potential:
- Focus on Timing: The Great Sword’s attacks require precise timing. Wait for the right moment to unleash your charged attacks for maximum impact.
- Use Kinship Skills: Pair the Great Sword with a Monstie that complements its raw power. For instance, Monsties with skills like Charge Tackle can help you sustain damage output.
- Ideal Matchups: Use the Great Sword against monsters with high HP but predictable attack patterns, such as the Diablos.
2. Sword and Shield: The All-Rounder
The Sword and Shield is perfect for players seeking versatility. It offers a balance of offensive and defensive capabilities, allowing you to adapt to various combat scenarios. Key tips for mastering the Sword and Shield include:
- Utilize Guard Moves: The Sword and Shield’s guard abilities let you mitigate incoming damage, making it ideal for counterattacks.
- Exploit Elemental Weaknesses: Equip elemental variants of the Sword and Shield to exploit enemy weaknesses effectively.
- Ideal Matchups: This weapon shines against agile monsters like Nargacuga, where quick strikes and blocks are essential.
3. Bow: The Elemental Sniper
For players who prefer ranged combat, the Bow is a fantastic choice. Its ability to deal consistent damage while maintaining distance makes it a valuable asset in tough battles. To get the most out of the Bow:
- Focus on Elemental Damage: Equip Bows with the appropriate element to counter your target’s weaknesses.
- Stay Mobile: The Bow’s mobility allows you to evade enemy attacks easily. Keep moving to avoid getting hit.
- Ideal Matchups: Use the Bow against flying monsters like Rathalos, where ranged attacks have a clear advantage.
How to Upgrade and Optimize Your Weapons
Upgrading your weapons is essential to staying competitive in Monster Hunter Stories 2. Here’s how to ensure your arsenal remains top-tier:
- Gather Materials: Hunt monsters and gather resources to upgrade your weapons. Focus on breaking specific monster parts to obtain rare materials.
- Prioritize Rarity: Higher rarity weapons generally offer better stats and unique skills. Aim to craft and upgrade rare weapons whenever possible.
- Customize Skills: Use the Rite of Channeling to transfer skills to your Monsties, creating synergies that complement your weapon choice.
- Experiment with Builds: Test different weapon and Monstie combinations to find the perfect synergy for your playstyle.
Best Weapons for Specific Scenarios
Boss Battles
For boss fights, prioritize weapons with high burst damage and elemental advantages. The Great Sword and Hammer are excellent choices for these encounters, especially against slow-moving, high-HP monsters.
Multiplayer Co-op
In multiplayer mode, coordination is key. The Hunting Horn’s support capabilities make it invaluable for buffing teammates, while the Gunlance’s defensive options allow you to tank damage effectively.
Breaking Monster Parts
Breaking monster parts yields valuable materials and weakens the enemy. The Hammer’s blunt damage is ideal for breaking tough parts like horns and tails.
Pro Tips for Dominating with Your Weapon
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Study the attack patterns of monsters to anticipate their moves and counter effectively.
- Maintain Weapon Sharpness: Keep your weapon’s sharpness high to maximize damage output.
- Use Kinship Skills Wisely: Build up your Kinship Gauge and unleash powerful skills at critical moments.
- Adapt to the Situation: Don’t be afraid to switch weapons mid-battle if the situation demands it.
Conclusion
Mastering the best weapons in Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a journey of experimentation, strategy, and skill. Whether you prefer the raw power of the Great Sword, the versatility of the Sword and Shield, or the precision of the Bow, understanding your weapon’s strengths and weaknesses is key to success. Combine this knowledge with effective Monstie management and you’ll be unstoppable on your quest to become a legendary Rider. Happy hunting!
