Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Weapon Guide

What's up, hunters! Are you ready to dive deep into the frosty wilderness of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and truly dominate those colossal beasts? Choosing the right weapon is absolutely crucial, and let me tell you, Iceborne throws some seriously tough challenges your way. This guide is here to break down each weapon type, giving you the lowdown on what makes them tick, who they're best for, and how to absolutely shred your opponents. We're going to explore the strengths, weaknesses, and killer combos of each weapon, so whether you're a seasoned pro looking to switch things up or a fresh-faced hunter just starting their Iceborne journey, you'll find the perfect tool for the job. Get ready to unleash your inner beast slayer, guys!

The Great Sword: Unleash Devastating Power

The Great Sword in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is the epitome of raw power and calculated destruction. If you love the feeling of landing one, massive hit that can stagger even the most formidable monsters, then this is your weapon, my friends. It’s all about timing, positioning, and knowing when to commit to those heavy-hitting charged attacks. The core gameplay loop involves building up charges through a series of swings, culminating in the infamous True Charged Slash (TCS). Mastering the TCS is your ticket to some of the highest damage per hit in the game, capable of making even Elder Dragons tremble. However, the Great Sword comes with a significant drawback: its slow attack speed and commitment to its animations. This means you need to be incredibly aware of monster tells and attack patterns to find those precious openings. Missing a TCS can leave you vulnerable and cost you dearly. The added mobility options and defensive capabilities brought by the Clutch Claw in Iceborne have somewhat mitigated this, allowing for more aggressive playstyles and quicker repositioning after big hits. For beginners, it might seem daunting due to the required precision, but the sheer satisfaction of landing a perfectly timed TCS is unparalleled. High-rank and Master Rank monsters hit harder and faster, demanding even greater discipline and a keen understanding of their movements. Investing time in learning monster attack windows and practicing your charge timings will pay dividends. Think of yourself as a patient predator, waiting for the perfect moment to strike with overwhelming force. The decision to go for a fully charged attack versus a quicker, less damaging one is a constant strategic choice that defines Great Sword gameplay. It's a weapon that rewards patience, observation, and a good chunk of bravery, making every successful hunt feel like a true accomplishment.

Long Sword: Fluid Combos and Graceful Dodges

The Long Sword is an incredibly popular choice in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, and for good reason! It offers a fantastic blend of offense and defense, allowing for a fluid, stylish combat experience. What makes the Long Sword so appealing is its Spirit Gauge mechanic. By landing attacks, you build up this gauge, which can then be consumed to unleash powerful Spirit Combos. These combos not only deal significant damage but also level up your Spirit Blade, increasing your attack power. The highest level, the Spirit Helm Breaker, is a devastating finisher that can inflict massive damage. Beyond its offensive capabilities, the Long Sword boasts excellent reach and mobility. Its signature move, the Foresight Slash, is a game-changer. This perfectly timed counter-attack allows you to dodge through an incoming monster attack and immediately transition into a powerful offensive follow-up, often at its highest Spirit Blade level. Mastering the Foresight Slash is key to unlocking the Long Sword's true potential and surviving the intense onslaughts of Master Rank monsters. The added benefit of the Clutch Claw in Iceborne further enhances its gameplay, allowing for quick engagement and mounting opportunities. For players who enjoy a weapon that demands a bit of finesse and rewards skillful dodging and aggressive offense, the Long Sword is an absolute top-tier pick. It’s a weapon that feels incredibly rewarding to master, making you feel like a true sword master dancing through the battlefield. The constant management of the Spirit Gauge, combined with the need to land Foresight Slashes at the right moment, creates a dynamic and engaging combat loop that keeps you on your toes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combo routes to maximize your damage output and maintain your Spirit Gauge at its highest level. The Long Sword truly shines when you're in sync with the monster, anticipating its moves and seamlessly weaving your attacks and counters together. It's a weapon that embodies the grace and power of a seasoned warrior.

Dual Blades: Relentless Aggression and Elemental Fury

If you're all about speed, relentless pressure, and unleashing a flurry of attacks, then the Dual Blades are your jam in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, guys! These bad boys are all about getting in close and personal, shredding through monster hides with lightning-fast strikes. The core mechanic revolves around your Demon Gauge. As you attack, you build up this gauge, and when activated, you enter Demon Mode. In Demon Mode, your attacks become faster, you gain access to a powerful Demon Dance combo, and your attacks are considered 'innate' (meaning you can't be tripped by your own attacks). This mode is your bread and butter for dealing sustained damage. Once you've exhausted your stamina in Demon Mode, you can transition into Archdemon Mode, which offers a similar speed boost but without the stamina drain. The Dual Blades also excel with elemental damage. Because they hit so many times in quick succession, they can quickly apply elemental status effects like fire, water, thunder, or ice, making them incredibly effective against monsters that have elemental weaknesses. Iceborne introduced new silkbind attacks that further enhance their aggressive nature, allowing for even more aerial maneuvers and damage bursts. However, this weapon demands excellent stamina management. You'll be constantly sprinting, dodging, and attacking, so having skills that boost stamina recovery or reduce its consumption is highly recommended. The Clutch Claw can also be used to quickly close gaps and initiate your aggressive combos. For players who love to live on the edge, constantly weaving in and out of danger while dealing non-stop damage, the Dual Blades are an absolute blast. They are particularly potent against monsters with significant elemental weaknesses, allowing you to exploit those vulnerabilities with surgical precision. Learning to manage your stamina effectively while keeping up the pressure is the key to mastering the Dual Blades. It’s a weapon that feels incredibly visceral and satisfying to play, especially when you’re just a whirlwind of destruction. The constant assault and the potential for rapid elemental buildup make them a force to be reckoned with in the hands of an aggressive player. Embrace the chaos, guys, and let the blades sing!

Sword & Shield: Versatile Striker with Support Options

The Sword & Shield is the quintessential all-rounder in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, offering a fantastic balance of offense, defense, and utility. If you're looking for a weapon that's easy to pick up but offers a surprising amount of depth, this is it, my dudes. Its attack speed is decent, allowing for quick strikes and continuous combos without leaving you too vulnerable. One of its biggest advantages is its ability to use items instantly while its weapon is drawn. This means you can chug potions, use traps, or apply status buffs on the fly without needing to sheathe your weapon, making it invaluable for support or for getting out of sticky situations quickly. In Iceborne, the Sword & Shield gained a powerful new Silkbind Attack called the Metsu Shoryugeki (Perfect Rush Counter). This move allows you to counter an incoming attack with a flurry of devastating blows, dealing high damage and offering a satisfying comeback mechanic. The core offensive combo involves building up hits to unleash a spinning attack and then a powerful finishing blow. For players who enjoy being adaptable, versatile, and capable of contributing to the team in multiple ways, the Sword & Shield is an excellent choice. It's also a fantastic weapon for learning monster attack patterns because its defensive options and quick attacks allow for less risk when experimenting. The ability to block, coupled with its agility, makes it relatively safe to learn. Don't underestimate its damage potential, especially when paired with elemental damage or status effects. The fast attack rate allows for quick application of these effects. Whether you're looking to play a damage dealer, a support role, or just want a reliable weapon that can handle any situation, the Sword & Shield has got your back. It’s a weapon that truly empowers the player to react to any threat with confidence and efficiency, making it a staple for both new and experienced hunters.

Heavy Bowgun: Siege Power and Tactical Deployment

The Heavy Bowgun (HBG) in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is all about unleashing overwhelming firepower from a safe distance. If you love the idea of setting up a mobile turret and blasting monsters to bits with explosive rounds or rapid-fire ammo, then the HBG is your calling, guys! Its primary strength lies in its high damage output, especially with specialized ammo types like Sticky and Cluster bombs, which can inflict massive stun and exhaust damage, or deal devastating explosive hits. The introduction of Special Ammo for each HBG adds another layer of tactical depth. Some HBGs have access to Wyvernheart (rapid-fire piercing shots) or Wyvernsnipe (a single, high-damage shot), which can be crucial for maximizing damage during monster openings. Iceborne has further refined HBG gameplay with new silkbind attacks that enhance mobility and defensive options, allowing hunters to reposition more effectively or even use a shield to tank hits. However, the HBG is not without its challenges. Its slow movement speed while the weapon is out and its reliance on ammunition mean you need to manage your inventory and crafting resources carefully. Positioning is absolutely key; you want to be close enough to hit effectively but far enough away to avoid taking too much damage. Learning monster movement patterns and anticipating their attacks is paramount to survival. For players who enjoy a more strategic and tactical approach to combat, focusing on ammo management, positioning, and exploiting monster weaknesses from afar, the Heavy Bowgun is an incredibly rewarding weapon. It requires patience and a good understanding of the game's combat mechanics, but the payoff in sheer destructive power is immense. Consider it your mobile artillery, capable of softening up targets before your teammates even get close. The ability to inflict status effects like paralysis and sleep with specific ammo types also makes the HBG a valuable asset to any hunting party. Embrace the boom, and let those shells fly!

Light Bowgun: Mobility, Status Effects, and Rapid Fire

The Light Bowgun (LBG) in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne offers a different, yet equally potent, ranged experience compared to its heavier counterpart. If you appreciate mobility, versatility, and the ability to apply status effects with precision, then the LBG is the weapon for you, my friends. Its defining characteristic is its speed and agility. You can move at full sprint while aiming and firing most ammo types, allowing you to maintain a constant barrage of attacks while easily dodging monster assaults. LBGs often come with Rapid Fire capabilities for specific ammo types, meaning you can unleash a stream of bullets with just one trigger pull, racking up damage and applying status effects incredibly quickly. This makes them exceptional at inflicting paralysis, sleep, or poison on monsters, which can create massive openings for yourself and your hunting party. Iceborne introduced new silkbind attacks that further enhance the LBG's evasive maneuvers and offensive bursts, allowing for even greater control over the battlefield. While the LBG doesn't boast the raw power of the HBG, its sustained damage and utility often make up for it. Ammunition management is still important, but the LBG is generally more forgiving than the HBG due to its superior mobility. You can often reposition to avoid damage rather than relying solely on defensive skills or block mechanics. For players who enjoy a dynamic, hit-and-run playstyle, focusing on exploiting monster weaknesses, applying crucial status effects, and maintaining consistent damage from a relatively safe distance, the Light Bowgun is an outstanding choice. It’s a weapon that rewards smart positioning, efficient ammo usage, and a proactive approach to controlling the flow of combat. Don't underestimate the power of a well-timed sleep or paralysis shot; it can completely turn the tide of a difficult hunt. Guys, if you want to be the nimble ranged attacker who can disrupt monsters and pepper them with damage, the LBG is calling your name.

Charge Blade: Complex Combos and Explosive Potential

The Charge Blade in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a weapon that demands mastery but offers some of the most satisfying and explosive payoffs in the game. If you relish a complex combat system with a high skill ceiling, then prepare to be amazed. At its core, the Charge Blade revolves around collecting Phials. You fill these phials by attacking with your Sword Mode, then store them by guarding or performing a Shield Thrust. These charged phials are then used to unleash devastating attacks in Axe Mode, the most potent of which is the Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED). This attack unleashes a barrage of phial explosions that can deal colossal damage, especially when landed on a monster's weak point. Mastering the Charge Blade involves a delicate dance between Sword Mode and Axe Mode, managing your phials, and knowing when to commit to the SAED. Iceborne introduced new silkbind attacks that offer more fluid transitions and defensive options, making it even more dynamic. The skill Artillery is crucial for boosting the damage of your phial explosions, and understanding elemental weaknesses is key, as phial damage can be elemental. This weapon requires significant practice to wield effectively. Learning the timing for charging phials, transitioning between modes, and landing those massive SAEDs takes time and dedication. However, for those who put in the effort, the Charge Blade offers an unparalleled sense of power and accomplishment. It’s a weapon that truly embodies the 'high risk, high reward' philosophy. When you land a perfectly timed SAED that devastates a monster, the feeling is incredible. For players who love deep combat systems, strategic resource management, and the thrill of unleashing devastating bursts of damage, the Charge Blade is an absolute masterpiece. Guys, this is the weapon for the patient strategist who can execute complex maneuvers with precision to deliver knockout blows.

Insect Glaive: Aerial Combat and Kinsect Synergy

Welcome to the skies, hunters! The Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne brings a unique aerial combat style to the fray, combined with an awesome partnership with your Kinsect. If you love the idea of leaping into the air, dodging attacks from above, and mounting monsters with ease, then this is your weapon, my friends. The core mechanic involves managing your Kinsect, a flying companion that you send out to gather Essences from monsters. These essences (red, yellow, and white) provide crucial buffs when you collect them: Red enhances your attack, White increases your mobility and allows for vaulting, and Yellow boosts your defense. Collecting all three essences grants you the powerful Mantle of the Almighty, significantly boosting your combat prowess. In the air, you can perform a variety of aerial attacks, including the vault, which allows you to leap off your Kinsect or the ground. This aerial mobility makes the Insect Glaive incredibly evasive and opens up unique attack angles, especially for mounting monsters. Iceborne introduced new silkbind attacks that further enhance aerial maneuvers and combo potential, making it even more fluid and engaging. While its ground game is decent, the Insect Glaive truly shines when you’re airborne, weaving through attacks and striking from above. For players who enjoy a dynamic, mobile playstyle, and appreciate the synergy between weapon and companion, the Insect Glaive is a fantastic choice. It offers a refreshing change of pace from traditional ground-based combat and rewards players who can effectively manage their Kinsect buffs and aerial positioning. Don't be afraid to experiment with different Kinsect types to find the one that best suits your playstyle. The ability to quickly mount monsters and avoid ground-based threats makes it a valuable weapon for controlling the battlefield and creating openings for your team. Guys, embrace the acrobatic hunter within, and let your Kinsect guide you to victory!

Switch Axe: Devastating Combos and Transformative Power

The Switch Axe in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a beast of a weapon that embodies raw, explosive power and satisfying transformations. If you love weapons that can seamlessly switch between two distinct modes, unleashing relentless combos and then transforming into a devastating powerhouse, then this is your weapon, guys! The Switch Axe operates in two modes: Sword Mode and Axe Mode. Axe Mode offers wide, sweeping attacks with good reach and the ability to inflict Wyvern’s !!! (a powerful charge attack that consumes phials for bonus damage). Sword Mode, on the other hand, grants you access to your Phials, which can be used to unleash rapid-fire strikes and a powerful Amped Elemental Discharge (AED), a devastating explosion that deals massive damage. The key to Switch Axe gameplay is managing your Phial Gauge and knowing when to switch between modes. In Iceborne, new silkbind attacks have further enhanced its gameplay, allowing for even more aggressive combos and fluid transitions. A vital mechanic is the Switch Gauge, which automatically reloads your phials when you perform a successful transition between Sword and Axe mode. Mastering the Switch Axe involves learning its combo chains, understanding when to unleash your AED, and effectively utilizing the reload mechanic to keep the pressure on. It’s a weapon that feels incredibly impactful with every swing, and the visual spectacle of its transformations and phial explosions is incredibly satisfying. For players who enjoy a weapon with a high damage ceiling, satisfying combo potential, and the thrill of transforming their weapon on the fly, the Switch Axe is an absolute winner. It's particularly effective against monsters with large hitboxes where its sweeping attacks can connect multiple times. Don't underestimate its raw power, and practice those transitions to become a true Switch Axe master. You'll be unleashing devastating combos and explosions in no time, guys!

Lance: Unwavering Defense and Precise Counter-Attacks

The Lance in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is the ultimate defensive weapon, offering unparalleled stability and the ability to weather any storm. If you appreciate a rock-solid defense, the ability to block nearly anything, and a playstyle that focuses on methodical offense and precise counter-attacks, then the Lance is your trusty steed, my friends. Its primary strength lies in its guarding capabilities. With a strong shield, you can block most monster attacks with minimal knockback, allowing you to stay engaged and counter-attack immediately. The Lance features a series of pokes and thrusts that, when chained together, deal consistent damage. In Iceborne, new silkbind attacks have introduced more offensive and evasive options, such as the Counter ADVANCE, which allows you to dash forward while guarding and deliver a powerful counter-thrust. This has made the Lance feel less purely defensive and more of a proactive, offensive force. The charge attacks are also a significant part of its kit, allowing you to advance on a monster while staying protected. For players who prefer a safe, controlled approach to combat, who want to learn monster patterns without fearing massive damage, or who enjoy being the unmovable object that anchors the team, the Lance is an excellent choice. It rewards patience, precise timing, and a deep understanding of monster openings. While it might not have the flashy damage numbers of some other weapons, its consistent output and incredible survivability make it a reliable choice for any hunt. Mastering the Lance is about becoming an extension of your shield, deflecting every blow and finding the perfect moment to strike back with unwavering resolve. Guys, if you want to be the unyielding wall that monsters crash against, the Lance is your weapon of choice. It’s a weapon that embodies resilience and calculated aggression, making every successful hunt feel like a testament to your unyielding will.

Gunlance: Explosive Shells and Defensive Fortitude

The Gunlance in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a unique hybrid weapon that combines the reliable offense of a lance with the explosive power of artillery. If you love the idea of poking and prodding with a lance while also having the option to unleash devastating shelling attacks, then this weapon is for you, guys! The Gunlance features a fixed-point shelling attack that uses Phials to deal explosive damage, regardless of monster hit zones. This makes it incredibly consistent for damage output and excellent for breaking parts. There are three types of shelling: Normal (good for rapid fire), Long (good for distance and high damage), and Wide (good for quick bursts). In Iceborne, the Gunlance received significant buffs and new silkbind attacks that have made it much more dynamic. The Bullet Barrage is a particularly devastating new move that unleashes a rapid volley of shells and a final explosive charge. Managing your sharpness and your phials is key to optimizing your damage. You'll often be weaving together pokes, shells, and aerial attacks to maximize your offensive output. For players who enjoy a weapon with a built-in explosive finisher, a solid defensive option via its shield, and a playstyle that can switch between methodical poking and explosive bursts, the Gunlance is a fantastic choice. It offers a satisfying blend of melee and ranged-like damage, making it versatile for many situations. Don't underestimate the power of a well-timed shelling attack or the utility of its defensive capabilities. Guys, if you want to wield a weapon that can poke, prod, and then absolutely blow your enemies away, the Gunlance is waiting for you.

Hammer: KO Power and Blunt Force Trauma

The Hammer in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is all about one thing: staggering and knocking out monsters. If you love the satisfaction of landing crushing blows to a monster's head, stunning them repeatedly, and setting up massive damage opportunities for yourself and your team, then the Hammer is your weapon, my friends. Its primary focus is on blunt damage, which is key for building up stun. Charged attacks are your bread and butter. Holding down the attack button allows you to charge up powerful swings, and connecting these with a monster's head will quickly fill its stun gauge. The Impact Crater is a particularly devastating charged attack that can deal massive damage and contribute significantly to stuns. Iceborne has introduced new silkbind attacks that offer more mobility and combo potential, allowing for more aggressive playstyles and quicker repositioning. The Hammer's simplicity in its core mechanic – hit the head – makes it relatively easy to pick up, but mastering its charged attack timings and identifying those precious openings requires skill and practice. It's a weapon that is incredibly valuable to any hunting party, as consistent stuns can trivialize many difficult encounters. For players who enjoy a direct, impactful playstyle, who want to be the primary source of KOs, and who appreciate the simple, brutal effectiveness of blunt force, the Hammer is an outstanding choice. It might not have the reach of a Great Sword or the speed of Dual Blades, but its ability to control the flow of battle through stuns is unmatched. Guys, embrace the power of the bonk, and let those monsters know who's boss with every earth-shattering swing!

Hunting Horn: Support Rhythms and Melodic Destruction

The Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a unique weapon that blends offensive capabilities with crucial support buffs for your entire hunting party. If you enjoy playing a supportive role while still dishing out respectable damage, and you love the idea of crushing monsters with musical melodies, then the Hunting Horn is for you, guys! Its core mechanic involves performing attacks to build up Melodies. These melodies can then be played back as Songs, which grant a variety of beneficial effects to yourself and nearby allies. These buffs can range from increased attack power, defense, healing, stamina recovery, and much more, making the Hunting Horn invaluable for group hunts. In Iceborne, new silkbind attacks have been added to enhance its mobility and offensive pressure, making it feel more active in combat. While the Hunting Horn’s attack animations can be a bit slower, its songs provide a tangible advantage that often outweighs this. The Meld ability allows you to queue up specific songs for maximum efficiency. Learning which songs are most beneficial for a given hunt and strategically applying them is key to mastering the Hunting Horn. For players who enjoy a supportive role, who want to provide essential buffs to their team, and who appreciate a weapon that can both heal and harm, the Hunting Horn is a fantastic choice. It’s a weapon that fosters teamwork and rewards strategic thinking, turning chaotic battles into coordinated assaults. Don't be afraid to experiment with different horns to find the song list that best suits your team's needs. Guys, become the bard of the battlefield, and let your music inspire victory while your weapon crushes your foes!

Bow: Ranged Precision and Elemental Mastery

The Bow in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a versatile and powerful ranged weapon that emphasizes precision, mobility, and elemental damage. If you enjoy keeping a safe distance from monsters while delivering rapid, well-aimed shots, and you appreciate a weapon that can adapt to different situations, then the Bow is an excellent choice for you, my friends. Its core mechanic involves charging shots to increase their power and reach. You can fire rapid Rapid Shots for quick damage, or charge up Power Shots for greater impact. The Bow also features Arc Shots that can inflict status effects or deal burst damage. What makes the Bow particularly potent in Iceborne is its ability to utilize Dragon Piercer, a powerful, piercing shot that can deal massive damage if it connects with multiple hit zones on a monster. Iceborne has further enhanced the Bow’s gameplay with new silkbind attacks that increase its mobility and provide new combo routes, making it even more dynamic and engaging. Stamina management is crucial for Bow users, as charging shots and performing evasive maneuvers consume stamina. Skills that boost stamina recovery or reduce stamina consumption are highly recommended. For players who enjoy a mobile, ranged playstyle that focuses on hitting monster weak points, exploiting elemental weaknesses, and maintaining consistent damage from a distance, the Bow is a fantastic weapon. It requires good positioning and aiming skills, but the payoff in terms of damage and survivability is significant. Don't underestimate its versatility; with the right coatings, you can apply status effects like sleep or paralysis, further supporting your team. Guys, embrace the precision of the archer, and let your arrows find their mark with deadly accuracy!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, hunters! A deep dive into all the weapons Monster Hunter World: Iceborne has to offer. Remember, the best weapon is the one you enjoy playing the most and can effectively wield. Experiment, practice, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Each weapon has its own unique playstyle and rewards, and mastering any one of them will make you a formidable force in the New World. Happy hunting, guys!