The weapons in Monster Hunter World are diverse and divided into 14 classes. We present all types such as Sword and Shield, Hunting Horn, or Switchaxe.
In Monster Hunter World, the hunter’s equipment is everything that is available to you in combat. There are no classic roles like healer, tank, or damage dealer.
Are there only these 14 weapons in Monster Hunter World?
No. The 14 weapons are categories that should be viewed as different classes. You can possess each of these classes in different forms. This depends on the resources you gather and what weapon you craft from them at the forge.
If you gather the bones of a specific monster, you can also possess various weapons as bone variations. The same applies to scales, teeth, wings, fur, tails, and whatever else you can detach from the monsters.
Below is an image of the “Bone Scythes”, a bony variation of the Dual Blades.

These are the 14 weapon classes in Monster Hunter World
- Sword and Shield
- Hammer
- Hunting Horn
- Lance
- Gunlance
- Switchaxe
- Charge Blade
- Insect Glaive
- Bow
- Light Bowgun
- Heavy Bowgun
- Great Sword
- Dual Blades
- Long Sword
Sword & Shield
As the perfect starter weapon for beginners, the classic combination of sword and shield is perfect. This allows players to both attack and defend. The biggest advantage is that items like potions can still be used even when the weapon is drawn.
Hammer
The hammer is large, powerful, and unwieldy. The strikes are slow, but they have a force that can stun even the largest creatures for a while if their head is hit.
Hunting Horn
The Hunting Horn is a weapon for supporters with relatively high range (though it is still a “melee” weapon). When music is played, the entire hunter group benefits from status buffs.
Lance
The lance is a traditional weapon from the Monster Hunter universe and is good for both offense and defense as it comes with a shield. It also has a solid range.
Gunlance
Significantly more oomph comes from the Gunlance. It works largely like the regular lance, but it can also shoot and hold opponents at a distance. However, reloading takes time, which gives the monster an opportunity to attack.
Switchaxe
If you can’t decide on a weapon, then go with the Switchaxe. This is usually a slow but deadly axe, but can be transformed into a faster sword if desired. The sword can unleash elemental energy, causing great damage.
Charge Blade
The Charge Blade starts as a regular Sword & Shield but can be transformed into an axe if desired. Energy absorbed by the Sword & Shield can be unleashed with the axe, causing additional damage.
Insect Glaive
The Insect Glaive is the perfect weapon for acrobats. Like pole vaulting, the hunter can launch into the air and strike from all directions. The Kinsect, a type of insect, can gather various extracts that grant temporary buffs to the wielder.
Bow
The bow is a traditional ranged weapon for keeping monsters at a distance. Besides raining arrows, the bow can also inflict additional negative status effects on monsters via arrow poisons.
Light Bowgun
If you can’t decide between technology and traditional weapons, go with the Light Bowgun. This mix of bow and gun is specialized for ranged combat, allowing the hunter great mobility and a quick rate of fire. Different types of ammunition can save allies (for example, through stuns).
Heavy Bowgun
If you prefer something more powerful, then the Heavy Bowgun comes into play. It allows for less mobility but delivers significant impact with every shot and causes high damage. Different types of ammunition can turn the weapon into either a sniper rifle or a type of Gatling gun.
Great Sword
Typical for Japan is the Great Sword. Powerful, slow swings with massive damage compensate for the fact that there is hardly any freedom of movement. Charged attacks, in classic anime style, provide additional damage.
Dual Blades
Many fast attacks and high mobility characterize the two short swords, the Dual Blades. If desired, you can switch to “Demon Mode” and unleash a storm of attacks on the monster while dancing nimbly around the creature.
Long Sword
The final weapon is the Long Sword. Despite its length, the weapon is relatively fast and can execute a variety of long combos. The blade can even temporarily increase the wielder’s attack power to further boost damage.
What do you think of these weapons from Monster Hunter World and which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
More craving for Monster Hunter World? Here you can find some high-quality gameplay!