For newcomers to Monster Hunter, the explosive popularity of Rise might seem sudden. However, Capcom has meticulously refined its hugely successful Monster Hunter series for global conquest over many years, resulting in what appears to be one of the franchise's best-selling entries.

With over a million concurrent players on Steam, Monster Hunter Rise is everywhere. But if you feel like an outsider, unsure how to begin, I have a simple secret to maximizing your enjoyment: find the weapon that best matches your playstyle.

Monster Hunter Rise offers an almost overwhelming array of weapons, each with a unique feel. From heavy hitters like the Great Sword to nimble Dual Blades, and ranged options like the Bowgun, the choices are vast.

Rise modernizes the combat compared to previous Monster Hunter games, aligning it more closely with contemporary action games. While sheathing is still needed for healing, combat feels intuitive to anyone familiar with recent action RPGs. However, unlike most action RPGs that use skill trees for customization, Monster Hunter Rise hinges on weapon choice.

Your initial weapon selection profoundly shapes your experience. If you crave speed and combos, the Dual Blades are ideal. Their fast attacks, quick dodges, and meter-building system unleash devastating combos on downed monsters.

Ranged weapons like the Bowguns are powerful alternatives. Remember to carry sufficient ammo and choose the right types for each monster.

With 14 weapons, each with unique attributes, they broadly fall into three categories: heavy (high damage, low speed), light (rapid attacks), and technical. However, some blur the lines; the Gunlance offers range, the Charge Blade switches between axe and blade, and the Insect Glaive and Hunting Horn provide unique buffs.

Don't be overwhelmed. Experiment with every weapon in the tutorial before committing. You'll find the perfect fit, whether you prefer Dante-esque frenzy or Dark Souls-style strategy.