Weapons

All the existing weapons were reviewed and enhanced for MH3. These enhancements include new moves and adjustments based on the new elements of MH3 like underwater hunting and monsters’ stamina. The existing system of making weapons from items will be kept with some usability improvements and minor enhancements. Weapon tree will be revamped.

Slash Axe (スラッシュアックス)

The only new weapon in MH3, one of the main features of Slash Axe is it can undergoes form change to either Axe Mode or Sword Mode when in use. According to Tsujimoto, one of the main reasons for this design is because it’s extremely cool-looking when seen in action. In Axe Mode, the retractable weapon becomes a long and large double edged axe. Plenty of efforts were spent to give it a sense of weight because a direct hit can deals a huge amount of damage to the unlucky monster. In Sword Mode, it features a few similar moves with Great Sword and Long Sword although its attacking range is wider. By attaching some kind of bullets to a slot near the handle, you can unleash a really powerful looking attack that will send the monster flying away. One of the main disadvantages of Slash Axe is it can’t shield but this also allows for faster movement. Slash Axe can cut the tails or horns of the monster in both forms.

Great Sword (大剣)

One of the most popular weapon in the series, Great Sword receives a couple of new moves. Players can now hit monsters with the blade of their weapons, which will stun it for a few seconds if hit on the head. There is also a new finisher Charge Attack that appears to be even more powerful than the current one. However, both are only available as part of the link attack and as a result, seems difficult to pull off. Fujioka also mentioned Gread Sword can be used to reduce the stamina of the monster but provide no details on it.

Long Sword (太刀)

Since many players tell them they like to use Long Sword simply because it looks cool, Tsujimoto says they are putting more elements that will build on this. While the basic moves are still the same, there will be plenty of cool new moves for Long Sword lovers. These include the ability to slash while moving left and right and a finisher that will exhaust the Spirit Gauge to allow players attacking many monsters at one time.

Sword and Shield (片手剣)

Known for its speed and the only weapon that allows you to use item even when you are carrying it. A new move called Back Knuckle allows players to first knock the monster with the shield from above followed by a charge forward with the shield as a weapon again. Horizontal Slash is an effective move against smaller monster or slashing the legs of the larger ones. Another new move that can be used immediately after Horizontal Slash is Backhand Slash that covers a wider range.

Hammer (ハンマー)

Perhaps to increase its popularity, every moves with Hammer now has a combo that will increase its effectiveness considerably. One of the trademark attacks that Hammer has is the Swing Attack, and in MH3, you can launch a Reverse Swing Attack immediately after that to inflict massive damage on the monster. Another new move is Charge Attack II which is even more risky to execute but is sure to cause major pain to the monster. Like most of the weapons in MH3, some of Hammer moves can reduce the monsters’ stamina too.

Lance (ランス)

Famous for its defensive abilities, Fujioka says he hope the attacking and defending transition of Lance can be as smooth as water flowing. This is because they always feel like two different thing in previous games. A couple of new moves are added to Lance in MH3, they are Counter Thrust Attack and Sweep. The former allows players to switch from defense to attack almost instantly by pressing a button just before the monster is about to make an attack. The latter will make it easier for players to deal with smaller monsters.

Bowgun (ボウガン)

One of the most confusing weapons for me in Monster Hunter. Bowgun is a long range weapon that allows you to use various bullets. Besides “Light” and “Heavy”, there is a new “Middle” Bowgun for MH3 and they also have actions unique to them. Light allows players to quickly move away after they made a shot while Middle let them roll away. Heavy Bowgun don’t have such advantages but it can use more powerful bullets. Players also get to customize their Bowgun by mixing and matching the three different components: barrel, frame and stock. These combination will determine the weight of the Bowgun and the type of bullets you can use. A new bullet called Zanretsu (斬烈弾) that make it easier for Bowgun lovers to cut the tails or horns of the monsters are introduced. Unlike previous games, there will be extra slots in your Item Pouch to keep these bullets.