Step into the thrilling world of Monster Hunter Now, where your choice of weapon can make or break your hunt. From the swift and versatile Sword & Shield to the devastating power of the Gunlance, each weapon offers a unique combat style tailored to different hunters. But how do you unlock these fearsome tools of the trade? Progress through the main story quests and watch your arsenal expand-new weapon types become available starting in Chapter 2, opening up fresh strategies and challenges for every hunter ready to take on the monsters.
Despite smaller number of weapons in Monster Hunter Now, there are a couple of ranged options and series staples, such as the Great Sword, giving you some variety to play around with.
Latest update (Dec. 12): Dec. 2024’s “Curse of the Wandering Flames” introduces the Switch Axe.
Monster Hunter Now weapons list: How many weapons are there?
Monster Hunter Now features a total of 14 weapon types, each offering unique playstyles and combat strategies. The weapons include classics like Sword & Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Bow, and Hammer, as well as others such as Hunting Horn, Gunlance, Insect Glaive, Switch Axe, Heavy Bowgun, Charge Blade, Lance, Light Bowgun, and Dual Blades. Initially, players start with fewer weapons, such as Sword & Shield, and unlock additional types like Great Sword, Hammer, Long Sword, Bow, and Light Bowgun as they progress through the game’s chapters. More weapons from the mainline series are planned to be added in future updates, expanding the arsenal further.
To date, the roster of weapons in Monster Hunter Now is as follows:
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Bow
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
- Long Sword
- Dual Blades (added in Dec. 2023’s “Fulminations in the Frost” update)
- Lance (added in Dec. 2023’s “Fulminations in the Frost” update)
- Charge Blade (added in March 2024’s “The Vernal Invader” update)
- Gunblade (added in June 2024’s “Dancing in the Tempest” update)
- Heavy Bowgun (added in Sept. 2024’s “Curse of the Wandering Flames” update)
- Switch Axe (added in Dec. 2024’s “Roars from the Winterland” update)
Developers Niantic and Capcom have confirmed new weapon types will continue to be added to the game as seasons progress, so for those familiar with the main series, hopefully your favorites will roll out before too long.
How to unlock new weapon types in Monster Hunter Now
To unlock new weapon types in Monster Hunter Now, players start with the Sword & Shield and must progress through the main story quests. The Great Sword becomes available after completing the first part of Chapter 2: Shimmering Swamp. Subsequently, by finishing Chapter 2 and reaching Hunter Rank 15, players unlock additional weapons including the Long Sword, Hammer, Light Bowgun, and Bow. Further weapon types such as Lance, Dual Blades, and Charge Blade have been added through updates. Unlocking these weapons involves advancing through the campaign and completing key quests, allowing players to craft and experiment with a diverse arsenal to suit their playstyle.
To begin with, you’ll only have access to the Sword and Shield, albeit with multiple variations by forging together parts from slaying large monsters.
To unlock new weapon types in Monster Hunter Now, you must progress through the main story quest. In Chapter 2, you’ll first unlock three more weapons, and just a few steps later, you’ll get the remaining roster of weapons.
Specifically, you need to reach the following points in the story:
- To unlock the Great Sword, Dual Blades, and Lance, complete the first stage of “Chapter 2: Shimmering Swamp” in the main story.
- To unlock the Bow, Hammer, Light Bowgun, and Long Sword, reach Hunter Rank 15.
- Finally, weapons added in seasons (Dual Blades, Lance, Charge Blade, Gunblade, Heavy Bowgun, Switch Axe), will be available automatically.
The first two pre-requisites aren’t too far into your Monster Hunter Now journey – requiring just a few hours of play. Of course, that might be staggered out depending on how much you’re able to explore, with many story steps based on collecting resources, which will be limited if you are playing in just a single spot.
Meanwhile, though large monsters do spawn frequently on your stationary position, making use of paintballs for when you need to complete large monster steps quickly is advised.
When will new weapon types arrive in Monster Hunter Now?
New weapon types in Monster Hunter Now are planned to be introduced after summer 2025, according to the official roadmap updates. Players can expect the Hunting Horn weapon type to arrive in the Season 6 update, alongside new monsters like Nargacuga and other exciting features such as powered-up monsters and weapon upgrades. This means that while the initial weapon types are unlocked through story progression, additional weapon types will be gradually added in future updates beyond summer 2025.
New weapon types – alongside new monsters and story updates – will be coming to Monster Hunter Now as part of major quarterly updates as part of new seasons.
How do I unlock the new weapon types in Monster Hunter Now early in my progress
To unlock new weapon types early in Monster Hunter Now, you need to progress through the main story quests. Initially, you start with only the Sword & Shield, but upon reaching Chapter 2: Shimmering Swamp, you unlock the Great Sword. Shortly after completing the Great Girros Urgent Quest that concludes Chapter 2, the rest of the weapon types-such as Long Sword, Hammer, Bow, and Light Bowgun-become available for forging.
Additionally, you must reach Hunter Rank 6 to start crafting new weapons, which allows you to experiment with these newly unlocked types. Crafting different weapons and completing specific quests tied to the story will further expand your arsenal. Using the Sword & Shield early on is recommended for efficient progression, as it is easier to handle and helps you farm materials to craft and unlock other weapons faster.
What’s the fastest way to unlock all weapon types early in my Monster Hunter Now playthrough
The fastest way to unlock all weapon types early in your Monster Hunter Now playthrough is to focus on rapid progression through the main story quests, as weapon unlocks are tied to story chapters rather than Hunter Rank alone.
Here’s a streamlined approach:
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Start with Sword and Shield at Chapter 1, available from the beginning.
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Advance quickly to Chapter 2: Shimmering Swamp, where the Great Sword unlocks and becomes craftable.
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Complete Chapter 2 and reach Hunter Rank 15 to unlock the remaining weapon types: Long Sword, Hammer, Light Bowgun, and Bow.
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Prioritize completing main quests efficiently, as the entire story progression and rank increase can be done within a day if you focus solely on it.
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Use the Sword and Shield early on for fast and safe monster kills, which helps gather materials and XP quickly to craft and upgrade new weapons as they unlock.
By concentrating on main quest completion and reaching HR 15 swiftly, you unlock all six weapon types in the shortest time possible, allowing you to experiment and master each weapon style early in your gameplay.
