Monster Hunter Wilds lets players choose their playstyle from many different kinds of weapons. Each of these weapons offers a starter option at the beginning of the game. If players are unsure which to go with, they can talk with Alma who has some questions to help guide players on which weapon they should start off with.
Players will be able to say whether they want to deal high amounts of damage up close, keep their distance using a ranged weapon, or if defense is their primary concern. Should they favor defense above all else, Alma will suggest the Lance. However, should they want a little more bang for their buck while still being defense, she will suggest they look into the Gunlance.
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How to Play the Gunlance in Monster Hunters Wilds
The Gunlance plays a lot like the Lance, except it encourages players to play a bit more aggressively while still having a plethora of defensive options. Gunlances don’t dive into straight DPS, but alternate between different ways of attacking. If players have sunk a lot of their time and effort into other weapons already, they may not have a lot of Zenny for getting a good Gunlance off the bat. Luckily, there is a great spot for faming plenty of funding for some quality Gunlances to take into battle.
Weapons controls can change across numerous weapons in the game when players hold down their Focus Mode button while they guard, or in response to a previous move. Even the simple act of moving can change what controls look like.
|
Control Name |
PS5 |
Xbox |
PC |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lateral Thrust I |
Triangle |
Y |
LMB |
|
Lunging Thrust |
Triangle (while moving) |
Y (while moving) |
LMB (while moving) |
|
Rising Slash |
Triangle + O |
Y + B |
LMB + RMB |
|
Shelling |
O |
B |
RMB |
|
Charged Shelling |
O (hold down) |
B (hold down) |
RMB (hold down) |
|
Sidestep |
X |
A |
Spacebar |
|
L2 + R1 |
LT + RB |
Shift + RMB |
|
|
Guard |
R2 |
RT |
R |
|
Guard Thrust I |
Triangle (with Guard) |
Y (with Guard) |
LMB (with guard) |
|
Wyvern’s Fire |
Triangle + O (with Guard) |
Y + B (with Guard) |
LMB + RMB (with guard) |
|
Reload |
O (with Guard) |
B (With Guard) |
RMB (with guard) |
Players will find they have the ability to reload in the middle of certain combos. Doing this can result in faster reloads and Perfect Guards.
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Monster Hunter Wild’s Gunlance Combos
Players will need to put time and effort into mastering this weapon, as it doesn’t break into the list of easiest Monster Hunter Wilds weapons. Players will use combos to Perfect Dodge while staying in the faces of their enemies, but can also make use of a wide array of follow-up attacks to optimize their damage output.
|
Combo Name |
Description |
PS5 |
Xbox |
PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wyrmstake Canon Combo |
This is a simple combo that deals good damage. It lets players pile damage into their target as a follow-up to defending against an attack and having a little time to react. |
Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle |
Y, Y, Y, Y |
LMB, LMB, LMB, LMB |
|
Wyrmstake Full Blast Combo |
When players have an opening and more time on their hands, they can instead opt for this trickier combo. This combo will be best used from the side to ensure all hits from Shelling connect. |
O, Triangle (while moving), Triangle + O, Triangle/Circle |
B, Y (while moving), Y + B, Y/B |
RMB, LMB (while moving), LMB + RMB, LMB/RMB |
|
Burst Fire Combo |
While players have some shells in the lance, this combo lets them get good damage in a short amount of time. Players that have no shells but need to get good damage in should opt for Wymstake Canon Combo rather than reloading to pull this off. Then they can reload to Perfect Guard to fill their clip back up. |
Triangle + O, Triangle, O |
Y + B, Y, B |
LMB + RMB, LMB, RMB |
Tips & Tricks for the Gunlance in Monster Hunter Wilds
New players may not be aware of what exactly Power Clashes are in the game. This is a mechanic for weapons that make use of a Guard, and while not a unique tip for the Gunlance, players should familiarize themselves with this mechanci in the game.
Reload at the Right Times
There are many ways that players can reload. The most common option would be to simply press their Guard and Shelling buttons at the same time. However, players that reload the moment an enemy attack is about to connect will proc a Perfect Guard, allowing players to reload their weapon and mitigate damage at the same time to keep them stocked and in the fight.
Play Defensively
Above all else, the Gunlance is still a highly defensive weapon. This means players will need to know when to guard, and aspire to get as many Perfect Guards as possible. Players who reach High Rank can build the Gunlance using jewels that revolve around Perfect Guards to optimize runs and fell their foes in record times.
Shelling Strafing
This is neither a control nor a combo, but something that players may find useful and may even make playing this weapon more enjoyable. Players can use Shelling while moving in a direction to give them a little extra oomf. Players can repeat this to move faster than normal while also dealing damage. This can allow them to branch into combos, or simply reposition into a more favorable position.
- Released
-
February 28, 2025
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty