Monster Hunter Rise: Gunlance Low Rank Guide
Hey, fellow hunters! So you're diving into the wild world of Monster Hunter Rise and decided that shelling monsters into oblivion with a massive Gunlance is your kind of fun? Awesome choice, guys! The Gunlance is a beast, and while it might seem a bit clunky at first, mastering it early in Low Rank will set you up for some serious success later on. We're talking about exploding wyverns with explosive shells, and who wouldn't want that? This guide is all about getting you started with the Gunlance in Low Rank, covering everything from the basics to some solid weapon choices and armor skills you should be keeping an eye on. Let's get this party started!
Gunlance Basics: What's the Big Deal?
Alright, let's break down what makes the Gunlance so unique and, frankly, so darn satisfying. Unlike its sibling, the Lance, the Gunlance isn't just about poking; it's about blasting. The core mechanic revolves around combining your trusty lance attacks with explosive shelling damage. This shelling damage is fixed, meaning it doesn't scale with your attack power in the same way raw melee hits do. Instead, it's determined by your weapon's shelling level and type. This is a HUGE point to remember, guys. So, even if your raw attack stat isn't the highest, your shells will still pack a punch. You've got three main types of shelling: Normal, Long, and Wide. Normal Gunlances have more shells per reload and a balanced damage output. Long Gunlances have the highest shelling damage per shell but fewer shells. Wide Gunlances are in the middle, offering a good balance of shell damage and capacity. Understanding these types is key to choosing the right Gunlance for your playstyle and the monster you're facing. The charged shelling attack, where you unleash a barrage of shells, is your bread and butter for consistent damage, especially when monsters are down or you can't get close enough for consistent melee combos. Then you've got your Wyvernfire, a powerful blast that consumes sharpness but deals massive damage. It's your trump card for when you really need to lay the hurt on. Remember, managing your sharpness is crucial because you can't shell if your weapon is dull! Silkbind attacks are also game-changers. The Bullet Barrage lets you unleash a devastating combo of slashes and shells, perfect for punishing openings. Hail Cutter is a great upward thrust that can be followed up by shelling, allowing you to hit airborne monsters or create space. Each move has its place, and learning when to use them will elevate your Gunlance game from 'okay' to 'absolutely terrifying'. Practice these moves in the Training Area; get a feel for the combos and the rhythm. It’s all about building that muscle memory, you know?
Early Game Weapon Choices: Shelling Your Way to Victory
When you're just starting out in Low Rank, your options might seem a bit limited, but don't worry, there are some solid Gunlances you can get your hands on without too much hassle. Your primary goal here is to find a weapon with a decent shelling level, ideally shelling type that you prefer or that is readily available. The Ore Tree is usually your go-to early on. The 'Iron Gunlance' line, which upgrades into things like the 'Deep Iron Gunlance', is accessible and reliable. They often come with a good balance of raw attack and decent shelling. Look for ones that offer at least Shelling Level 3, as this will be your starting point for noticeable shell damage. As you progress and gather more materials, you'll unlock more options. The Bone Gunlance line can also be a good alternative, sometimes offering higher raw attack power, though their shelling might be slightly less developed early on. Keep an eye out for monsters like the Great Izuchi and Kulu-Ya-Ku, as their materials can lead to Gunlances with good early-game stats. Don't chase the absolute best weapon right now; focus on what's achievable and effective for Low Rank. A Gunlance that lets you consistently apply pressure with shells, even if its raw damage isn't topping charts, will serve you well. Remember, the goal in Low Rank is to learn the weapon's mechanics and survive the hunts. You'll have plenty of time to craft those fancy, high-end Gunlances later in High Rank and the endgame. For now, focus on upgrading your current weapon as you can and gathering materials from monsters that drop useful parts. Prioritize weapons with Wide or Normal shelling if possible, as they tend to be more forgiving and versatile for beginners. Long shelling can be a bit more niche, requiring specific setups to shine, so stick with what feels comfortable and effective for you right now. Don't be afraid to experiment a little, but always keep your primary goal in mind: getting the job done efficiently and safely. The early game is about building that foundation, and a good starter Gunlance is a massive part of that. So, get out there, farm those monsters, and craft yourself a boomstick!
Essential Armor Skills for Low Rank Gunlancers
Okay, so you've got your boomstick, but what about keeping yourself alive and dealing more damage? Armor skills are your best friend, guys. In Low Rank, you want to focus on skills that boost your survivability and your Gunlance's core strengths: shelling and sharpness. First up, Artillery. This is arguably the most important skill for any Gunlance user. It directly increases the damage of your shells and your Wyvernfire. Aim for Artillery 3 if you can possibly manage it. This makes a massive difference in your damage output, turning those pokes into explosions. You'll find Artillery decorations and on armor pieces from monsters like the Barroth and Tigrex (though Tigrex is later). Next, consider Guard. The Gunlance is a defensive weapon, and being able to block effectively is crucial. Guard skills (Guard 1, Guard 3, Guard 5) reduce the knockback and chip damage you take when blocking. Guard 3 is a great sweet spot for Low Rank, making blocking much more manageable. You can get this from armor pieces like the Bullfango Helm or Barroth Mail. Capacity Boost is another fantastic skill. It gives you an extra shell, meaning more shelling opportunities before you need to reload. This is a huge damage increase for any shelling-focused playstyle. The Uragaan set often comes with Capacity Boost, but it might be a bit tough to get in early Low Rank. Keep an eye out for decorations or specific armor pieces that offer it. Focus can be helpful too, reducing the charge time for your charged shelling attacks, letting you unleash them more frequently. While not as critical as Artillery or Guard, it's a nice bonus if you can fit it in. Lastly, don't neglect Handicraft or Protective Polish for sharpness management. Gunlances chew through sharpness, and having skills that help maintain it means more time shelling and less time sharpening. For Low Rank, focus on Artillery and Guard first, then look to add Capacity Boost. You can mix and match armor pieces from different monsters to achieve the skills you want. Don't be afraid to consult online armor set builders if you're having trouble figuring out combinations. The key is to prioritize skills that directly enhance your Gunlance's core mechanics. Getting these skills on your armor will make a world of difference in your hunts, turning you from a novice gunlancer into a shelling powerhouse. Remember, even in Low Rank, building a solid skill set is essential for future progression. So farm those monsters, break those parts, and get the best skills you can!
Combos and Playstyle: Mastering the Boom
Now that you've got your gear sorted, let's talk about how to actually use the Gunlance effectively. Your playstyle in Low Rank should focus on learning the core combos and understanding monster openings. The fundamental combo you'll be using constantly is the poke-shell combo. After a few pokes (which are great for building gauge and dealing some consistent damage), you'll want to follow up with a shell. The standard combo is usually: Forward Thrust -> Horizontal Slash -> Charged Shelling. Or, if you have more openings: Horizontal Slash -> Rising Slash -> Ground Splitter -> Shelling. Experiment with different sequences to see what feels natural. Remember that your shelling damage is fixed, so incorporating shells into every opening you get is crucial for maximizing your damage. Don't just poke repeatedly; remember the boom! The Charged Shelling is your bread and butter. After a few pokes or an opening, hold the attack button to charge it up for maximum blast. This is where a lot of your consistent damage will come from. Wyvernfire is your big hitter. Use it when you have a good opening, like when a monster is knocked down or charging a slow attack. Be mindful that it consumes sharpness, so use it strategically. Your Silkbind attacks are also vital. Hail Cutter (ZL + A) is excellent for hitting airborne monsters or creating space after a combo. You can often follow this up with a shell or even Wyvernfire if you're quick. Bullet Barrage (ZL + X) is your ultimate punish tool. It's a long animation, so only use it when you're absolutely sure the monster won't move or attack you during the execution. Think of it as a giant 'get off me' button that also hurts a lot. When a monster is staggered or knocked down, this is your prime time to unleash hell. Don't forget about your basic blocks and sidesteps. The Gunlance is slow, but its guard is formidable. Use your shield to block big attacks and then counter-attack with a quick poke or shell. Learning monster attack patterns is key to knowing when to block and when to attack. In Low Rank, focus on staying alive and learning the rhythm of the Gunlance. Don't get greedy! It's better to get in a few safe pokes and shells than to overcommit and get knocked out. Master the poke-shell loop, use your charged shelling effectively, and save your Wyvernfire for opportune moments. With practice, you'll be shelling monsters with confidence and style. Remember, consistency is key. The more you play, the more intuitive these combos and timings will become. Happy hunting, and may your explosions be ever plentiful!
Monster Matchups: Who Likes Getting Blasted?
As you venture through Low Rank, you'll encounter a variety of monsters, and some are definitely more fun to fight with a Gunlance than others. Generally, monsters that are large, slow, or have predictable attack patterns are prime targets for the Gunlance. Think of monsters like the Great Jagras, Barroth, or Jyuratodus. These guys tend to stay in one place for a good amount of time, allowing you to get in close, land your pokes, and unleash those devastating shells. The Barroth, in particular, is great because its armor breaks easily, and it's often susceptible to mud, which can slow it down further, giving you even more openings. Monsters with large hitboxes, like the Rathian (once you get there), are also excellent targets. You can aim your shells at their massive bodies and consistently deal damage. For monsters that tend to move around a lot, like the Mizutsune or Great Izuchi, you'll need to be more patient. You might rely more on Hail Cutter to hit them when they jump or dash, and then capitalize on the brief moments they pause. Against flying monsters like Pukei-Pukei (when it decides to take to the skies) or even Rathian in the air, your Hail Cutter becomes invaluable. You can often get a few pokes in after it lands, followed by a charged shell. Don't forget about Wyvernfire for punishing aerial attacks when they're vulnerable. Monsters that have very aggressive, fast, and erratic attack patterns, like a Nargacuga (though you'll face it later), can be more challenging. In these cases, focusing on Guard skills and patient, defensive play is essential. You might find yourself blocking more than attacking, waiting for just one or two safe pokes and a quick shell before retreating. The key is to adapt your strategy. If a monster is easily staggered, focus on breaking its parts with pokes and then shell its downed body. If a monster is highly mobile, focus on positioning and using Hail Cutter. Low Rank monsters are generally designed to teach you the fundamentals of the game and the weapons. Use them as training grounds. Practice landing your charged shells, learn which attacks are safe to block, and identify those precious openings. The Gunlance excels when you can consistently apply pressure, and that means landing those shells. So, identify the monsters that give you the most trouble and analyze their patterns. Can you block that charge? Can you get a charged shell off after that tail swipe? By answering these questions, you'll become a much more effective and dangerous Gunlance user. Embrace the boom, guys, and happy hunting!
So there you have it, guys! Your crash course on rocking the Gunlance in Monster Hunter Rise's Low Rank. It's a weapon that rewards patience, a bit of planning, and a whole lot of explosions. Master the basics, choose your weapons wisely, stack those Artillery skills, and practice those combos. You'll be a shelling machine in no time! Go forth, and make those monsters fear the boom!
