Monster Hunter Outlanders Starting Weapons: How to Choose

Start Monster Hunter Outlanders with a weapon whose movement and defensive options feel comfortable. Dual Blades, Lance and Bow offer three useful styles to try: mobile close-range attacks, shield-based positioning and ranged pressure. None is automatically the easiest for every Adventurer or monster.

The launch lineup extends beyond the seven weapons listed in early previews. Garena's launch announcement also includes Charge Blade. Check the equipment and characters available in your regional version rather than assuming every option is immediately unlocked.

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Compare the weapon styles

Weapon	General style	What a beginner should practice
Dual Blades	Fast close-range sequences and mobility	Stop the combo before an incoming attack and manage stamina
Lance	Shield-based defense and controlled thrusts	Guard timing, positioning and the limits of blocking
Bow	Ranged pressure with movement	Aiming, spacing and reacting when the monster closes in
Long Sword	Combo flow and timing-dependent opportunities	The selected Adventurer's resource cycle and defensive actions
Great Sword	Deliberate heavy attacks	Recognize a long enough opening before committing
Heavy Bowgun	Ranged firepower	Positioning, aim and recovery after attacks
Hammer	Close-range impact attacks	Approach safely and land hits on the intended part
Charge Blade	A weapon with Sword and Axe modes	Learn the mode transitions and resource rules in its tutorial

These descriptions are starting points. Adventurers using the same weapon type can have different skills and combat rhythms. Read the character's actual kit before applying advice from another Monster Hunter game.

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Three styles worth testing first

Dual Blades: for players who like movement

Try Dual Blades if staying close and using short, quick sequences feels natural. The main trap is continuing to attack after an opening has ended. Practice a brief combo, disengage and repeat without taking a hit before trying longer sequences.

Lance: for deliberate defensive play

Lance gives you a shield-focused approach. It can help you study a monster while maintaining a controlled position, but blocking still has conditions and costs. Learn which attacks you can guard, when to reposition and how to resume pressure safely.

Bow: for spacing and observation

Bow lets you fight at range, which may make some movements easier to read. Distance is not complete protection: monsters can close the gap or use wide attacks. Practice maintaining useful range while keeping enough room to evade.

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Test before spending upgrade materials

Choose a familiar, manageable target and keep the difficulty consistent.
Try the weapon's basic sequence and defensive action. Notice whether you can recover from a missed input.
Check the Adventurer's skills and resource display. Understand what builds a resource and what spends it.
Compare successful safe attacks, not just the largest damage number.
Invest once you know why the weapon fits your play.

Build a reliable setup

Area	Early priority
Main Adventurer	Develop a character you understand and use regularly
Weapon	Upgrade a main option for the hunts you are attempting
Armor	Address survivability and relevant resistances
Skills	Learn conditions and interactions before building around them
Buddies and squad	Choose abilities that complement the main setup
Facilities	Complete necessary unlocks and useful travel or gathering improvements

The Fated Adventurer offers weapon flexibility, while recruited Adventurers have their own fixed weapons and skills. Avoid spreading scarce materials across every character at once. Keep a dependable main setup, then add alternatives when a specific target or role gives you a reason.

If a weapon feels difficult, separate unfamiliar controls from a weak upgrade level. Practice first, inspect the equipment requirements and change one part of the setup at a time.