Weapons play a major role in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and choosing the right one can completely change how battles feel. The game features six different weapons, each built around its own mechanics and combat style.
Like other titles in the Monster Hunter series, every weapon in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection comes with strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities that influence how players approach fights.
Some weapons focus on heavy damage, others specialize in buffs or defensive play, while a few are better at applying status effects. Understanding how these weapons work is important for building an effective combat strategy.
All Weapon Types in Monster Hunter Stories 3
Weapons in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection are divided into three main categories:
Slashing
Blunt
Piercing
Each category contains two weapons with different mechanics. While they share a general damage type, their gameplay styles are very different.
Slashing Weapons
Slashing weapons focus on strong direct attacks and consistent damage output. These weapons are usually easier to understand but still offer strong mechanics for advanced players.
Great Sword
The Great Sword is built around a Charge Gauge system. Many of its strongest attacks depend on how much the gauge is filled.
The gauge increases by using certain skills or by winning Head-to-Head encounters during battle. Once the gauge builds up, the Great Sword can unleash stronger charged attacks that deal significant damage.
This weapon works best for players who prefer straightforward gameplay. It focuses on landing powerful hits rather than juggling complicated mechanics.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Guide: All Weapons and How They Work
Long Sword
The Long Sword uses a different system called the Spirit Gauge.
As the gauge fills, players unlock Stance Attacks, which function similarly to special skills. These attacks trigger unique reaction effects and often change how the weapon behaves during combat.
Most Stance Attacks end with a Special Sheathe, which boosts the power of regular attacks afterward. Because of this flow, the Long Sword rewards players who keep the gauge active and maintain combat momentum.
Compared to the Great Sword, the Long Sword requires more timing and management but offers smoother combos and flexibility in battle.
Blunt Weapons
Blunt weapons focus on breaking monster parts and providing team support.
Hammer
The Hammer is one of the strongest damage-focused weapons in the game. Its main strength is breaking enemy parts, which can weaken monsters and create new attack opportunities.
However, the Hammer has a fairly direct playstyle. Most of its effectiveness comes from landing heavy hits and focusing on vulnerable monster parts.
Players who want simple but powerful combat will usually find the Hammer very reliable.
Hunting Horn
The Hunting Horn is the most support-oriented weapon in the game.
Instead of focusing only on damage, the Hunting Horn activates Melody effects that provide buffs. These melodies are created by placing notes on the Melody Bar.
There are three types of notes used for melodies:
Red
Green
Blue
Different combinations trigger different buffs, such as increasing attack or providing support effects during combat.
Because players must manage notes and melodies, the Hunting Horn has a higher learning curve than most weapons. However, it becomes extremely valuable once players understand how the melody system works.
Piercing Weapons
Piercing weapons specialize in ranged attacks, defense, and status effects.
Bow
The Bow is one of the most flexible weapons in the game.
Like the Great Sword, it uses a Charge Gauge that powers up attacks and unlocks stronger skills. As the gauge fills, players can apply different Coatings to arrows.
These coatings add extra effects such as status conditions or damage boosts. Because of this system, the Bow is excellent for players who want to control fights from a distance while weakening monsters over time.
The Bow is generally considered one of the easier ranged weapons to pick up.
Gunlance
The Gunlance offers a much more defensive playstyle.
This weapon combines melee combat with explosive attacks called Shells. Shells act like ammunition and must be reloaded during combat.
Reloading usually happens through Head-to-Head victories or specific skills. Once reloaded, the Gunlance can fire powerful shell attacks or activate special abilities.
It also includes Protective Skills that can draw enemy aggression and reduce incoming damage, making it one of the best defensive options available.
The Gunlance has more mechanics than the Bow, but players who learn its rhythm can deal strong damage while staying protected.
Choosing the Right Weapon
Every weapon in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection supports a different playstyle.
Players who want simple but powerful attacks usually prefer the Great Sword or Hammer. Those looking for technical gameplay may enjoy the Long Sword or Hunting Horn. Meanwhile, players who like ranged or defensive combat can choose the Bow or Gunlance.
Since each weapon uses different gauges, buffs, or mechanics, experimenting with multiple weapons is the best way to find the one that fits a player's strategy.
Understanding these systems early can make battles much easier, especially when facing tougher monsters later in the game.