Monster Hunter Now weapon list and how to unlock new weapon types

Weapons are the most important tools in your Monster hunter now arsenal.

This mobile version of the series reduced the usual selection of weapons to six choices at launch, locking them behind story mission progress or Hunter Rank progress, with more introduced over time with seasonal updates .

Despite the limited number of weapons in Monster hunter nowthere are a number of ranged options and series staples like the Great Sword, giving you some variety to play with.


Monster Hunter Now weapon list: how many weapons are there?

To date, the weapons list has been received Monster hunter now is as follows:

  • Sword and shield
  • Great sword
  • Bow
  • Hammer
  • Light bow rifle
  • Long sword
  • Dual Blades (added in the December 2023 “Fulminations in the Frost” update)
  • Lance (added in the December 2023 “Fulminations in the Frost” update)

Developers Niantic and Capcom have confirmed that new weapon types will be added to the game as part of a 'seasonal' system, so for those familiar with the main series, hopefully your favorites will be rolling out soon.


How to unlock new weapon types in Monster Hunter Now

The Great Sword unlock process in Monster Hunter Now is shown

Image: Niantic/Capcom via Polygon

For starters, you only have access to the Sword and Shield, albeit with multiple variations by piecing together elements of slaying large monsters.

To unlock new weapon types Monster hunter now, you must progress in the quest for the main story. Specifically, you need to reach Chapter 2, where you first unlock the Great Sword, and just a few steps later the remaining set of weapons.

Specifically, you need to achieve the following points in the story:

  • To unlock the Great Swordcomplete the first phase of “Chapter 2: Shimmering Swamp” in the main story.
  • To unlock the bow, hammer, light bow gun and long sword, reach Hunter rank 15.
  • To unlock the dual blades and lancethey appear to be unlocking for all players starting at Hunter Rank 15 as part of the December 2023 “Fulminations in the Frost” update.

These requirements are not too far in your mind Monster hunter now journey – which only requires a few hours of play. Of course, that could be spread out depending on how much you can explore, with many story steps based around resource gathering, which will be limited if you're playing in just one place.

Although large monsters will regularly appear at your fixed position, it is advisable to use paintballs if you need to complete large monster steps quickly.


When will new weapon types come to Monster Hunter Now?

New weapon types – in addition to new monsters and story updates – are being added Monster hunter now as part of important quarterly updates.

The first of these was “Fulminations in the Frost”, which arrived in December 2023, introducing the Dual Blades and Lance.

From here, developers Niantic and Capcom have confirmed “additional weapon types” starting in March 2023.

Monster Hunter Now Fulminations in the Frost teaser image, showing hunters fighting Zinogre.

Image: Niantic/Capcom

It's possible there's even more in this update – and if not, expect to see more weapons rolled out in future updates.