Are you struggling to take down those fearsome monsters in Iceborne? Do you find yourself wondering which weapons are good and which ones are just a waste of time? Well, wonder no more! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Iceborne weapons, exploring the best options for each playstyle and providing you with the knowledge you need to conquer the frozen wilderness.
Understanding The Different Weapon Types
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of which weapons are good, it’s essential to understand the different types of weapons available in Iceborne. There are 14 weapon types in total, each with its unique playstyle, strengths, and weaknesses. Here’s a brief overview of each type:
- Great Sword: High damage output, slow attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Long Sword: High damage output, moderate attack speed, and moderate stamina consumption.
- Sword and Shield: Balanced damage output, fast attack speed, and low stamina consumption.
- Dual Blades: High damage output, fast attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Hammer: High stun potential, slow attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Hunting Horn: High stun potential, moderate attack speed, and low stamina consumption.
- Lance: High defense, moderate attack speed, and low stamina consumption.
- Gunlance: High damage output, moderate attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Switch Axe: High damage output, fast attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Charge Blade: High damage output, moderate attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Insect Glaive: High damage output, fast attack speed, and low stamina consumption.
- Light Bowgun: High mobility, moderate damage output, and low stamina consumption.
- Heavy Bowgun: High damage output, slow attack speed, and high stamina consumption.
- Bow: High mobility, moderate damage output, and low stamina consumption.
The Best Weapons For Each Playstyle
Now that we’ve covered the different weapon types, let’s explore the best weapons for each playstyle. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new hunter, this section will help you choose the perfect weapon for your hunting needs.
The Aggressive Hunter: High Damage Output
If you’re an aggressive hunter who likes to deal massive amounts of damage, the following weapons are ideal for you:
- Great Sword: High damage output and high stamina consumption make it perfect for aggressive hunters.
- Switch Axe: With its high damage output and fast attack speed, the Switch Axe is a popular choice among aggressive hunters.
- Charge Blade: This weapon offers high damage output and moderate attack speed, making it suitable for aggressive hunters who like to take risks.
The Defensive Hunter: Tanking And Surviving
If you’re a defensive hunter who likes to tank and survive, the following weapons are ideal for you:
- Lance: High defense and moderate attack speed make the Lance an excellent choice for defensive hunters.
- Gunlance: With its high stun potential and moderate attack speed, the Gunlance is perfect for defensive hunters who like to control the battlefield.
- Hunting Horn: This weapon offers high stun potential and low stamina consumption, making it suitable for defensive hunters who like to support their team.
The Mobile Hunter: Speed And Agility
If you’re a mobile hunter who likes to move quickly and evade attacks, the following weapons are ideal for you:
- Dual Blades: Fast attack speed and high damage output make the Dual Blades perfect for mobile hunters.
- Insect Glaive: With its fast attack speed and high damage output, the Insect Glaive is a popular choice among mobile hunters.
- Bow: High mobility and moderate damage output make the Bow an excellent choice for mobile hunters who like to stay agile.
Top-Rated Weapons In Iceborne
After analyzing player feedback, community discussions, and gameplay data, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated weapons in Iceborne. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and the best weapon for you will depend on your playstyle and preferences.
| Weapon Type | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Great Sword | 9/10 | High damage output, slow attack speed, and high stamina consumption make it perfect for aggressive hunters. |
| Switch Axe | 9/10 | High damage output, fast attack speed, and high stamina consumption make it suitable for aggressive hunters who like to take risks. |
| Charge Blade | 8.5/10 | High damage output, moderate attack speed, and high stamina consumption make it suitable for aggressive hunters who like to take risks. |
| Dual Blades | 8.5/10 | Fast attack speed and high damage output make the Dual Blades perfect for mobile hunters. |
| Insect Glaive | 8.5/10 | Fast attack speed and high damage output make the Insect Glaive a popular choice among mobile hunters. |
Weapon Customization And Augmentation
One of the most significant aspects of Iceborne is weapon customization and augmentation. With the right materials and resources, you can upgrade your weapon to increase its damage output, attack speed, and other attributes.
Weapon Trees: Each weapon has a unique weapon tree, which displays the different paths you can take to upgrade your weapon. Understanding the weapon tree is crucial to creating a powerful weapon that suits your playstyle.
Augmentation Materials: Augmentation materials are essential for upgrading your weapon. These materials can be obtained by completing quests, defeating monsters, and collecting resources.
Weapon Slots: Weapon slots are used to enhance your weapon’s attributes. You can place decorations, gems, and other items in these slots to increase your weapon’s damage output, attack speed, and other attributes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right weapon in Iceborne can be overwhelming, especially with the vast array of options available. However, by understanding the different weapon types, playstyles, and top-rated weapons, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable hunter. Remember to customize and augment your weapon to suit your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and strategies.
In the frozen wilderness of Iceborne, only the strongest hunters will survive. Will you be one of them?
What Are The Best Weapons For Beginners In Iceborne?
The best weapons for beginners in Iceborne are those that are easy to use and require minimal skill and experience. The Long Sword and the Hammer are two of the most popular choices for new players, as they have a relatively simple moveset and are effective against most monsters.
Additionally, the Long Sword and the Hammer are also very versatile, allowing players to adapt to different playstyles and strategies. The Long Sword is ideal for players who prefer a fast-paced, high-damage playstyle, while the Hammer is better suited for players who prefer a more deliberate, high-impact approach. Both weapons are also relatively easy to craft and upgrade, making them a great starting point for new players.
What Is The Most Powerful Weapon In Iceborne?
The most powerful weapon in Iceborne is often debated among players, as different weapons excel in different situations. However, the Diablos-empowered Switch Axe is often considered one of the strongest weapons in the game.
This is due to its incredible raw damage output, combined with its ability to build up and store elemental energy. When unleashed, this energy can deal massive damage to monsters, making the Switch Axe a formidable choice for taking down even the toughest foes. Additionally, the Switch Axe also has a high level of customization, allowing players to fine-tune their build to suit their playstyle.
How Do I Choose The Right Weapon For My Playstyle?
Choosing the right weapon for your playstyle in Iceborne depends on several factors, including your personal preference, your character’s skills, and the type of monsters you’re facing. Consider what kind of attacks you prefer to make – do you like to deal quick, successive hits, or do you prefer to charge up and unleash a powerful blow?
Consider also the elemental weaknesses of the monsters you’re facing, and choose a weapon that takes advantage of those weaknesses. For example, if you’re facing a fire-weak monster, choose a weapon with fire elemental damage. Finally, experiment with different weapons and playstyles to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
How Do I Upgrade My Weapons In Iceborne?
Upgrading your weapons in Iceborne requires a combination of resources, including materials and zenny. The most important resources for upgrading weapons are rare materials, such as gemstones and ores, which can be obtained through farming monsters or completing quests.
To upgrade your weapon, access the Smithy in Astera and select the weapon you wish to upgrade. From there, you can choose from a variety of upgrade paths, each requiring specific materials and zenny. Be sure to plan your upgrades carefully, as each path has its own strengths and weaknesses, and some may be more suitable for your playstyle than others.
What Is The Difference Between A Weapon’s Raw And Elemental Damage?
In Iceborne, a weapon’s raw damage refers to its base damage output, without any elemental effects. Elemental damage, on the other hand, refers to the additional damage dealt by a weapon based on its elemental type, such as fire, ice, or dragon.
When choosing a weapon, it’s important to consider both its raw and elemental damage, as well as the elemental weaknesses of the monsters you’re facing. For example, if you’re facing a fire-weak monster, a weapon with high fire elemental damage will be more effective than one with high raw damage but no elemental effect.
How Do I Determine A Monster’s Elemental Weaknesses?
In Iceborne, determining a monster’s elemental weaknesses is crucial to choosing the right weapon and devising a effective strategy. There are several ways to determine a monster’s weaknesses, including consulting the in-game Monster Field Guide, observing the monster’s behaviors and attacks, and using elemental-testing tools, such as the Elemental Scoutflies.
Additionally, you can also experiment with different elemental weapons and observe the monster’s reactions to determine its weaknesses. By identifying a monster’s elemental weaknesses, you can tailor your weapon choice and strategy to maximize your damage output and defeat the monster more efficiently.
Can I Change My Weapon Mid-hunt In Iceborne?
Yes, in Iceborne, you can change your weapon mid-hunt using the Item Pouch or the radial weapon menu. This allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to unexpected threats.
However, be aware that changing your weapon mid-hunt can affect your current combos and attacks, and may leave you temporarily vulnerable to monster attacks. It’s also important to manage your inventory and resources carefully, as changing weapons can also affect your available space and materials.