“Monster Hunter Wilds” continues to build on the legacy of the Monster Hunter series by introducing new mechanics and refining weapon designs to create a richer hunting experience. Among the weapons that have undergone significant enhancements is the Gunlance—a hybrid of a lance and a shotgun. This weapon, beloved for its unique playstyle that blends defense and explosive offense, has seen some intriguing updates in “Monster Hunter Wilds.” In this breakdown, we’ll delve into the new features of the Gunlance, its strengths and weaknesses, and how these changes impact gameplay.
Gunlance Overview
The Gunlance in “Monster Hunter Wilds” retains its core identity as a weapon that combines the reach and defensive capabilities of a lance with the explosive firepower of a gun. However, the developers have introduced several tweaks and additions that not only make the Gunlance more versatile but also emphasize its role as a high-risk, high-reward weapon.
Core Mechanics
The basic mechanics of the Gunlance remain familiar to veterans of the series. The weapon still allows hunters to perform a variety of thrust attacks, guard with a sturdy shield, and unleash devastating shelling attacks that bypass monster defenses. The combination of these elements makes the Gunlance a formidable weapon for hunters who enjoy a balanced approach to offense and defense.
Shelling Types
One of the most critical aspects of the Gunlance is its shelling type, which determines the nature of its explosive attacks. “Monster Hunter Wilds” introduces new variations to these shelling types, each with distinct advantages:
- Normal Shelling: Normal shelling remains a versatile choice, offering a balance between the number of shells fired and their individual damage output. This shelling type is ideal for hunters who prefer a consistent stream of damage while maintaining mobility.
- Wide Shelling: Wide shelling focuses on fewer but more potent shells, making it a high-damage option for those who can capitalize on precise timing and positioning. This shelling type excels in short bursts of intense damage, particularly when combined with the powerful Wyrmstake Blast.
- Long Shelling: Long shelling allows for ranged explosive attacks, making it a safer choice for those who want to keep some distance from their target. The range and damage potential of long shelling make it a versatile option for dealing with larger or more mobile monsters.
Wyrmstake Blast
The Wyrmstake Blast has been reworked in “Monster Hunter Wilds” to add more strategic depth to the Gunlance. This attack now functions as a delayed explosive charge that sticks to the monster, detonating after a few moments or when struck by a subsequent shelling attack. The explosion deals significant damage and can stagger monsters, making it a key component of the Gunlance’s offensive arsenal.
The new Wyrmstake Blast introduces a tactical element, requiring hunters to carefully plan their attacks to maximize the damage output. Coordinating the Wyrmstake Blast with other attacks or setting it up as a trap for when a monster is about to charge can turn the tide of a hunt.
New Features and Abilities
“Monster Hunter Wilds” has added several new features to the Gunlance, enhancing its playstyle and offering more options for hunters to explore.
Heat Gauge System
One of the most notable additions is the Heat Gauge system, which rewards aggressive play. As the hunter performs shelling attacks and uses the Wyrmstake Blast, the Heat Gauge fills, increasing the damage of subsequent attacks. However, overusing the weapon without allowing the Heat Gauge to cool down can result in a temporary loss of power, forcing hunters to balance aggression with caution.
The Heat Gauge adds a layer of strategy to the Gunlance, encouraging players to push their limits while being mindful of the consequences of overextending. This mechanic also enhances the weapon’s high-risk, high-reward nature, making it a thrilling choice for experienced players.
Focus Mode
Focus Mode is another innovative feature introduced in “Monster Hunter Wilds.” This mode allows hunters to temporarily increase the accuracy and power of their shelling attacks, making it easier to land critical hits on weak points. While in Focus Mode, the Gunlance also gains increased mobility, enabling hunters to reposition quickly and avoid incoming attacks.
Focus Mode is activated after filling a special meter through successful attacks and guarding. It is especially useful in tight situations where precision and timing are crucial. The ability to switch into Focus Mode adds a dynamic layer to combat, allowing Gunlance users to adapt to the flow of battle and capitalize on openings with devastating precision.
Guard Point System
The Guard Point system, previously exclusive to the Charge Blade, has been adapted for the Gunlance in “Monster Hunter Wilds.” Certain attacks and movements with the Gunlance now have built-in guard points, allowing hunters to block incoming attacks while simultaneously preparing for a counter-attack. This feature increases the defensive capabilities of the Gunlance, making it easier to maintain offensive pressure while staying protected.
The inclusion of the Guard Point system makes the Gunlance more fluid and versatile, enabling skilled players to chain defensive maneuvers into powerful counter-attacks seamlessly. This mechanic further solidifies the Gunlance as a weapon for those who prefer a methodical, calculated approach to combat.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Versatile Playstyle: The Gunlance’s combination of long-range and close-range attacks, along with its strong defensive capabilities, makes it a versatile weapon that can adapt to various situations.
- High Burst Damage: The Wyrmstake Blast, when used effectively, can deal massive damage, especially when combined with the Heat Gauge system and Focus Mode.
- Strong Defensive Options: The Gunlance’s shield and Guard Point system offer excellent protection, allowing hunters to stay in the fight longer and counter enemy attacks.
- Crowd Control: The explosive nature of the Gunlance’s shelling attacks can stagger and interrupt monsters, providing valuable crowd control during hunts.
Weaknesses
- Complex Mechanics: The Gunlance’s new mechanics, such as the Heat Gauge and Focus Mode, require precise timing and management, making it less accessible to beginners.
- Mobility: Despite the improvements in Focus Mode, the Gunlance still lacks the mobility of other weapons, making it challenging to evade fast or highly mobile monsters.
- Resource Management: Shelling attacks consume ammunition, and improper management can lead to a loss of offensive capabilities at critical moments.
- High Skill Ceiling: Mastering the Gunlance requires a deep understanding of its mechanics, timing, and positioning, making it a weapon that rewards practice and experience but can be punishing for new players.
Gameplay Tips and Strategies
Managing the Heat Gauge
To maximize damage output, hunters should aim to keep the Heat Gauge in its optimal range without letting it overheat. This requires a balance between offensive shelling and periods of cooldown. Timing Wyrmstake Blasts and shelling attacks when the Heat Gauge is near its peak can lead to devastating damage outputs.
Utilizing Focus Mode
Focus Mode should be activated during critical moments, such as when a monster is vulnerable or during a break in its attack pattern. The increased accuracy and power can turn a well-timed shelling attack into a game-changing strike.
Guard Point Mastery
Learning the timing and positioning of Guard Points is essential for surviving difficult encounters. By using Guard Points effectively, hunters can block incoming attacks and immediately counter with a powerful shelling attack or Wyrmstake Blast.
Positioning and Mobility
Given the Gunlance’s limited mobility, hunters should prioritize positioning to avoid being cornered or overwhelmed by fast-moving monsters. Using the weapon’s range to stay just outside of a monster’s reach while delivering shelling attacks can mitigate the Gunlance’s mobility weaknesses.
Conclusion
The Gunlance in “Monster Hunter Wilds” is a weapon that epitomizes the series’ philosophy of offering depth and complexity to those willing to master its intricacies. With its new mechanics and enhanced features, the Gunlance provides a fresh and challenging experience for veterans of the series while remaining a powerful tool for those who appreciate a strategic and methodical approach to hunting. The combination of explosive power, defensive resilience, and the thrill of high-risk, high-reward gameplay makes the Gunlance a standout weapon in “Monster Hunter Wilds.”
For those willing to invest the time to master its mechanics, the Gunlance can be one of the most rewarding and devastating weapons in the game. Whether you’re a seasoned Gunlance veteran or a newcomer looking to explore its potential, “Monster Hunter Wilds” offers an exciting evolution of this iconic weapon.
