Hey, all. MH3U is the first Monster Hunter in which I've invested a lot of time. (Played 2 Freedom or whatever on the PSP for a bit, but the load times were too much.)

Anyway, I've been using the Long Sword since near the beginning of the game, and I've just hunted my first Royal Ludroth.

I feel pretty confident in the LS, but I understand that it's a good practice to be proficient in at least a few weapon types.

Each one I try, though, ends in a frustrating romp through Moga Woods. My question is, are there any tips or helpful suggestions when trying to learn a new weapon? Any help would be very much appreciated, thanks!

Definitely read about it on the MH wiki, and try doing some easier quests with them to get the hang of it with less risk/challenge. Also, as a fellow LS user my second weapon of choice is the Great Sword, so maybe try that?

It is really slow, but it does soooo much damage you can get away with just hitting the monster once or twice and then rolling away. Just make sure to always sheath it when you've got your attacks in and rolled.

I say just pick a weapon, take a quick look at the hunter's notes for the weapon, and try to fight the Great Jaggi. Assuming you are using the starter versions of the weapons, the fight should take long enough that you have a general feel for how the weapon plays. In terms of general weapon advice, you'll probably have some luck with the Switch Axe or Dual Swords. They are similar in concept to the Long Sword in terms of relying on rolls/sidesteps and having a decently fast attack speed. Same goes for Hunting Horns and Hammers but they are way slower but do tons of damage per hit and you generally want to aim for the head with them. I still don't know how to uses any type of lance well so I can't help you there. Great Swords are nice but you need a lot of patience, you pretty much are waiting for the right moment to charge up and deal massive damage and then run away. Sword and Shield is a good balance and speed but you need a lot of practice if you want to deal damage on the same level as the other weapons.

I suppose I should mention Bowguns and Bows but they are so far apart from other weapons that you usually have to dedicate yourself to them. I like using Heavy Bowguns but having to maintain a gunner and blademaster set just became a pain.

You should check out this channel on Youtube

MH3U is my first monster hunter, and having these videos showing me all the different combos for the different weapons really helped me get better at the game.

As for what weapon you should use, Gunlance. All the time. Never stop Gunlancing.

Dual Swords are pretty easy to pick up and fun to use.

I suppose it depends on what you're looking for. I'm not a specialist. While I do tend to prefer the Hammer, the weapon I use is specific to the enemy I'm fighting. Some monsters are significantly easier with the right equipment.

For example, against Rathian I tend to like Greatswords. Against Barroth and Ludroth I always use a Switch Axe. Against Nargacuga I use a Lance. Of course I still use Longsword against most enemies because it's kinda easy-mode and I want their tails. My suggestions is use what you like until you hit a wall. If you like Longswords, use them until you hit a monster that you feel like you're having too much trouble with. Then check out some Youtube videos of hunters using other weapons against that monster and see which ones look appealing to you, and make note of their tactics.

I was the exact same and decided to try different stuff once I got past the ludroth. I recommend the Hammer, Greatsword or Switch-axe and watch a how to video on youtube for the basics as well as the wiki for the combos. Ideally with the Greatsword you keep it sheathed most of the time and then charge it up for one mega swipe at their tail or face or something. Least that's how I play.

I also had a lot of fun with the gunlance as it has a three hit combo that can be followed by firing on all cylinders and dumping all your ammo at once shotgun style. Excellent for armored enemies as shots from the gun pierce armor.

Wow, thanks for all the advice! Some of this stuff I'd gathered just by fiddling with weapons, but having knowledge of a more directed approach with regards to how to use these weapons will prove helpful, I think.

And yeah, that YouTube channel seems like a must-do. Only watched a few so far, but I learned more about the Gunlance watching that simple combo video than I did running around with the thing for a half-hour.

Soon I'll hopefully be confident enough to try going online! Thanks again!

The Dual Swords are supposed to be the noob weapon, but they're also tons of fun.

Greatsword, son. Use it.

I'm also new to the game, and I'd like to say thanks for the helpful thread. I'm really digging the Switch Axe :)

Use the hunting horn! I made a a lagi horn because I wasn't going to use the materials for anything else, and it's great! It can give me unlimited stamina for a few minutes, a defense boost, increased movement speed, and it even has the psychic ability(tells you where the boss monsters are on the map). Just check out the weapon information before you buy it, though. If you scroll to the right it will list the songs you can play. Some have healing abilities, if that's more your thing. The only downside is that it can't cut off tails and whatnot, but if you smack something in the head a few times you actually stun it for a while.

What about Duramboros? ;)

And seconding hunting horn. It takes a while to get used to, but it's really fun.

I have a Wednesday night gaming session with a friend after we hit the comic shop and play Monster Hunter. So far I've been on the Switch Ax. I really like it. Only problem is we sometimes get in each other's way and he gets thrown by the ax sometimes. But I'm trying to adjust in order not to do that. Fun weapon.

Question: Do you ever play with a group?

In past MH games I "mained" long sword and really enjoyed it. However, I found that when hunting with a group, or even just a partner, its long sweeping attacks could trip up my friends quite a bit. My current group has a couple experienced LS hunters in it, and even they end up tripping the rest of us all the time.

It might be wise to pick up a second weapon that avoids this problem, just in case you get any complaints. I recommend sword & shield for it's mobility and versatility - plus you'll be less likely to cause your friends to stumble.

*Edited for grammar*