How are the weapons stacking up in this game? I'm using the Hammer with Guild Style, which means this game plays almost identically to 4U for me (only with a less interesting progression, no G-Rank, and a worse framerate...). Does anyone have any recommendations for a Weapon/Style to mix things up for me? My biggest hangup about some of the other weapons is that certain items are required to make them work (I just can't be bothered with "phials" or "kinsects"). I'm not averse to using a ranged weapon, but isn't aiming a huge pain in the ass if you have a regular 3DS XL?
On gunning: Aiming sucks without a right stick, which I believe the 3DS XL has? Just make sure you use control type 1. That being said, the Bow is a blast and is tremendously simple for Blademasters to use due to it's mobility, effective range (either a backhop or two backhops away), and infinite ammo (not including coatings, which are simple enough).
As for mixing it up as a Blademaster, try these three:
SnS, any style: If you really want to KO some monsters like a good Hammerbro but want something new, try the SnS. It's KO/Exhaust values for its shield slaps got massively buffed, it got the exhaust coating which is wickedly OP, and the Shoryugeki has obscene KO/exhaust values if you can land it. All of the arts are good so I recommend Striker, but I really like the wind-up combo for its super armor so I would personally play Guild.
Switch Axe, Aerial: SA has always been my "fun weapon", as the reload mechanic takes about two seconds to figure out (Sword uses gauge, Axe builds gauge. Never reload unless off a ledge), and it pumps out crazy damage with very fun combos. Aerial style makes it even more fun by adding the vaulting with those crazy jumping swings. I highly recommend it.
Lance, Striker: Lance was changed from MH4U, and it was my favourite in that game due to the satisfying simplicity of the poke-poke-poke-dodge combo. Guild now changed it, but Striker retains the classic 3-hit combo. Enraged Guard and Absolute Evade will be your arts of choice. The Lance at first seems clunky and slow but with practice becomes a super aggressive and consistent weapon. It feels very satisfying to hold your ground against some of the more fearsome monsters.
If Lancing seems like your bag, send me a message and I'll get you connected with some good videos to get you started.
