Monster Hunter Stories 2: Best Endgame Weapons Guide
Alright, monster hunters! So you've sunk a ton of hours into Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, conquered countless beasts, and now you're staring down the barrel of the endgame. You're probably wondering, "What are the best weapons for the endgame?" Well, guys, you've come to the right place! This guide is all about helping you craft and choose the absolute top-tier weapons that will make those super-tough monsters a breeze. We're talking about weapons that pack a serious punch, offer sweet buffs, and generally make you feel like an unstoppable force. Let's dive deep into the arsenal and find the perfect tools for your final monster-slaying adventures.
Understanding Weapon Tiers in the Endgame
Before we start shouting out specific weapon names, it's crucial to understand how weapons are ranked in the endgame of Monster Hunter Stories 2. It's not just about raw attack power, although that's a big part of it. We need to consider factors like elemental damage, unique abilities, and the ease of obtaining and upgrading them. The endgame is where you'll find monsters with incredibly high HP pools and resistances, so bringing the right element is key. A high-damage weapon that's weak to the monster's element is practically useless. Think of it like bringing a water gun to a fire-breathing dragon fight – not ideal, right? Furthermore, some weapons come with passive skills or unique attack patterns that can dramatically alter your combat effectiveness. These might include critical hit bonuses, status effect chances (like poison or paralysis), or even buffs for your Monstie. The ultimate endgame weapon is a synergy of power, elemental advantage, and utility. We'll be looking at weapons that excel in one or more of these areas, often with the potential to be further enhanced through gear and Monstie abilities. Remember, the best weapon for you might also depend on your preferred playstyle. Are you a heavy hitter, a speed demon, or a status effect specialist? We'll touch on options that cater to different approaches. So, keep an open mind, and let's explore the crème de la crème of Monster Hunter Stories 2's endgame weaponry.
Top-Tier Great Swords for Raw Power
Let's kick things off with the Great Sword, a weapon synonymous with absolutely demolishing enemies. If you're all about that raw damage and hitting like a truck, the endgame Great Swords are your best friends. These behemoths boast some of the highest base attack stats in the game, capable of staggering even the toughest monsters with a well-timed charge attack. When you're looking for the ultimate Great Sword, you absolutely cannot ignore the Rathalos Great Sword line. Specifically, the Azure Rathalos Great Sword often stands out. It typically offers a potent combination of high fire damage and excellent raw attack power. This makes it incredibly versatile against a wide range of monsters weak to fire, which, let's be honest, is a lot of them! Another contender is the Gravios Great Sword, which usually excels in high raw power and often comes with a defense buff or a significant amount of non-elemental damage that bypasses some resistances. The key to maximizing these Great Swords in the endgame lies in understanding their strengths. Their slow attack speed is compensated by their devastating impact. Mastering the charge attacks and knowing when to unleash them is paramount. Pair them with a Monstie that can provide speed buffs or exploit openings, and you've got a recipe for disaster for any monster foolish enough to stand in your way. Remember to check the specific skills and upgrade paths available. Some Great Swords might have unique skills that boost critical hits or add secondary effects, making them even more potent. Don't just look at the attack number; consider the whole package. The endgame Great Sword is not just a weapon; it's a statement. It says, "I am here to end this fight, and I'm going to do it with overwhelming force." So, if your playstyle leans towards powerful, deliberate strikes that leave no room for error, these powerful Great Swords are definitely worth the grind.
The Majesty of the Rathalos Line
When discussing endgame Great Swords, the Rathalos Great Sword line is almost always at the pinnacle. The reason for this is simple: fire element dominance combined with impressive raw attack power. The Azure Rathalos Great Sword, in particular, is a fan favorite for a reason. It consistently ranks among the best due to its ability to inflict massive damage on monsters susceptible to fire. Think about fighting monsters like Velkhana or Legiana – bringing a strong fire weapon like this can drastically shorten the fight. The upgrade path for these weapons usually involves materials from high-rank and even super-high-rank Rathalos variants, which means they are a true endgame challenge to acquire. But the payoff is immense. The sheer number you can achieve with a fully upgraded Azure Rathalos Great Sword is staggering. Beyond just the numbers, the visual flair of these weapons is also top-notch, fitting for the King of the Skies. They often come with a natural critical hit bonus or skills that enhance fire damage further. This synergy makes them incredibly potent. You're not just hitting hard; you're hitting smart, exploiting elemental weaknesses for maximum efficiency. For players who love the Great Sword's slow, deliberate, and devastating playstyle, this weapon line offers the ultimate payoff. It requires dedication to farm the necessary materials, often involving challenging elder dragon fights or specific monster den hunts, but the reward is a weapon that can carry you through the toughest challenges the game throws at you. If you're aiming for the absolute best in terms of fire element Great Swords, the Rathalos line, especially the Azure variant, is your go-to.
Gravios Great Sword: Unrivaled Raw Power
For those who prioritize sheer, unadulterated raw power above all else, the Gravios Great Sword often emerges as a top contender in the endgame. This weapon line is typically characterized by astronomical base attack stats, often surpassing even elemental weapons in terms of pure physical impact. While it might lack a potent elemental bonus, its non-elemental damage is so high that it can compete with, and sometimes even outperform, elemental weapons against certain matchups. The Gravios line is also known for its defensive capabilities, sometimes offering passive defense boosts or skills that reduce incoming damage. This makes it a fantastic choice for players who like to play a bit more aggressively, knowing they have a bit more survivability. The materials needed to forge and upgrade the Gravios Great Sword are usually sourced from Gravios itself, a notoriously tough elder dragon known for its durable shell and devastating gas attacks. Farming these materials can be a significant undertaking, but the result is a weapon that feels incredibly satisfying to wield. Imagine landing a fully charged horizontal slash that deals thousands of damage – that's the Gravios Great Sword experience. It's the kind of weapon that makes you feel invincible. Its strength lies in its simplicity: hit hard, hit often. While it might not have the flashy elemental effects of other endgame weapons, its raw damage output is undeniable. If your strategy revolves around overwhelming the enemy with brute force and you don't want to worry too much about elemental matchups, the Gravios Great Sword is an excellent choice for your endgame arsenal. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most effective strategy is just hitting as hard as humanly possible.
Swift and Deadly: The Best Katana Options
Moving on from the heavy hitters, let's talk about the Katana. If you prefer a faster playstyle, weaving in and out of combat with rapid strikes, the Katana is your weapon of choice. In the endgame, the best Katana options focus on speed, critical hits, and often, status effects. The Nargacuga Katana is a prime example. It typically boasts incredibly high speed, allowing for a flurry of attacks, and often comes with innate critical hit bonuses. This means more damage, more often. Another fantastic choice is the Valstrax Katana. This weapon often features a unique Dragon element, which is effective against a wide array of powerful endgame monsters, including Elder Dragons. The Valstrax Katana is known for its stunning attack power and often comes with a skill that further boosts its Dragon element damage or critical hit rate. The key to mastering the Katana in the endgame is exploiting openings and maintaining combos. Its speed allows you to capitalize on even the briefest moments of vulnerability, and critical hits ensure that each strike counts. When choosing your endgame Katana, consider the element and any inherent skills. A Katana with a high affinity (critical hit chance) or a strong elemental damage type can make a huge difference. Don't underestimate the power of status effects either; a Katana that can inflict poison or paralysis can control the battlefield and set up devastating combos for both you and your Monstie. The fast, high-crit Katanas are essential for players who want to dance around their enemies, delivering precise, lethal blows. So, if you're looking for swift, deadly weapons that excel in speed and critical damage, these Katanas should be at the top of your list.
Nargacuga Katana: Affinity and Speed
For those who live by the motto "speed is key," the Nargacuga Katana is an absolute must-have in your endgame arsenal. This weapon line is renowned for its exceptionally high attack speed and often comes with a naturally boosted affinity (critical hit chance). What does this mean for you, guys? It means you can unleash a rapid barrage of attacks, and a significant portion of those hits will be critical, dealing bonus damage. This synergy of speed and critical hits makes the Nargacuga Katana incredibly effective at applying consistent pressure on monsters. You can stagger enemies quickly, interrupt their attacks, and generally keep them on their toes. The materials needed for the Nargacuga Katana are typically farmed from Nargacuga, a swift and elusive monster that itself embodies the weapon's characteristics. Successfully hunting it repeatedly to gather the necessary parts can be challenging, but the payoff is a weapon that feels incredibly fluid and responsive in combat. It's perfect for players who enjoy a more agile playstyle, weaving in and out of danger while dishing out a constant stream of damage. Beyond its base stats, always check the upgrade path for potential added skills. Some Nargacuga Katanas might offer skills that further enhance critical damage or provide evasion bonuses, making them even more potent. If you're aiming for a high-affinity, fast-attacking Katana that can shred through enemy HP with relentless precision, the Nargacuga Katana is your go-to choice for endgame dominance.
Valstrax Katana: Dragon Element Powerhouse
When you're facing some of the toughest Elder Dragons in Monster Hunter Stories 2, bringing the right element is crucial, and that's where the Valstrax Katana shines. This Dragon element Katana is a true powerhouse, often boasting incredibly high Dragon attack stats that can melt through the defenses of many late-game and post-game monsters. Valstrax is, after all, the elder dragon associated with Dragon element, so it makes sense its weapons would excel. What makes the Valstrax Katana so special is not just its raw Dragon damage but also the often-associated skills. You'll frequently find that these weapons come with innate skills that boost Dragon element effectiveness, critical hit rates, or even provide unique combat maneuvers. Farming the materials for the Valstrax Katana involves taking on the fearsome Crimson Glow Valstrax, which is no small feat. This is a true endgame challenge, requiring a well-prepared party and solid combat skills. However, the reward is a weapon that can trivialize fights against monsters with a Dragon weakness. Its speed allows for quick application of the Dragon element, and its high critical hit potential ensures that each strike is impactful. If you're looking for a top-tier Dragon element weapon that combines speed with devastating elemental power for your endgame hunts, the Valstrax Katana is an exceptional choice. It's the kind of weapon that turns difficult Elder Dragon encounters into manageable challenges.
Reliable Damage: The Best Hammers and Hunting Horns
Let's not forget about the Hammer and Hunting Horn! These weapons are fantastic for players who want to deal significant blunt damage, inflict status effects, or provide support with powerful buffs. For endgame Hammers, the Rajang Hammer is often a top pick. It typically offers a great balance of raw power and Thunder element damage, making it effective against many tough monsters. Its charge attacks are devastating, capable of KO-ing monsters quickly. When it comes to Hunting Horns, the options can be more varied depending on the buffs you need. However, a general powerhouse is often found in the lines derived from monsters like Kushala Daora or Teostra. These often provide strong buffs like Attack Up, Defense Up, or even healing melodies, all while dishing out respectable damage. The Kushala Daora Hunting Horn, for example, usually comes with excellent Ice element damage and defensive buffs, while the Teostra Hunting Horn might focus on Blast element and offensive buffs. The beauty of the Hammer and Hunting Horn in the endgame is their versatility. A good Hammer can stagger enemies repeatedly, while a Hunting Horn can turn the tide of battle with strategic melodies. Remember to consider the monster's weaknesses and the buffs your team might need when selecting your endgame Hammer or Hunting Horn. These weapons are crucial for any well-rounded endgame party.
Rajang Hammer: KO Powerhouse
If you're a fan of staggering enemies and knocking them out cold, the Rajang Hammer is likely your endgame weapon of choice. This weapon line is renowned for its incredible blunt damage output and often comes with a potent Thunder element bonus. Hammers, in general, excel at breaking monster parts and inflicting KO status, and the Rajang Hammer amplifies this capability significantly. Its charge attacks are brutal, capable of dealing massive damage and ensuring that monsters stay down for the count. Farming the materials for the Rajang Hammer usually involves hunting the notoriously aggressive Rajang, a task that is certainly not for the faint of heart. This ape-like monster hits incredibly hard and moves with surprising speed, making each hunt a true test of skill. However, the reward is a weapon that feels incredibly satisfying to wield. The sheer impact of each swing, combined with the potential for a KO, makes the Rajang Hammer a dominant force in endgame combat. It's particularly effective against monsters that are susceptible to Thunder damage or have a significant weakness to blunt attacks. Beyond its raw power, always check the upgrade paths for any additional skills that might enhance its KO potential or critical hit rate. For players who want to control the flow of battle by repeatedly stunning and incapacitating their foes, the Rajang Hammer is an unparalleled endgame option.
Elder Dragon Hunting Horns: Buffs and Blasts
For those who prefer a more supportive yet still incredibly potent role, the Elder Dragon Hunting Horns are where it's at for the endgame. Weapons derived from monsters like Teostra and Kushala Daora are standout choices. The Teostra Hunting Horn, for instance, typically boasts a powerful Blast element, which can inflict devastating explosions on enemies over time. This adds a significant damage-over-time component to your attacks, making you a serious offensive threat. Combined with essential buffs like Attack Up or Crit Up melodies, you become a force multiplier for your entire team. On the other hand, the Kushala Daora Hunting Horn often excels with its Ice element and defensive melodies. This makes it ideal for tougher fights where survivability is key, providing crucial defense buffs that can prevent your party from being wiped out. Farming the materials for these endgame Hunting Horns involves taking on some of the game's most challenging monsters, often multiple times. The materials are rare and hard-won, but the utility and power they bring to your party are invaluable. These weapons aren't just about dealing damage; they're about enabling your team to deal more damage, survive longer, and exploit enemy weaknesses more effectively. If you're looking to be the backbone of your endgame party, providing essential buffs and contributing significant elemental or status damage, the Elder Dragon Hunting Horns are an absolute must-have. They truly embody the spirit of team support in Monster Hunter Stories 2.
Conclusion: Forge Your Path to Victory
So there you have it, guys! We've journeyed through the best of the best when it comes to endgame weapons in Monster Hunter Stories 2. Whether you prefer the crushing power of a Great Sword, the swift precision of a Katana, or the supportive might of a Hammer or Hunting Horn, there's a top-tier weapon waiting for you. Remember, the best weapon is often the one that complements your playstyle and exploits the elemental weaknesses of your opponents. Don't be afraid to experiment, farm those tough monsters, and craft the gear that makes you feel like a true legend. The endgame is all about pushing your limits and enjoying the ultimate monster-slaying experience. Happy hunting!
