This is a guide to the Gunlance, a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Gunlance controls and combos, how to use Gunlance shelling, Gunlance's Blast Dash as well as details on Gunlance Switch Skills.
All Gunlance Guides | ||
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![]() | Best Builds |
List of Contents
- Balance Changes
- New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves
- How Good is the Gunlance?
- Controls
- Silkbind Attacks
- Switch Skills
- Attacks and Moves
- Recommended Combos
- Tips on How to Use the Gunlance
- Known Bugs and Fixes
- Changes from MHW: Iceborne
- Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides
Gunlance Balance Changes
Update 15.0
Gunlance Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 15.0) |
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・Increased the power of the the Gunlance's Wyrmstake Cannon (Normal, Long, Wide). ・Increased the power of the Gunlance's shelling (Wide only). |
Update 13.0
Gunlance Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 13.0) |
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・Fixed an issue where the forward movement of Bullet Barrage would cause Large Barrel Bombs and Mega Barrel Bombs to explode at unintended times. ・Fixed an issue with the timing of chaining a Lunging Upthrust into a Quick Reload and finally an Overhead Smash, where using the button assigned for an Overhead Smash would mistakenly chain into a Shelling instead. ・Ground Splitter: Effect duration increased, Wirebug Gauge recovery speed increased. ・Hail Cutter: Wirebug Gauge cost changed to 1; Wirebug recovery speed changed to Medium. ・Ground Splitter: Fixed an inconsistency between the player animation and the duration of the blowback negation and damage reduction effectys would occur after successfully hitting a monster with Ground Splitter. |
Ground Splitter effect duration and wirebug gauge recovered speed have been buffed.
Hail Cutter has also become more efficient with its Wirebug Gauge cost changed to 1. With these changes in mind, we are expecting to see more optimal plays for the gunlance.
Update 10.0
Gunlance Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 10.0) |
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・Hail Cutter: Wirebug Gauge recovers more quickly, and Wyvern's Fire cooldown reduction has been increased. ・Shelling levels 4 and 5 have been adjusted. ・[Normal Type (Levels 4 and 5)] ・ Shelling (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Shelling (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・ Charged Shelling (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Charged Shelling (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Wyvern's Fire (Level 4): Attack power increased; Elemental scaling slightly increased ・ Wyvern's Fire (Level 5): Attack power increased; Elemental scaling increased ・ Burst Fire (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Burst Fire (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・[Long Type (Levels 4 and 5)] ・ Shelling (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Shelling (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・ Wyvern's Fire (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased; Elemental scaling slightly increased ・ Wyvern's Fire (Level 5): Attack power increased; Elemental scaling increased ・ Burst Fire (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Burst Fire (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・[Wide Type (Levels 4 and 5)] ・ Shelling (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Shelling (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・ Charged Shelling (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・ Strong Charged Shelling (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Strong Charged Shelling (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・ Wyvern's Fire (Level 4): Attack power increased; Elemental scaling slightly increased ・ Wyvern's Fire (Level 5): Attack power increased; Elemental scaling increased ・ Burst Fire (Level 4): Attack power slightly increased ・ Burst Fire (Level 5): Attack power slightly increased ・Fixed a bug where the delay was set too short between performing a sidestep after a large backstep. ・Guard Edge: Fixed a bug where sometimes you could not perform a Guard Edge immediately after stopping moving while guarding. ・Wyvern's Fire: Fixed a bug where the aftereffects of Wyvern's Fire would appear displaced on certain types of Gunlances. ・Wyvern's Fire: Fixed a bug where the explosion from Wyvern's Fire would sometimes not properly register a sloped surface when using Wyvern's Fire on a slope. ・Wyvern's Fire: Fixed a bug where you could not combo into Wyvern's Fire after chaining an Overhead Smash into a sidestep. |
Gunlance was fun to use in MHRise so it's great that it got really great buffs across the board, mostly to keep up with the damage needed to dispose of MR monsters! What more, the cooldown for the Wyvern Fire and Wirebug cooldown after using Hail Cutter were shortened - making these already staple moves an even greater pick.
Gunlance is very comfortable to use in Sunbreak!
Weapon Changes in Sunbreak
Gunlance New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves
Official Gunlance Preview Video
Silkbind Attack: Bullet Barrage
The hunter uses a Wirebug to close in on the monster, then it unleashes everything loaded in the Gunlance! Note that a full reload will be done first if any of the ammunition (including Wyvern's Fire cooldown) is not ready before performing the attack, so time it properly!
The reload and blast dash also cannot be stopped by roars or enemy attacks.
Switch Skill: Erupting Cannon
This Switch Skill fires an exploding stake at the target. The Gunlance heats up after the explosion, indicated by a blue flame, and enhances all slashing attacks for a limited time. This will likely switch with the Wyrmstake Cannon.
Silkbind Attack: Reverse Blast
Not introduced in any trailer, Reverse Blast is an additional Silkbind Attack added to the Sunbreak Expansion. The reverse of Blast Dash, you use the thrust from your Gunlance to increase the gap between you and the monster. Use this when you're in a pinch and need to retreat.
Monster Hunter Rise: SunbreakRelease Date and New Monsters
How Good is the Gunlance?
Tier List Ranking
MHRise Ranking | → | Sunbreak Ranking |
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![]() 3 Level Tier | ![]() 3 Level Tier |
The Gunlance received really great weapon improvements in the Sunbreak expansion. Bullet Barrage gave it a big burst damage option that unloads all its ammo in one, single attack.
However, this over-reliance on Switch Skills and Wirebugs stunded this weapon's effectiveness. It also do not benefit from the elemental burst meta we have today.
Weapon Tier List
Gunlance Strengths
Shelling neglects monster armor
Physical attacks are strong too
Long reach and can aim high places
One of the best with guarding
Shelling Neglects Monster Armor
Shelling attacks ignore monster armor so Gunlance players revolve their playstyle around it. This is mostly where the Gunlance shows its full potential!
Physical Attacks Are Equally Strong!
Though shelling is where the power lies, Gunlance's physical attacks are not too shabby either! Depending on the situation, you can build your Gunlance for poking only!
Long Reach and High Aim
Like the Lance, the Gunlance also has a long reach and can aim high. This enables the hunter to reach the high heads of Anjanath or hit flying enemies like Rathalos!
Gunlances Can Guard!
The Gunlance is also top tier when it comes to guarding! It is possible to bombard enemies with shelling while guarding to keep this in mind!
Gunlance Weaknesses
Shelling consumes sharpness
Very poor mobility
Wyvern's Fire and Shelling Ammo needs proper management
Shelling Consumes Sharpness
Unfortunately, shelling rapidly consumes sharpness. Remember to use Guard Edge or sharpen during the fight! We suggest putting in the skills Razor Sharp or Protective Polish to slow down sharpness degradation. If not, just opt with Speed Sharpening so you can sharpen in less time.
Very Poor Mobility
When unsheathed, the Gunlance reduces the hunter to a crawl. Sheath your weapon or build your Gunlance for Evade Extend to reposition effectively! Blast Dash can be used to mitigate this but you will not have access to Charged Shelling anymore.
Wyvern's Fire and Shell Ammo Needs Proper Management
In addition to managing sharpness, Gunlance users must also manage the Gunlance's Wyvern's Fire and Shelling ammo. This requires a steady presence of mind whenever you play!
Gunlance Controls
Controls | Action | |
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PC | PS | Lateral Thrust |
Switch | Xbox | |
PC | PS | Shelling |
Switch | Xbox | |
PC Hold | PS Hold | Charged Shelling |
SwitchHold | XboxHold | |
PC
| PS
| Rising Slash |
Switch
| Xbox
| |
PC After Rising Slash, | PS After Rising Slash, | Overhead Smash |
SwitchAfter Rising Slash, | XboxAfter Rising Slash, | |
PC After Overhead Smash, | PS After Overhead Smash, | Wide Sweep |
SwitchAfter Overhead Smash, | XboxAfter Overhead Smash, | |
PC | PS | Guard |
Switch
| Xbox | |
PC
| PS
| Guard Thrust |
Switch
| Xbox
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PC
| PS
| Reload |
Switch
| Xbox
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PC
| PS
| Quick Reload |
Switch
| Xbox
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PC ![]() | PS ![]() | Backstep |
Switch ![]() | Xbox ![]() | |
PC After Overhead Smash, ![]() ![]() | PS After Overhead Smash,![]() ![]() | Burst Fire |
Switch After Overhead Smash,![]() ![]() | Xbox After Overhead Smash,![]() ![]() | |
PC After Wide Sweep,
| PS After Wide Sweep,
| Wyrmstake Cannon |
Switch After Wide Sweep,
| Xbox After Wide Sweep,
| |
PC
| PS
| Wyvern's Fire |
Switch
| Xbox
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PC
| PS
| Hail Cutter |
Switch
| Xbox
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PC
| PS
| Guard Edge |
Switch
| Xbox
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Useful Combos
Basic Combo | |||
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Lunging Upthrust | Mid Thrust I | Mid Thrust II | Shelling |
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Burst Fire Combo | |||
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Rising Slash | Overhead Smash | Burst Fire | |
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Strong Combo | |||
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Rising Slash | Overhead Smash | Wide Sweep | Wyvern's Fire |
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Gunlance Silkbind Attacks
Bullet Barrage
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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The hunter uses a Wirebug and the Gunlance to launch themselves forward and sets off an explosion that unloads everything the Gunlance has loaded. The reload and blast dash also cannot be stopped by roars or enemy attacks.
A fully loaded Gunlance will perform the action quickly. Note that shells, Wyrmstake Cannon, and Wyvern's Fire will be reloaded first before the move is executed if any of them are not fully loaded or ready. When using Bullet Barrage, make sure that you are in a safe position before using it as it has a relatively long windup time.
This move costs two Wirebug charges and has a medium recovery speed.
Hail Cutter
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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Hail Cutter is a Silkbind Attack that launches the hunter airborne while reloading the Gunlance. The move finishes with a downward slam where you may opt to use Burst Fire or Wyvern Fire with a shortened charge time!
Guard Edge
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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Guard Edge is a Silkbind Attack that acts like a counter-guard but restores sharpness. Considering how Gunlance shelling eats up sharpness at a rapid rate, this is a great addition to Gunlance's arsenal!
Ground Splitter
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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Ground Splitter is a Switch Skill switchable with Hail Cutter. The hunter will drag the Gunlance on the ground while moving forward and strike with an upward slash. It also temporarily boosts the damage for shells, Wyrmstake Shots, and Wyvern's Fire.
Reverse Blast
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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The reverse of Blast Dash where you use the thrust from your Gunlance to increase the gap between you and the monster. Use this when you're in a pinch and need to retreat.
Gunlance Switch Skills
Switch Skills are unlocked with different conditions as you progress in the game. Base game MHRise provides Hunters with three (3) slots of Switch Skills, with the Sunbreak expansion adding two (2) more.
Note: Skills in red are exclusive to the Sunbreak expansion.
Skill Slot | Switch Skill Choices |
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1 | ・ Charged Shelling ・ Blast Dash |
2 | ・ Quick Reload ・ Guard Reload |
3 | ・ Wyrmstake Cannon ・ Erupting Cannon |
4 | ・ Hail Cutter ・ Ground Splitter ・ Bullet Barrage |
5 | ・ Guard Edge ・ Reverse Blast |
Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills
Blast Dash
Switched With | |
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Charged Shelling | |
Description | |
Uses recoil to travel far. Aims the Gunlance backwards then launches forward to close in the target. It is possible to use Blast Dash again while hurtling! | |
Controls | |
Hold
Hold
Hold
Hold
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Blast Dash propels your hunter using the force of the Gunlance artillery. It does not have any damaging potential but is useful for closing out the distance between you and the monster. Blast Dash can be used up to three times.
Ground Splitter
Switched With | |
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Hail Cutter | |
Description | |
Scrapes the ground while slashing upwards. Increases shell, Wyrmstake Shot, and Wyvern Fire damage temporarily.Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1 | Controls |
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Ground Splitter drags your Gunlance on the ground, heating the tip while increasing the damage of shelling and Wyvern's Fire for a short time. Change into this Switch Skill as soon as you unlock it!
Guard Reload
Switched With | |
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Quick Reload | |
Description | |
Has a Guard at the start of the reload. Reloads both the shells and the Wyrmstake Cannon but only reloads less shells than normal Reload. | |
Controls | |
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In Guard Reload, your artillery rounds are reduced to 3 but reloading is now guarded. This will also reload your Wyrmstake Cannon.
Erupting Cannon
Switched With | |
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Wyrmstake Cannon | |
Description | |
The Gunlance fires an exploding stake onto your target. When using this, the tip of the Gunlance heats up and slashing attacks are enhances for a certain period. | |
Controls | |
Switch
↓
↓
↓ |
Replaces the consistent tick damage of Wyrmstake Cannon with a huge, single burst damage attack. Useful for breaking parts of the monster since it's a big, single point damage.
Bullet Barrage
Switched With | |
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Hail Cutter | |
Description | |
Uses a Wirebug to Blast dash toward your target, and unleashing all your ammo in one go. Shells, Wyrmstake Cannon, and Wyvern're will automatically be reloaded first before performing the attack so a windup animation is needed. Can also be used after firing in midair.Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2 | |
Controls | |
Switch
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A quick burst damage move that Hunters can use to drop a big boom on monsters! It even has a small blast dash at the start to close the gap with the monster! Use this whenever you see an opening!
Reverse Blast
Switched With | |
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Guard Edge | |
Description | |
A rapid, backward evasive maneuver using a Wirebug to stop. If no shells are loaded, a quick reload will happen so be careful. Can be followed up with a Burst Fire.Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1 | |
Controls | |
Switch
|
The reverse of Blast Dash where you use the thrust from your Gunlance to increase the gap between you and the monster. Use this when you're in a pinch and need to retreat.
Gunlance Attacks and Moves
Charged Shelling
Switch Controls | Hold, ![]() |
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PC Controls | Hold, ![]() |
PS Controls | Hold, ![]() |
Xbox Controls | Hold, ![]() |
Charged Selling is an old Gunlance attack that allows you to increase a shell's damage by charging your shots. It's extremely effective for long-type Gunlance ammo due to its inherently high damage output.
Unlike the Unload Burst, charged shelling only consumes 1 ammo at the cost of dealing less damage.
Change Direction of Attack
While charging, the direction of the Gunlance's shot can be changed by moving the joystick up or down or with W or S. Charged Shelling can be shot forward, at a 45° angle, or directly above the user.
Wyrmstake Cannon
Controls |
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After 2 Shelling,
↓ +
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The Wyrmstake Cannon uses a large metallic stake or harpoon-like ammo which deals a massive amount of damage when fired. Accompanied by this cannon are two attacks which in turn makes the combo a devastating blow to any enemy monster.
There are multiple ways to achieve this combo so practice what feels comfortable the most to you.
Remember to Reload your Wrymstake Cannon Using Normal / Guard Reloading
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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Reloading your Wrymstake Cannon is different from reloading the ammo in your Gunlance. Always keep in mind that you cannot successfully perform a Wyrmstake Cannon combo if your Gunlance is empty.
Reload them using Normal Reload or Guard Reload, Quick Reload will not reload the Wyrmstake Cannon.
Wyvern Fire
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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The Gunlance is charged and unleashes an explosive shot after a few seconds. You can adjust the Gunlance's aim while winding up the attack.
Wyvern Fire will force you to stay in place until the weapon is fired and also has a long cooldown, so it is better to use this move when the monster is down.
Block Attacks When Using Wyvern Fire
While the Wyvern Fire isn't a new move to the Gunlance, it has received a new feature wherein it can guard the user against attacks while the Gunlance is charging the move.
Burst Fire
Switch Controls | After Using Overhead Smash, |
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PC Controls | After Using Overhead Smash, |
PS Controls | After Using Overhead Smash, |
Xbox Controls | After Using Overhead Smash, |
The Burst Fire is a returning move in Monster Hunter Rise! Burst Fire is a move that quickly fires all the current shells you have and is a great move to use for Gunlances with normal ammo types due to its massive amount of ammunition.
Recommended Combos for the Gunlance
Full Firepower Combo
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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This combo utilizes all of the high damage moves of the Gunlance but leaves you open to counterattacks. Only use this combo when the monster is down.
Wyrmstake Cannon + Guard Edge Combo
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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With this combo, you can start prepping the Wyrmstake Cannon when the monster roars as that is your opening. Quickly transferring into guard edge can help block against the attack after the roar which then leaves the monster open for you to blast them with your readied Wyrmstake Cannon.
Guard Edge Burst Fire Combo
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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This combo allows you to enter into a Guard Edge and then transfer into a Burst Fire. You can also integrate movements for repositioning yourself while slamming down attacks.
Infinite Burst Fire Combo
Switch Controls |
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PC Controls |
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PS Controls |
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Xbox Controls |
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A full combo that bombards the target with endless Burst Fires using Ammo Up and Reload Speed and goes well with Normal Shelling Gunlances.
Fast Wyrmstake Cannon Combo from Charged Shelling
Switch Controls | Hold |
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PC Controls | Hold |
PS Controls | Hold |
Xbox Controls | Hold |
This combo enables your Wyrmstake Cannon to execute faster if shot from Charged Shelling. Combine this with the Switch Skill Guard Reload and you will have an infinite combo.
Tips on How to Use the Gunlance
Use the Wyvern Fire
Shelling bypasses Monster Armor
Use Guard Edge to recover sharpness
Use Wyrmstake Cannon
Use traps to lock a monster in place for your high artillery combos
Know the different shelling types' individual pros and cons
Master the three types of reload
Wyvern Fire can flinch allies
Deal a Lot of Damage With Wyvern Fire!
Wyvern Fire is the most powerful attack the Gunlance can deliver. Make sure it hits the monster so it would not be wasted!
Shelling Bypasses Monster Armor
Shelling bypasses monster armor so you may bombard any part of the body regardless of the toughness!
Use Guard Edge to Recover Sharpness
Guard Edge is a great addition to Gunlance's arsenal. This is very useful considering that shelling rapidly decreases Gunlance sharpness! You may also use armor skills like Handicraft or Speed Sharpening to mitigate the rapid sharpness decrease.
Always Lodge a Wyrmstake Cannon Into Monsters
The Wyrmstake Cannon is Gunlance's main DPS improving skill. It almost doubles your damage so always make sure that the monster has a Wyrmstake cannon in it and keep firing on it with shells!
The Wyrmstake Cannon Gets Triggered By Wyvern's Fire
The Wyvern's Fire used to be Gunlance's strongest move but is replaced by the less flashy Wyrmstake Cannon. The Wyvern's Fire is a burst attack and using it on a monster that has a Wyrmstake Cannon will make the Cannon proc extra explosions from the Wyvern's Fire. The deadliest artillery combo.
Don't Hesitate To Use Traps
Traps are a valuable item in Monster Hunter games. It allows you to ensnare a monster and potentially capture it when its HP is low. With Gunlance's bursty nature, a single opening can prove fatal to monsters, and using traps is a surefire way to get that opening.
List of All Traps and Bombs | Monster Hunter Rise
Know Your Shelling Types
The Gunlance's playstyle, while fixed into the DPS tank role, will vary greatly depending on their weapon's shelling type.
Ammo | Best Movesets and Playstyles |
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Normal | Most Ammo capacity, gets high damage from Burst Fire due to ammo quantity. |
Spread | Least ammo capacity, benefits greatly from a poke, fire, quick reload style of play. |
Long | Medium ammo capacity, has the highest shelling damage and can benefit the most from Wyrmstake Cannon and Shelling only playstlyle. |
Master the Three Types of Reload
Reload | Slow Reload Speed Bullets and Wyrmstake are both reloaded |
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Quick Reload | Fast Reload Speed Only the bullets are reloaded |
Guard Reload Switch Skill | Can Guard while reloading Fast Reload Speed that includes the Wyrmstake but reloads only 3 bullets |
It is important to know when to use these types of reloading. Wyrmstake Cannon is very powerful but it is cumbersome to reload. A great Gunlance player knows if the situation calls for Reload or Quick Reload.
The Switch Skill Guard Reload is the middle ground but you don't unlock it until the Hub ★6 so it's a long way to go. By that time, you should have mastered both Reload and Quick Reload.
Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills
Wyvern Fire Can Flinch Allies
Be careful when using the Wyvern Fire if your teammates are nearby. The explosion can flinch them and will disrupt their combo. Maintain proper decorum and use Wyvern Fire only when there isn't an ally nearby or let them know if you will use it so they can back off.
Gunlance Known Bugs and Fixes
Update 3.5 Bug Fixes
There are a couple of bugs related to the Gunlance that Update 3.5 that are now fixed!
- First is when Gunlance players jump off a ledge while dodging, it occasionally prevented them from using the Aerial Burst (called Aerial Shelling in-game).
- The second is a cosmestic bug related to Rampage Gunlances. Its appearance used to change whenever the Gunlance player changes the shelling type and performs a Wyrmstake Cannon attack.
Update 3.5: Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection Collaboration, DLC, and Patch Notes
Changes from MHW: Iceborne
Wyvern Fire can be shot while guarding
Wyvern Fire cooldown is shown (below the Wyrmstake Cannon icon)
Burst Fire now possible from the start of a combo
Spread Shelling has the stun values
Wyvern Fire Cooldown is Shown Under the Wyrmstake Cannon Icon
The cooldown for the Wyvern Fire is now displayed with an orange meter below the Wyrmstake Cannon icon. You can now see (at a glance) if Wyvern Fire is ready!
Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides
Weapon Type Guides | ||
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Weapons and Weapon Types | Weapon Type Tier List | Builds for Each Weapon Type |
Melee Weapon Guides
Melee Weapons | ||
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Ranged Weapon Guides
Ranged Weapons | ||
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