Equip the Balahara Lance I after your fifth hunt for a Water element weapon, harnessing the Offensive Guard skill to boost your attack with perfect defenses. Learn how to dominate with the Nu Osminog I for early High Rank featuring a Fire element and level 2 Offensive Guard skill, enhancing your damage during defensive plays. Combine the Doshaguma armor set with your Lance to gain Doshaguma’s Might skill, providing significant attack boosts that will elevate your damage output remarkably.
The Lance is often underrated in the vast array of weapons within the Monster Hunter universe, yet it has sustained its place since the inception of the franchise. If you find yourself on the fence about utilizing this weapon, rest assured that with the right build, you can easily overpower foes while maintaining a robust defensive stance. This weapon is not merely about dealing damage; its strategic use permits an exhilarating playstyle that prioritizes well-timed counters and superior guarding.
### Why Choose the Lance?
Defensive capabilities set the Lance apart from more explosive options like the Charge Blade or Insect Glaive. With its massive shield and two main attack types—high and mid thrusts—players can create powerful counterattack combinations while keeping themselves relatively safe from harm. With the right combination of skills, the Lance feels less sluggish and more responsive.
#### Understanding the Lance Moveset
The Lance operates on a series of simple yet effective combos:
- Mid Thrust (Y): A three-hit stab combo effective against low monsters.
- High Thrust (B): Ideal for attacking aerial foes, launching your lance overhead.
After performing combos, players can branch out into one of two primary moves:
- Triple Thrust: Three quick radioactive stabbing attacks, primarily useful against stunned enemies.
- Charge Counter: An advanced move that absorbs enemy hits, launching a powerful stab when released.
These moves can be enhanced by utilizing the shield for added defensive maneuvers. Once you successfully guard an attack, unleash a flurry of attacks like the Return Thrust or Payback Thrust, which produce substantial damage. The Power Guard stance opens up additional options, particularly the Leaping Thrust, demonstrating the Lance’s dual nature as both a defensive and offensive weapon.
### Building the Ideal Lance Setup
A compelling setup for engaging enemies should focus on maximizing defensive tactics while enhancing damage output. Consider these builds as you advance through ranks.
#### Best Lance Build For Low Rank
The focus here is on harnessing defensive skills such as Offensive Guard and Doshaguma’s Might, giving you attack power boosts during engagements. Here’s an ideal build progression:
- Weapon: Balahara Lance I
- Helmet: Hope Mask
- Chest: Hope Mail
- Arms: Hope Braces
- Coil: Hope Coil
- Legs: Hope Greaves
Upon defeating five main hunts, the Balahara Lance I becomes available showcasing a Water element, optimal against adversaries like Rompopolo and Ajarakan. It earns its place due to the Offensive Guard skill, granting you a power increase with effective guarding. With upgrades, this skill amplifies your damage boost from 5% to as high as 15%.
#### Advancing to Nu Osminog I
Transition to the Nu Osminog I for the early High Rank, leveraging its Fire element along with a level 2 version of the Offensive Guard skill that significantly pumps your attack power during defenses.
##### Armor Set: Hope Gear
While the default Hope gear lacks group skills, it's straightforward and effective. This gear includes:
- Stun Resistance (from Hope Mask & Coil) – Reduces stun effects after blocking hits.
- Divine Blessing (from other parts) – The chance to mitigate damage taken.
#### Doshaguma Armor Combination
To further amplify your combat strength, shift toward the Doshaguma armor set, which significantly enhances your Lance capabilities through the Doshaguma's Might group skill:
- Doshaguma Mail
- Doshaguma Braces
- Doshaguma Coil
- Doshaguma Greaves
The Doshaguma’s Might set bonus unlocks a +10 attack increase after executing a successful Power Clash. This is especially advantageous when paired with the Offensive Guard skill on your weapon, transforming you into a formidable damage dealer. Acquiring two pieces activates the skill, while all four parts amplify your attacks further.
### Endgame Armor Set Transition
Post-Uth Duna and Rompopolo, consider the Ingot armor, a robust set that complements the Doshaguma setup, bringing in perks such as Divine Blessing and enhancing your survival chances further.
#### Final Armor Set: G. Doshaguma
Transitioning to the G. Doshaguma Set will also introduce the Heroics skill, improving both attack and defense at lower health, coupled with Marathon Runner which permits slower stamina depletion, useful for extending the Lance's attack capabilities.
Mastering your Lance build in Monster Hunter expands beyond combat; it's a balance of timing, strategy, and patience. Get proficient with this platform, and watch as you dominate Low Rank and early High Rank monsters, all while defending your health and responding with strategic counters!