Gunlances in Monster Hunter prove that sometimes Hunters have got to improvise when hunting tough foes. As with Monster Hunter Rise, a Gunlance is, basically put, a lance that packs a powerful rifle inside of it. This allows players to hit enemies from afar and defend themselves up close should they need to. And against Monster Hunter Rise monsters that pack a lot of speed, a Hunter with quick wits and a quick transformation weapon can rise against these powerful threats.

RELATED: Monster Hunter Rise: Best Ammo Items & How To Craft Them

Unfortunately, the many number of Gunlances featured in a Monster Hunter game like Rise can be overwhelming to players. Thankfully, some exceedingly-powerful Gunlances do pack more than enough punch to pierce through the toughest opponents, and even more so than other Gunlances in the game.

Updated July 3, 2022 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak bringing the threat of the Lunagargon in the Shrine Ruins as the newest threat to the Kamura Village, it’s up to the players and Royal Knight Fiorayne to solve this trend of recent aggression among monsters.

And for players who want a more knightly approach to combat, perhaps the Gunlance might be up their alley. Thankfully enough, the likes of the Ortlinde, Howlitzer, and Doombringer remain some of the most recommended Gunlances in the game.

14 Doombringer Gunlance

Boasting one of the most imposing appearances for a Gunlance in the Monster Hunter title, the Doombringer Gunlance is perhaps one of the most powerful Gunlances in the game. Despite having 170 Damage, its 46 Water Affinity makes it a rather excellent elemental companion against a lot of monsters. Not to mention, its Wide Shelling and Rampage Skills such as Element Exploit, Water Boost 2, and Attack Boost 3 can allow players to take advantage of sticky situations involving multiple monsters.

Players can create the Doombringer Gunlance with 56,000 Zenny as well as other materials. These include 15 points of Almudron+, three (3) Teostra Manes, and one Golden Almudron Orb. When completed, this Gunlance can become a rather reliable offensive weapon, incentivizing the mixed-range component of the weapon.

13 Howlitzer

Being one of the most aesthetically-pleasing Gunlances in the game, the Howlitzer is more than capable of holding its own in combat. Boasting 180 Damage and long Shelling, the Howlitzer can reach and hurt monsters from afar. Not only that, its Rampage Skills consisting of Affinity Boost 3, Defense Boost 3, and Buddy Rally are more than capable of ensuring allies are well-protected in its vicinity, making it an ideal tanking companion.

Players can create the Howlitzer through a combination of parts from some of the myth-based monsters of Monster Hunter Rise, such as the Zinogre and the Narga. They mainly need 22,000 Zenny and other materials. These include two (2) Buddy Tickets, one Beast Gem, two (2) Zinogre Claw+, and two (2) Narga Razor.

12 Abyssal Storm Gunlance

Fit as the raging lightning, the Abyssal Storm Lance is one of the most expensive but also efficient Gunlances in the game. Boasting 190 Damage and 38 Thunder Affinity, this weapon is a sight to behold in quick incursions. Not only that, its Rampage Skills of Narwa Soul, Anti-Aerial Species, and Attack Boost 3 make it a havoc when it comes to flying opponents - admittedly one of the most irritating foes in the game.

Players can create the Abyssal Storm Lance through various components, especially from Monster Hunter Rise monsters. Aside from 80,000 Zenny, they can also craft this weapon by providing four (4) Ibushi Hide+, one Thunder Serpent Orb, and one Orb of Origin. With this weapon, players can add a quick and fast-paced lightning element spin to their attacks. When combined with other paralyzing weapons, the Abyssal Storm Lance can help make quick work of other foes.

11 Ortlinde+

Despite being an upgrade of the Princess Panoply 2, the Ortlinde + boasts one of the best stats of a Gunlance weapon in the game. Boasting 200 Damage and 26 Poison affinity, the Ortlinde + is an ideal companion against opponents who love long-term combat. In addition to Rampage Skills such as Attack Boost 2, Poison Boost 1, and Small Monster Exploit, the Ortlinde + is a nifty weapon for quick missions and farming items by the overpowered Monster Hunter Rise character.

RELATED: Awesome Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Monster Hunter Rise

It’s also rather easily created, courtesy of 39,000 Zenny. Players who can brave facing a Rathian or two can gather its other necessary materials. These include one Rathian Ruby, five (5) pieces of Rathian Scale +, three (3) pieces of Rakna-Kadaki Spike, and two (2) High Commendations.

10 Rampage Gunlance S

Hunters who want to wield a Gunlance more like a scythe can rely on the mechanical practicality of the Rampage Gunlance S, especially with its extremely neutral build of 0% Affinity, no slotting and Elements, and its Normal 2 Shelling. To compensate for this neutrality, the weapon does offer immense flexibility, especially since players have a variety of potential Rampage Skills they can put in the weapon for killing or trapping monsters.

Players can craft the Rampage Gunlance S with 50,000 Zenny, 2 Apex Shockshell, 1 Apex Curlhorn, and 3 Defender Ticket 9. This serves as the final iteration of the Rampage Gunlance upgrade path, following the Rampage Gunlance I, Rampage Gunlance II, Rampage Gunlance III, Rampage Gunlance IV, and Rampage Gunlance V.

9 Crimson Rook

Hunters new to the game inspired by the viciousness of the Rathalos can grab the Crimson Rook and enhance their hunts with fiery goodness. The weapon boasts the Fire Element and Long 4 Shelling. And while it has 0% Affinity, it very well makes up for its vicious slate of Rampage Skills, including boosted attacks when tapping into monster weaknesses (Element Exploit), boosting fire-based attacks (Fire Boost I), and general offensive boosts (Attack Boost III).

Players can craft the Crimson Rook with 56,000 Zenny, 1 Teostra Tail, 1 Rathalos Ruby, and 15 Rathalos+ points. It serves as the final iteration of the Red Rook upgrade path, following the Red Rook I and Red Rook II.

8 Despot’s Phlogiston

Hunters who have the same electrifying vigor as the Zinogre will appreciate the Despot’s Phlogiston, especially for its 0% Affinity compensated with 1, 1, - slotting, in addition to its Thunder Element and Normal 4 Shelling. Evening these properties out is its interesting slate of Rampage Skills, which includes a decent attack augmentation (Attack Boost II), a boost in thunder-based damage (Thunder Boost II), and an advantage against aquatic monsters (Anti-Aquatic Species).

Players can craft the Despot’s Phlogiston via 56,000 Zenny, 4 Narwa Carapace, 1 Zinogre Jasper, and 15 Zinogre+ points. This weapon is the final iteration of the Usurper’s Roar path, following Usurper’s Roar I and Usurper’s Roar II.

7 Admiral’s Arbalance

The spider-like Rakna-Kadaki can entangle unsuspecting Hunters in its webs, and the Admiral’s Arbalance is a magnificent conversion of the monster’s body parts. This marvelous-looking weapon has 10% Affinity and gorgeous 2, 1, 1 Shelling. It also boasts Wide 4 Shelling, allowing it to hit monsters harder. As expected of its origins, its Rampage Skills are just as hard-hitting, including a boost to its Wyrmstake Cannon (Wyrmstake Boost), a boost against wyverns (Dragon Exploit), and a massive attack boost (Attack Boost IV).

The Admiral’s Arbalance can enter the fray via crafting, requiring 30,000 Zenny, 1 Magna Soulprism, 2 Golden Sludge, 3 Rakna-Kadaki Carapace, and 3 Firecell Stone. This serves as the final stage of the General’s Arbalance weapon path, after General’s Arbalance I and General’s Arbalance II.

6 Great Demon Gunlance

The thunderous Rajang is the perfect template for a weapon that highlights its horrifying beastly nature, the Great Demon Gunlance. Despite its -10% Affinity, it does give players an advantage through 3, -, - slotting, Thunder Element, and heavy-hitting Wide 4 Shelling. Not to mention, it has Rampage Skills that enhance its overall performance, including boosts with Sharpness green and below (Dulling Strike), boosts to overall thunder damage (Thunder Boost II), and affinity-based attack boosts (Affinity Boost II).

RELATED: Monster Hunter Rise: Best Skills For Blademasters

The Great Demon Gunlance unleashes wrath from hell through crafting, requiring 80,000 Zenny, 3 Tempered Glimmerpelt, 3 Rajang Hardhorn, 7 Rajang Hardfang, and 3 Gold Rakang Pelt. It serves as the only upgrade of the Demon Gunlance weapon path, which begins with the aforementioned weapon.

5 Bazel Destroyer

The flaming crimson fires of the Bazelgeuse are reflected in the marvelous construction of the Bazel Destroyer, possessing the rampaging Blast Element and Wide 4 Shelling that represents its origin monster’s penchant for brutal combat. Despite its -10% Affinity and lack of slots, it makes up for decent Rampage Skills, including boosted defenses (Defense Boost II), boosted blast-based damage (Blast Boost II), and better damage with Wyrmstake Cannons (Wyrmstake Boost).

Destruction rains around the Bazel Destroyer, but this Gunlance needs to be crafted first. It needs 75,000 Zenny, 3 Teostra Carapace, 3 Bazelgeuse Fuse, and 1 Bazelgeuse Gem. It serves as the final upgrade path of the Bazel Buster weapon line, following the Bazel Buste I and the Bazel Buster II.

4 Venomous Attar

The venomous Chameleos is a horrifying enemy to face in any game it appears in, and the Venomous Attar is quite an elegant representation of its sheer lethality. Aside from its neutral affinity, it boasts Poison Element and Long 3 Shelling, perfect to pair with its 3, -, - slotting. Moreover, its Rampage Skills emphasize its neutral stance with boosts to both attack and defense (Attack Boost III and Defense Boost III, respectively), and even a slight chance to boost either defense, attack, stamina, or health (Chameleos Soul).

RELATED: Monster Hunter Rise: Best Builds For Charge Blade

Attaining this weapon is only possible through crafting, which works with 75,000 Zenny, 2 Crimson Liquid, 3 Chameleos Wing, and 1 Chameleos Gem. Moreover, the Venomous Attar serves as the only upgrade of the Venomous Cologne path, following the Venomous Cologne I.

3 Barbarous Firelance

The flying hulking Anjanath is already a fierce monster to face for any Hunter, which makes its parts fitting for the fierce Barbarous Firelance. Despite its -15% Affinity, the weapon does boast Fire Element and 2, 1, - slotting, accompanied by Wide 4 Shelling. Moreover, its Rampage Skills fit its origin monster’s penchant for violence, possessing the abilities to boost overall attack (Affinity Boost II), boost fire-based damage (Fire Boost III), and boost weaker hits (Brutal Strike).

Players can attain the Barbarous Firelance through crafting, needing 42,000 Zenny, 3 Tigrex Fang+, 1 Anjanath Gem, and 15 Anjanath+ points. Moreover, this serves as the final upgrade of the Flaming Gunlance path, starting with Flaming Gunlance I, and then Flaming Gunlance II, Flaming Gunlance III, and Barbarous Firelance.

2 Tigrex Gunlance

The horrifying Tigrex deserves an equally-horrifying Gunlance, and the Tigrex Gunlance is a perfect weapon for its origins. Despite its -15% Affinity, it boasts neutral elements, a 1, -, - slotting, and usage of hard-hitting Wide 4 Shelling. Not to mention, its Rampage Skills are all offense-oriented, with abilities to boost weaker hits (Brutal Strike), boost affinity-based strikes (Affinity Boost II), and increase overall attack (Attack Boost III).

The Tigrex Gunlance is available through crafting, and it requires 2 Daora Hardclaw, 2 Tigrex Hardfang, 4 Tigrex Cortex, and 5 Pure Dragon Blood. It serves as the final iteration of the Tiger Blast path, starting with the Tiger Blast and then the Tiger Blast +.

1 Diablos Cannon

The terrifying Diablos is one of the most popular monsters in the series, which makes the Diablos Cannon an equally-vicious weapon to deal with. Despite its -10% Affinity and lack of slotting, it does have neutral element typing and decent Wide 4 Shelling, making it fit most builds. Moreover, its Rampage Skills offer a decent balance between offense and defense, offering boosted defense (Defense Boost II), boosts towards affinity-based attacks (Affinity Boost III), and increased damage on Sharpness green and below (Dulling Strike).

Players can grab the Diablos Cannon through crafting, wherein they need 56,000 Zenny, 3 Elder Dragon Bone, 1 Diablos Medulla, 15 Diablos+ points. This weapon also serves as the last upgrade path to the Diablos Gunlance path, starting with the Diablos Gunlance I and Diablos Gunlance II.

Monster Hunter Rise is currently available on PC and Switch.

MORE: Monster Hunter Rise: Best Skills For Gunners