Monster Hunter Rise can definitely be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it super rewarding! For beginners, I'd really recommend starting with the Great Sword or the Long Sword.
The Great Sword has a steep learning curve, but its charge attacks deal massive damage, which is really satisfying. The impact you can deliver makes it great for taking down monsters quickly if you learn to time your hits well. The Long Sword, on the other hand, is a bit more forgiving. It has good reach, and you can build up your Spirit Gauge to deal even more damage while also allowing for some defensive options with the focus on countering.
As for skills, look for things like
Critical Boost and
Weakness Exploit. These will help you maximize your damage output since you'll mainly be focusing on hitting monster weak spots as a beginner.
When it comes to crafting and gear upgrades, prioritize making armor that enhances your weapon of choice. If you're using the Great Sword, for example, aim for armor sets that have skills like
Attack Boost or
Handicraft to extend your weapon's sharpness. Gather materials from early quests to craft some of the basic armor sets, like the
Hunter Armor, which provides a solid balance of defense and offense.
Don't forget about Palamute and Palico. Level them up and equip them with skills that complement your playstyle. A Palico with healing abilities can make your life a lot easier while you learn the monster patterns and improve your own skills.
Lastly, use the practice area to try out different strategies with your weapon. It's a low-pressure way to see what feels right for you. Just remember to dodge and learn those monster movements; that's half the battle!
Happy
hunting!