Lance Guide: Controls and Combos

The Lance is a melee weapon in Monster Hunter Now. In this guide, you'll learn how to use the Lance, how to unlock it, as well as the recommended combos and tips on how to play the Lance!

Lance Basic Information

Released on December 7, 2023

The Lance is one of the two new weapons introduced in the December 2023 Update. It became available on December 7, 2023, at 12 midnight UTC.

Fulminations in the Frost Update

Boasts Long Reach Damage and High Defenses

Lance strikes have long reach, allowing you to hit enemies from a distance during hunts. It also comes with a shield that you can use to block attacks or minimize incoming damage from monsters. One of the returning moves is the Jumping Thrust, which lets you do a jump attack on monsters while charging.

Offers a Dynamic Mix of Offensive and Defensive Play

Using Lances allows you to perform a Counter-Thrust, a technique that guards you from any incoming attacks and enables you to counter with massive blows afterward. Pairing this up with the Offensive Guard skill could enable you to deal heavier damage in one go.

This style offers a balanced mix of offense and defense, so if this meets your playstyle, consider using Lances more during your hunts!

Lance Controls

List of Controls

Recommended Combos for the Lance

Triple Thrust Combo

The lance's main method of attack is by thrusting the weapon at monsters. Up to three thrusts can be done consecutively, and this can be a mix of mid and high thrusts depending on Lock On or your camera view. Locking on the head is typically good as the high thrusts deal slightly more damage.

Lance Evasion Combo

Just like the mainline games, you can chain together sidesteps and backhops with your thrusts. This lets the lance be more mobile than it initially appears. Executing a perfect dodge allows you to use a Wide Sweep and continue with more thrusts.

Counter to Thrusts Combo

This is a more defensive style of play that can be rewarding if timed right. It involves using the counter-thrust often then following up with additional thrusts. It's best to counter properly as using the counter-thrust too early will not give any bonus damage and leave you open.

Also Works With Regular Guards

Even if you just block a monster's attack normally, you can follow up with a Guard Dash or a Leaping Thrust. The Leaping Thrust does 3 hits which is great for dealing plenty of damage. This playstyle might want to consider Guard and Offensive Guard to be effective.

Tips on How to Use the Lance

Summary

• Stick Close to the Monster
• Counter Attacks Wisely
• Use the Dash Attack Special Skill

Stick Close to the Monster

Despite its long reach, it's best to stay near monsters to reliably deal damage especially with the timer in Monster Hunter Now. Whether you're evade lancing or using counters, you'll want to get as many thrusts in as possible to slay monsters sooner.

Counter Attacks Wisely

To do a Counter-thrust, swipe down while guarding and your hunter will glow blue. When it blocks a monster attack, Counter-thrusts will deal additional damage. However, using it too early won't unleash its full power. Learn to read monster movements and use skills like Offensive Guard to maximize counter damage!

Use the Dash Attack Special Skill

The special skill version of the Dash Attack can deal a lot of damage when activated. It also leaves you invulnerable during the duration of the skill, so you can use it if you can't block or evade.

List of Special Skills and How to Use

How to Unlock the Lance

Unlock During Chapter 2

The ability to use the Lance is unlocked during Chapter 2 of the main quests. If you already beat this chapter prior to the update, Lances should already be available for crafting.

All Chapters and Quests List

Monster Hunter Now Related Guides

Best Weapons Tier List

List of All Weapons and Guides

Close-Ranged Weapons
Sword and Shield Guide | List	Great Sword Guide | List
Long Sword Guide | List	Hammer Guide | List
Dual Blades Guide | List	Lance Guide | List
Charge Blade Guide | List
Long-Ranged Weapons
Bow Guide | List	Light Bowgun Guide | List