Sunbreak Lance Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset

This is a guide to the Lance, a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Lance controls and combos, how to use the Lance charge and the Lance Dash Attack as well as details on Lance Switch Skills.

All Lance Guides
Trees & Full List	How to Use	Best Builds

Lance Balance Changes

Update 15.0

Lance Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 15.0)
・Changed the effect duration of the lance's Anchor Rage from 20 seconds to 30.

Lance New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves

Official Lance Preview Video

Silkbind Attack: Skyward Thrust

The hunter launches to the air with a Wirebug then thursts the Lance downward. The upward strike can also stun the monster. The downward thrust hits multiple times.

Switch Skill: Shield Tackle

This Switch Skill allows the hunter to charge forward with the shield. This can immediately be followed up with thrusting attacks.

Silkbind Attack: Sheathing Retreat

Not introduced in any trailer, Sheathing Retreat is an additional Silkbind Attack added to the Sunbreak Expansion.

This silkbind attack is a quick and easy way for Lance users to create a gap between the monster and themselves, especially when they're in a huge disadvantage.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Release Date and New Monsters

How Good is the Lance?

Tier List Ranking

MHRise Ranking	→	Sunbreak Ranking
(S - A - B) 3 Level Tier		(SS - S - A) 3 Level Tier

The Lance received a significant damage buff across all its moves and that's a welcome addition but its new moves and Switch Skills however, have been lackluster at most.

The improvements on Insta-Block though gives Lance an easier wirebug-free option of countering moves. Shield Tackle gives the Lance a quick combo-reset tool that improves the weapon's overall DPS.

Weapon Tier List

Lance Strengths

One of the best with guarding Can counterattack Long reach and can aim high places

One of the Best Weapons for Guarding

The Lance is top tier when it comes to guarding. It can tank almost all monster attacks with minimal damage to the hunter!

Can Counterattack After Guarding

The Lance can also counterattack after absorbing damage from a guard. Use this wisely for maximum damage!

Long Reach and High Aim

Being physically long gives Lance the advantage with reach. It can easily reach heads position high up like Anjanath or Jyuratodus!

This is further improved by the new Silkbind Attack for the weapon which was added in Sunbreak. Using Skyward Thrust sends the hunter high in the sky for more verticality and strikes down vertically, which can be used both as an evasion option and and as an attack!

Lance Weaknesses

Very poor mobility DPS is not very high Can be easily interrupted

A Poor Mobility Weapon

The Lance provides poor mobility while hunting. When unsheathed, the Lance will slow down the hunter to a crawl leaving him unable to properly reposition.

No High DPS Attacks

The Lance also does not have any attack that dishes high damage. It relies on consistent poke damage while guarding monster attacks.

Easily Interrupted by Allies

When playing with allies, Lance users can be tripped by certain attacks (from Long Swords and Gunlances, for example). Because of this, Lance users have to incorporate the Flinch Free skill into Lance builds.

Lance Controls

Controls		Action
PC Left Click	PS Triangle	Mid Thrust
Switch X	Xbox Y
PC Right Click	PS Circle	High Thrust
Switch A	Xbox B
PC + Left Click + Right Click	PS + Triangle + Circle	Wide Sweep
Switch + X + A	Xbox + Y + B
PC + + MB4 + Directional Button + Left Click	PS + + R2 + Left Stick + Triangle	Guard Dash
Switch + + zR + Left Stick + X	Xbox + + RT + Left Stick + Y
PC + + MB4 + Left Click + Right Click	PS + + Triangle + Circle	Dash Attack
Switch + + zR + X + A	Xbox + + RT + Y + B
PC + MB4 + Right Click	PS + R2 + Circle	Counter-thrust
Switch + zR + A	Xbox + RT + B
PC MB4	PS R2	Guard
Switch zR	Xbox rt
PC + Middle Click + Left Click	PS + L2 + Triangle	Twin Vine (Kunai Jab)
Switch + zL + X	Xbox + LT + Y
PC + Middle Click + Space	PS + L2 + X	Twin Vine (Launch while guarding)
Switch + zL + B	Xbox + LT + A
PC + Middle Click + Right Click	PS + L2 + Circle	Anchor Rage
Switch + zL + A	Xbox + LT + B

Useful Combos

Basic Combo
Mid Thrust I	Mid Thrust II	Mid Thrust III	Backstep
X	X	X	B
Left Click	Left Click	Left Click	Space
Triangle	Triangle	Triangle	X
Y	Y	Y	A

Closing Attacks While Guarding
Guard Dash	Leaping Thrust	Mid Thrust II	Mid Thrust III
+ + zR + Left Stick + X	A	X	X
+ + MB4 + Directional Button + Left Click	Right Click	Left Click	Left Click
+ + R2 + Left Stick + Triangle	Circle	Triangle	Triangle
+ + RT + Left Stick + Y	B	Y	Y

Endless Thrusting Combo
Cancel Thrust	High Thrust I	High Thrust II	Cancel Thrust
+ zR + A	A	A	+ zR + A
+ MB4 + Right Click	Right Click	Right Click	+ MB4 + Right Click
+ R2 + Circle	Circle	Circle	+ R2 + Circle
+ RT + B	B	B	+ RT + B

Lance Silkbind Attacks

Skyward Thrust

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

The user launches themselves with a Wirebug up in the air and falls straight down, dealing multiple hits to any monster that is unfortunate enough to catch the fall. This launch can be used to dodge vertically, which can save the user from hard-hitting swipe attacks.

This move costs one Wirebug charge and has a medium recovery speed.

Twin Vine

Twin Vine Attach

Switch Controls	＋ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + Y

The first action of the Twin Vine Silkbind Attack tethers you and a target where you will be able to walk a few feet away from the monster. The wire will turn red upon reaching the max distance before it breaks.

Twin Vine Closed Jump

Switch Controls	＋ zL + B
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Space
PS Controls	+ L2 + X
Xbox Controls	+ LT + A

While connected, you can freely jump back towards the tethered monster to close the gap faster.

Anchor Rage

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

Anchor Rage is a Silkbind Attack that increases your attack damage when hit by a monster's attack. The attack increase also depends on the power of the attack received!

Spiral Thrust

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

A quick two-step move, Spiral Thrust allows the user to change their position and aim for a counterattack.

The attack starts with a counter, using the shield to parry an attack, then sends the user flying forward with the Wirebug. This can catch targets off guard and leave them vulnerable.

If an attack is successfully countered using Spiral Thrust then a temporary attack buff will be granted and the Lance will glow for the duration.

Sheathing Retreat

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

Lance users are not supposed to sheath their weapons because they need to guard everything. However, there are certain instances that you need to reposition and so that's when you'll use Sheathing Retreat. It's a very safe and quick retreat option for when your Guard is not gonna cut it anymore!

Lance 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
1	・ Guard ・ Insta-Block
2	・ Dash Attack ・ Shield Charge
3	・ Guard Dash ・ Shield Tackle
4	・ Anchor Rage ・ Spiral Thrust ・ Skyward Thrust
5	・ Twin Vine ・ Sheathing Retreat

Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills

Spiral Thrust

Switched With
Anchor Rage
Description
Two-step maneuver to counterattack. Uses the shield to parry then uses Wirebugs to pull you forward. Sucessful counters will grant an attack buff and increase the damage of the follow up thrusts. Reposition using the Left Analog after the first dash or halt altogether. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
+ zL + A + Middle Click + Right Click + L2 + Circle + LT + B

A two-step Lance dash maneuver that blocks an incoming attack from the start and allows you to dash attack twice with your Lance. We recommend getting this because it helps with Lance's lack of mobility.

Shield Charge

Switched With
Dash Attack
Description
A charging attack with the shield up. Can only dash for a limited amount of time while fending off attacks with the shield. Crashing into a monster deals shield-based blunt damage.
Controls
Hold → + → → zR → X + A → X → A Hold → + → → MB4 → Left Click + Right Click → Left Click → Right Click Hold → + → → R2 → Triangle + Circle → Triangle → Circle Hold → + → → RT → Y + B → Y → B

This skill replaces your usual Lance dash attack with a dash while holding your shield. Attacks met while dashing will be blocked and you will continue dashing. You can end the dash with a Shield Bash for big blunt damage. You can't use it for a long time like the Lance Dash though, and you can only dash for a short while with the shield.

Insta-Block

Switched With
Guard
Description
Swings your shield in an arch to parry attacks. Time your guard just before a monster hits you to follow-up with a Cross Slash. Great for countering right after blocking.
Controls
Press , , , or right as you are about to be hit. After a successful Insta-Block, pressing X, Left Click, Triangle, or Y will lead into a Cross Sweep.

The greatest counterattack move by the Lance. Your hunter will swing the shield in an arch anticipating an attack. Time it properly before it hits and you can have the opportunity to follow it up with a Cross Slash (A or Right Click).

Shield Tackle

Switched With
Guard Dash
Description
A technique where you charge forward with your shield raised. You will be able to follow up with a variety of thrusting attacks afterwards.
Controls
+ zL + A Press X afterwards for a Mid Thrust I Press A afterwards for a Mid Thrust II + MB4 + Left Click Press Left Click afterwards for a Mid Thrust I Press Right Click afterwards for a Mid Thrust II + R2 + Triangle Press Triangle afterwards for a Mid Thrust I Press Circle afterwards for a Mid Thrust II + RT + Y Press Y afterwards for a Mid Thrust I Press B afterwards for a Mid Thrust II

A shorter, guard dash with the shield up. This does not allow you to reposition as well as Guard Dash but the move can block attack and deal stun damage when it hits monsters. Use this skill when you're fighting slow monsters that does not move too much.

However, you can combo this move with Twin Vine to keep yourself near the monster without relying on Guard Dash.

Skyward Thrust

Switched With
Anchor Rage
Description
A technique where a Wirebug launches you high into the air. Thrust your Lance towards the heavens and then pierce downwards. The falling portion of the attack inflicts multiple hits. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
+ zL + A + Middle Click + Right Click + L2 + Circle + LT + B

A great damage tool from the Lance, this attack pulls you upward then pulls you back down the earth to deal multiple instances of damage. Use this to deal a great deal of damage to enemies!

Sheathing Retreat

Switched With
Twin Vine
Description
Automatically sheathes your weapon while using a Wirebug to pull you backwards out of harms way. Effective for strategic retreats. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
+ zL + X + Middle Click + Left Click + L2 + Triangle + LT + Y

Lance users are not supposed to sheath their weapons because they need to guard everything. However, there are certain instances that you need to reposition and so that's when you'll use Sheathing Retreat. It's a very safe and quick retreat option for when your Guard is not gonna cut it anymore!

Lance Attacks and Moves

High / Mid Thrust

Switch Controls	For mid thrust, press X For high thrust, press A
PC Controls	For mid thrust, press Left Click For high thrust, press Right Click
PS Controls	For mid thrust, press Triangle For high thrust, press Circle
Xbox Controls	For mid thrust, press Y For high thrust, press B

This is the bread-and-butter move of the Lance. As a Lance user, you can mix any of the two types of thrusts consecutively up to three times. After three thrusts, the motion will reset unless you cancel it using a cancel thrust (zR + A, MB4 + Right Click, R2 + Circle, or RT + B) or by dodging (B, Space, X, or A).

This is important to know this because when you don't cancel after three thrusts, the downtime before you can attack again is very long.

Improved Backstep Distance

The Lance's Backstep distance has been improves in Rise and the distance covered by the move is increased. This helps in mobility and avoiding attacks.

Switch Controls	While weapons are unsheathed, B
PC Controls	While weapons are unsheathed, Space
PS Controls	While weapons are unsheathed, X
Xbox Controls	While weapons are unsheathed, A

Wide Sweep Charge Attack

Switch Controls	Hold + then release Hold X + A then release
PC Controls	Hold + then release Hold Left Click + Right Click then release
PS Controls	Hold + then release Hold Triangle + Circle then release
Xbox Controls	Hold + then release Hold Y + B then release

Doing a Wide Sweep with the Lance allows you to charge the attack before it releases automatically. This is Lance's most powerful attack so you should use it at all times when there is an opening.

Guard

Switch Controls	Hold zR
PC Controls	Hold MB4
PS Controls	Hold R2
Xbox Controls	Hold RT

Hold zR, Mouse Button 4, R2 or RT to guard. You can slowly move around while holding your shield up high.

Counter-thrust

Switch Controls	While holding Guard or Power Guard, A
PC Controls	While holding Guard or Power Guard, Right Click
PS Controls	While holding Guard or Power Guard, Circle
Xbox Controls	While holding Guard or Power Guard, B

This is a charged counterattack against enemy attacks. Press A, Right Click, Circle, or B while guarding or Power Guarding to dish out a powerful counterattack after receiving an enemy attack.

If used while guarding, the attack will be executed after a short duration, unless you are hit with an attack wherein you will perform a High Thrust instead.

If used while Power Guarding, the attack will be immediately used.

Power Guard

Switch Controls	While charging Counter-thrust, + zR + B
PC Controls	While charging Counter-thrust, + MB4 + Space
PS Controls	While charging Counter-thrust, + R2 + X
Xbox Controls	While charging Counter-thrust, + RT + A

The Power Guard is a returning move that allows you to greatly withstand and reduce the stun time of attacks. It is one of the best counter tools of the Lance against enemy monsters if timed correctly, although it uses up your stamina while it is active.

To Power Guard, charge up a Counter-thrust while guarding and press zR + B or Mouse Button 4 + Space.

Leaping Thrust

Switch Controls	While holding Power Guard, X	After Guard Dash, A
PC Controls	While holding Power Guard, Left Click	After Guard Dash, Right Click
PS Controls	While holding Power Guard, Triangle	After Guard Dash, Circle
Xbox Controls	While holding Power Guard, Y	After Guard Dash, B

While Power Guarding, press X, Left Click, Triangle, Y to execute a Leaping Thrust, which is good for closing gaps between you and the enemy.

Leaping Thrust can also be used after using Guard Dash by pressing A, Right Click, Circle, B. This can be used to execute combos.

Guard Dash

Switch Controls	+ + zR + Left Stick + X Follow up with X for a Shield Attack or A for a Leaping Thrust.
PC Controls	+ + MB4 + Directional Button + Left Click Follow up with Left Click for a Shield Attack or Right Click for a Leaping Thrust
PS Controls	+ + R2 + Left Stick + Triangle Follow up with Triangle for a Shield Attack or Circle for a Leaping Thrust.
Xbox Controls	+ + RT + Left Stick + Y Follow up with Y for a Shield Attack or B for a Leaping Thrust.

One of the main mobility moves in the Lance's arsenal, Guard Dashing is an important move to know if you want to learn Lance. This not only closes the gap between you and the monster, but the initial Guard Dash motion (where the shield is in front of you) can also block enemy attacks!

Lance Dash Attack (Lance Charge)

While in the air or unsheathed, you can execute a Lance Dash Attack (or Lance Charge as called by some) that enables you to dash forward. You can change direction ever so slightly using the Left Analog Stick and hop sideways using B.

You will consume stamina as you dash and will stop when you run out, hit a wall, or execute an attack by pressing X or Left Click.

Switch Controls	While in the air, zR While unsheathed, → + zR → X + A You may turn slightly using the Left Analog Stick and to hop sideways press B.
PC Controls	While in the air, MB4 While unsheathed, → + MB4 + Left Click + Right Click You may turn slightly using the WASD buttons and to hop sideways press Space.
PS Controls	While in the air, R2 While unsheathed, → + R2 → Triangle + Circle You may turn slightly using the Left Analog Stick and to hop sideways press A.
Xbox Controls	While in the air, RT While unsheathed, → + RT → Y + B You may turn slightly using the Left Analog Stick and to hop sideways press A.

Recommended Combos for the Lance

Basic Thrust Triple Combo

Switch Controls	➡ ➡ ➡ X ➡ X ➡ X ➡ B
PC Controls	➡ ➡ ➡ Left Click ➡ Left Click ➡ Left Click ➡ Space
PS Controls	➡ ➡ ➡ Triangle ➡ Triangle ➡ Triangle ➡ X
Xbox Controls	➡ ➡ ➡ Y ➡ Y ➡ Y ➡ A

This is Lance's bread-and-butter move. As a Lance user, you will use this combo more often than not. The consistency and frequency of using this combo will maximize your damage as a Lance main!

Attack While Guarding

Switch Controls	+ ➡➡➡ + + zR + A ➡ B ➡ X ➡ zR + Left Stick + X
PC Controls	+ ➡➡➡ + + MB4 + Right Click ➡ Space ➡ Left Click ➡ MB4 + Directional Button + Left Click
PS Controls	+ ➡➡➡ + + R2 + Circle ➡ Triangle ➡ Triangle ➡ R2 + Left Stick + Triangle
Xbox Controls	+ ➡➡➡ + + RT + B ➡ A ➡ Y ➡ RT + Left Stick + Y

This is a combo that allows you to connect Guard Dash by striking after Power Guard. This can be used even when an enemy is attacking you!

Tips on How to Use the Lance

Always stay beside the monster Use Anchor Rage when possible Always Guard against attacks Always use Charged Sweep when possible Make full use of the Counter Thrust Sheathe your Lance when you need to reposition unless you and the monster are connected via Twin Vine.

Stay Beside the Monster

The power of the Lance relies on consistent poke damage so you must be beside the monster at all times. Learning to play very aggressively while knowing when to guard is the sign of a good Lance player.

Use Anchor Rage When Possible

The Anchor Rage gives the Lance a much-needed attack boost. Use it whenever possible to mitigate the low DPS disadvantage!

Always Guard Against Attacks

It is not advisable to sheathe your weapon every time you reposition yourself. Use Lance's guard to tank enemy attacks to maximize your DPS!

Make Sure to Always Use Charged Sweep When Possible

This is one of the highest damage moves from Lance. When there is an opening, charge up your Lance and sweep away! The DPS boost from this move is too good to pass up.

Make Full Use of the Counter-thrust

The Lance has the capability to counter-thrust after successfully guarding against an attack. As mentioned earlier, consistent damage is the key to using the Lance so counter-thrusting is one way to convert defense into offense!

Sheathe Your Weapon Only When Needed!

If you need to reposition, always do it while the Lance is sheathed. When unsheathed, the Lance reduces you to a crawl making moving painfully slow. To reposition while unsheathed, use Twin Vine to dash towards the monster!

Changes from MHW: Iceborne

Backstep Distance After Attack

The backstep distance after an attack is increased therefore you can reposition more easily.

You Can Execute a Charged Sweep

Switch Controls	Hold + X + A
PC Controls	Hold + Left Click + Right Click
PS Controls	Hold + Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls	Hold + Y + B

A new move that opens up new high damage opportunities for the Lance. Use this whenever possible like when the monster is downed, trapped, stunned, or asleep.

Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides

Weapon Type Guides
Weapons and Weapon Types	Weapon Type Tier List	Builds for Each Weapon Type

Melee Weapon Guides

Melee Weapons
Great Sword Guide | Weapon Tree	Long Sword Guide | Weapon Tree	Sword and Shield Guide | Weapon Tree
Dual Blades Guide | Weapon Tree	Lance Guide | Weapon Tree	Gunlance Guide | Weapon Tree
Hammer Guide | Weapon Tree	Hunting Horn Guide | Weapon Tree | Melodies	Switch Axe Guide | Weapon Tree
Charge Blade Guide | Weapon Tree	Insect Glaive Guide | Weapon Tree | Kinsects

Ranged Weapon Guides

Ranged Weapons
Light Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree	Heavy Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree	Bow Guide | Weapon Tree