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| (Image from MHwikia) |
The HBG has the potential for the most damage output out of all the weapons. It may be powerful but it's slow and cumbersome but with proper technique and enough skill and patience to learn, you'll take on anything with this.
Learn the weakpoints of the weapon first and grow from there:
-Slow unsheathing/sheathing
-Can only walk when weapon is out
-Requires bullets leveling from 1~3
-Recoil and Reload knowledge
-Deviation
Okay, though it has some issues we can always cover all of that with proper training and technique.
When choosing a type of HBG, always check what it can do, what bullet type it specializes at, and the amount of rounds it holds per reload. Most of the time you'll be preferring 5~7 shots for pierce level 1,2,3 and add that up with the Load up skill to get more leverage. Since most of the monsters are big, pierce works wonders for them. Also notice the "deviation" the HBG has so that you'll know where the bullet will drift towards to. The Precision +1 and 2 eliminates mild and high deviation respectively so use this if the bullet drift is unbearable for you.
Never forget your ammo when going to quests! Always have an inventory check before leaving. If possible, bring books of combos to combine for more shots. This is great for multiple monster quest to optimize damage output.
You can use pellet shots when soloing but don't use this when playing online with others because this'll flinch fellow hunters leaving them unable to attack.
Recoil is always associated with pierce shots. When the recoil says "average" you'll need the Recoil +1 to eliminate the long delay after shots whilst Recoil +3 is for those that have "very strong" shot recoil (includes Cluster/Crag shots).
"Average" is the one you want for the reload stat because the animation is bearable, not too fast not too slow. It's your choice if you want to get the skill Reload Speed + but I would prefer using those extra skill points on offensive skills i.e. Pierce Up ( Pierce shots x1.1) etc. Utilize ledges for a quick reload and quickly roll out of harms way after that.
Rolling is your best friend to get to key positions for shooting. Evade+ and Evade Distance + skills are helpful for more agile/aggressive play style. With this you can almost always fight with the gun out.
Always attach the power barrel at the forge or if you want to block most attacks, you can use the shield, either way it both helps so do choose one.
Crouch fire (X+A) is good when playing online, you can easily unload 20 shots in just a short time. When someone traps/mounts/flinches the monster, this is the Crouching fire's time to shine. When you roll when your weapon is out, you can press X to quickly go to Crouching fire.
When you remove the limiter for HBG's rarity 6 or higher, it increases the magazine and adds more power but you lose the ability for Crouching fire. Great for soloing and online and you can now reload Wyvern shots (X+A) which are the HBG's version of the Wyvern's Fire. Not as strong as the Gunlance but still a lot of fun to use.
Never forget the importance of status shots, if your HBG can sleep/para use it if the recoil for those shots are bearable. Crag shots can KO monsters if you shoot them in the head enough times and the skill Artillery novice/expert/king speeds up this process and adds more damage (Cluster also included).
Be confident in the art of gunning and have a lot of fun in the process. Don't be intimidated by how low def gunner armors are, just practice on the openings and I'm sure you'll have a better hunt time. Unfold those high powered guns and have a great time! Happy hunting!
If you've enjoyed reading this, please leave a like/share/comment because it really helps me out. Thanks!
