Monster Hunter World PC Controls: A Comprehensive Guide

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey there, fellow hunters! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the vast and captivating world of Monster Hunter: World on PC? Awesome! This game is an absolute blast, but let's be real – figuring out the PC controls can feel like wrangling a particularly feisty Great Jagras at first. Fear not, though! I'm here to guide you through everything you need to know, from the basics to the more advanced techniques, so you can start slaying monsters like a pro. Get ready to learn about the ins and outs of Monster Hunter World PC controls, and become a master hunter!

Understanding the Basics: Movement, Camera, and Interaction

Alright, let's start with the fundamentals, shall we? Mastering the basic controls is the first step to becoming a successful hunter. These are the building blocks upon which your monster-slaying prowess will be built. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Monster Hunter World PC controls.

Movement

Movement Keys (WASD): The good old WASD keys are your best friends for moving around the world. 'W' to move forward, 'A' to strafe left, 'S' to move backward, and 'D' to strafe right. It's the standard setup, so you should feel right at home if you're a PC gamer. Try using these keys to maneuver around the map.
Sprint (Shift): Need to get somewhere in a hurry? Hold down the 'Shift' key to sprint. This is super useful for dodging monster attacks, closing the distance, and generally getting around the map faster. Keep an eye on your stamina bar, though – sprinting drains it.
Crouch (Ctrl): Press 'Ctrl' to crouch, which allows you to move stealthily, hide in bushes, and sometimes crawl through tight spaces. This is useful for gathering materials, sneaking up on monsters (though they're pretty perceptive), or just taking a breather. In certain situations, crouching is a must. For example, during some monster attacks.
Roll/Dodge (Spacebar): This is one of your most important tools for survival. Press the 'Spacebar' while moving to roll in that direction and evade attacks. The timing of your rolls is critical. You'll want to get a feel for when to roll to avoid monster attacks effectively.

Camera Control

Mouse: Use your mouse to control the camera. Simply move the mouse to look around and aim your attacks. Keeping a good field of view is critical for survival. Keeping an eye on the monster and its surroundings is just as important as knowing your weapon.
Lock-On (Q): Press 'Q' to lock onto a monster. This keeps the camera focused on the monster, making it easier to track and attack it. You can switch targets with the 'Q' key again.
Reset Camera (C): Press 'C' to reset the camera behind your character. This can be handy if the camera gets a bit wonky or you need a quick view of what's behind you.

Interaction

Interact (E): Press 'E' to interact with objects in the environment, such as gathering materials, opening chests, or talking to NPCs. Interacting is a core aspect of the game. Collect as much as possible, as these resources are essential to crafting.
Use Item (1-4): Use the number keys (1-4) to quickly use items in your item bar. This is essential during combat, so get used to these hotkeys.
Map (M): Press 'M' to open the map. The map is your best friend when navigating the vast locales of Monster Hunter: World. It shows the locations of monsters, resources, and your current objective.

Mastering these basic controls is the foundation for everything else you'll do in Monster Hunter: World. Take some time to practice them in the training area or on a low-level hunt. You'll thank yourself later when you're dodging a Rathalos's fiery breath!

Combat Controls: Attacking, Blocking, and Special Moves

Now that you've got the basics down, let's dive into the combat controls. This is where the real fun begins! Each weapon has its own unique set of attacks and special moves, so you will want to get comfortable with the movesets of your preferred weapons. Regardless of your weapon choice, the core principles of combat remain the same: understanding the Monster Hunter World PC controls for attacking, blocking, and utilizing special moves are crucial. Let's break it down.

Basic Attacks

Light Attack (Left Mouse Button): This is your bread and butter. The light attack is usually a quick, low-commitment attack that you can chain together for combos. Useful for getting in quick hits and building up your combo meter. Most of the weapons use the Left Mouse Button for Light Attacks.
Strong Attack (Right Mouse Button): This is typically a slower, more powerful attack. Often used to deal heavy damage or set up other moves. Use this strategically to maximize your damage output. Timing is important with this attack, so you'll want to practice. For most weapons, the Right Mouse Button is used for Strong Attacks.
Weapon Specific Combos: Each weapon has a unique set of combos that you can perform by combining light and heavy attacks. Experiment and practice to discover the best combos for your weapon of choice. The Hunter's Notes (accessed from the start menu) is a great resource for learning your weapon's combos.

Blocking and Guarding

Guard (Right Mouse Button - with certain weapons): Some weapons, like the Sword and Shield, Lance, and Gunlance, can block incoming attacks by holding down the right mouse button. Blocking is your defense in Monster Hunter: World. It allows you to withstand hits from monsters. Pay attention to the stamina bar; blocking will drain your stamina.
Perfect Guard/Counter (Weapon-Specific): Certain weapons have special counter attacks or perfect guard mechanics that allow you to punish enemy attacks. Mastering these techniques is crucial for high-level play.

Special Moves

Special Attacks (E + Left/Right Mouse Button): Many weapons have special attacks that can be activated by pressing 'E' in combination with the left or right mouse button. These special attacks often deal high damage or have other unique effects.
Weapon-Specific Abilities: Each weapon has its own set of special abilities, such as the Greatsword's charge attacks, the Insect Glaive's aerial attacks, and the Hunting Horn's buffs. Experiment to discover the moves and their impact on combat.
Slinger (Middle Mouse Button): The Slinger is a versatile tool that you can use to fire different types of ammo, grapple onto monsters, and perform other actions. The Slinger is used by pressing the Middle Mouse Button. Make sure you use the Slinger often; it is an invaluable tool.

Item Usage in Combat

Using Items (1-4): As mentioned, the number keys (1-4) let you use items from your item bar. This is a crucial element of the combat, so know your hotkeys. Use healing potions, traps, and other items to gain an advantage in battle. The timing of item usage is critical; learn when it is safe to use an item.

By mastering these combat controls, you will be well on your way to becoming a formidable hunter. Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different weapons, combos, and items to find what works best for your play style. The more you know, the better you will be!

Weapon-Specific Controls: Mastering Your Arsenal

Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: weapon-specific controls. This is where things get really interesting! Monster Hunter: World boasts a vast array of weapons, each with its own unique moveset, playstyle, and intricacies. Getting comfortable with your chosen weapon is key to success, so let's dive into some examples of Monster Hunter World PC controls for some of the more popular weapon types.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is a slow but powerful weapon, perfect for those who like to deal massive damage with each swing. Key controls include:

Charge Attack (Right Mouse Button): Hold down the right mouse button to charge your attack, then release for a powerful blow. Different charge levels have different damage outputs.
Shoulder Tackle (E): Use 'E' during a charge to perform a shoulder tackle, which can interrupt monster attacks and maintain your charge.
Comboing: Learn to chain together your attacks for maximum damage. A typical combo might involve a series of charged attacks and a powerful finisher.

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is a versatile weapon, offering a balance of offense and defense. Key controls include:

Guard (Right Mouse Button): Hold the right mouse button to block attacks. It's a key defensive tool.
Quick Item Use: You can use items while your weapon is drawn. This is a huge advantage in combat.
Comboing: Combine light and heavy attacks to create quick combos and opportunities for item use.

Dual Blades

Dual Blades are a fast-paced weapon focused on relentless attacks. Key controls include:

Demon Mode (Right Mouse Button): Activate Demon Mode to increase your attack speed and damage at the cost of stamina. Stamina management is key.
Demon Dash: While in Demon Mode, you can use Demon Dash (Spacebar) to move quickly and avoid attacks.
Comboing: Continuous attacks that do a lot of damage over time.

Other Weapons

Each weapon has its own unique control scheme and play style. The Insect Glaive, for example, is all about aerial combat, while the Hammer focuses on stunning monsters. The Long Sword, with its spirit gauge, relies on precise timing for counters. The Gunlance adds explosives to the mix. Explore the Hunter's Notes in-game to learn the specific controls and combos for each weapon.

Here's a quick cheat sheet for a few more popular weapons:

Hammer: Charge attacks (Right Mouse Button) and stunning attacks.
Hunting Horn: Perform songs to buff your allies, a crucial support weapon.
Lance: Precise strikes and guarding (Right Mouse Button).
Gunlance: A Lance with the added punch of explosions.
Insect Glaive: Aerial attacks and Kinsect management.
Long Sword: Precision, counters, and the Spirit Gauge.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different weapons to find what suits your style! Each weapon is unique, and they all offer a different way to experience the world of Monster Hunter.

PC-Specific Controls: Customization and Optimization

Alright, hunters, let's talk about the PC-specific controls and how to customize them for optimal gameplay. The PC version of Monster Hunter: World gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of control customization, allowing you to tailor the experience to your liking. Here is a breakdown of Monster Hunter World PC controls adjustments.

Keybindings

Customize Keybindings: Go to the Options menu, then the Controls settings, and remap your keybindings to whatever feels most comfortable. This is a game-changer! You can change the keys for movement, attack, item use, and more.
Experiment: Try different layouts until you find one that suits your play style. Some players prefer to keep the default settings, while others like to remap keys for easier access to certain actions.

Mouse Sensitivity

Adjust Mouse Sensitivity: Find the right mouse sensitivity setting for your aiming and camera control. Too sensitive, and you'll be overshooting your targets; too slow, and you'll struggle to keep up with fast-moving monsters.
Find Your Sweet Spot: Experiment with different settings to find the sensitivity that feels natural and responsive. Don't be afraid to tweak the settings until it's perfect.

Graphics and Performance

Optimize Graphics: Adjust your graphics settings to optimize performance. Monster Hunter: World can be demanding on your PC, so find the right balance between visual quality and frame rate.
Prioritize Frame Rate: A smooth frame rate is more important than ultra-high graphics settings. Lowering some settings (like shadows and ambient occlusion) can significantly improve performance.

Controller Support

Controller Support: If you prefer using a controller, Monster Hunter: World has full controller support. The game automatically detects your controller. If the game doesn't recognize your controller, you can manually set it up in the Steam settings. The game offers great controller support.
Customize Controller Settings: In the Options menu, you can customize the controller button mappings and sensitivity to your liking. Get the controller layout right and then adjust as needed.

By customizing the PC-specific controls, you can tailor your Monster Hunter: World experience to your exact preferences. This level of customization is what makes the PC version so fantastic!

Advanced Techniques and Tips: Leveling Up Your Hunting Skills

Alright, hunters, let's move beyond the basics and delve into some advanced techniques and tips that will help you truly master the art of monster hunting. These are the kinds of strategies that will elevate your hunting skills, allowing you to take down even the toughest monsters. Fine-tuning your Monster Hunter World PC controls will take you far, but these tips will make you a legend.

Mastering the Dodge

Timing is Everything: The dodge roll is your best friend when avoiding monster attacks. Learn the timing of monster attacks and roll at the precise moment to avoid taking damage.
I-Frames: The dodge roll has invincibility frames (I-frames), which allow you to pass through attacks. Practice dodging through attacks and learn the timing.
Directional Dodging: Dodge in the direction that will best avoid the attack. This may mean dodging towards the monster instead of away to get around the attack.

Item Management and Usage

Hotkeys are Key: Memorize your item hotkeys (1-4) and use items efficiently during combat. This can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Item Combos: Learn how to combine items to craft essential supplies like Mega Potions and traps. The right resources are a must.
Prepare Before the Hunt: Pack the right items for the hunt, including healing potions, buffs, and traps.

Exploiting Monster Weaknesses

Research Monsters: Learn the weaknesses of each monster. Monsters can be weak to certain elements, like fire, water, thunder, ice, or dragon. Elemental damage is key! Some monsters can be more vulnerable to status effects like poison or paralysis. Study your foe.
Weapon Choice: Choose your weapon based on the monster's weaknesses. Some monsters are more susceptible to blunt damage, while others are better handled with sharp weapons.
Elemental and Status Effects: Use weapons and items that exploit the monster's vulnerabilities.

Understanding the Environment

Use the Environment: The environment is your ally. Use environmental traps (like falling rocks and vines) to damage or trap monsters.
Traps: Place traps to capture or immobilize monsters for increased damage and opportunities for healing.
Scout Flies: Use Scoutflies to track monsters and find resources. The Scoutflies are invaluable for tracking and for getting around the map.

Teamwork and Coordination (Multiplayer)

Communicate: If you're playing multiplayer, communicate with your teammates. Coordinate your attacks, heal each other, and support each other.
Roles: Consider team roles and specialize in different weapons to offer the most well-rounded team.
Share Resources: Share resources and items to help each other.

By mastering these advanced techniques, you will become a true apex hunter, capable of taking down any monster that stands in your way. Keep practicing, experimenting, and refining your skills, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a legend in the world of Monster Hunter!

Conclusion: Slaying Monsters with Confidence

So there you have it, fellow hunters! A comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter World PC controls. From the basic movement and camera controls to advanced combat techniques and customization options, we've covered everything you need to know to get started and excel in this fantastic game. Remember, practice is key. The more you play, the more comfortable you will become with the controls and the more effective you will be in combat. Be sure to check the Hunter's Notes in the game. That is your main reference tool. Also, do not be afraid to experiment with different weapons, combos, and strategies to find what works best for you. The world of Monster Hunter: World is vast and challenging, but with the right knowledge and a little bit of practice, you can conquer any monster that crosses your path.

Happy hunting, and may your hunts be filled with epic battles, thrilling victories, and plenty of rewards! Now go out there and show those monsters what you're made of! Enjoy!