One of the most defining features of Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (MHGU) is its six unique hunting styles, each offering a distinct approach to combat and strategy. These styles can radically alter the feel of your weapon and the way you engage monsters. While they may initially seem daunting, experimenting with different styles can unlock new layers of depth and fun in your hunts. This guide provides a practical overview of each hunting style, how they operate, and when you might want to use them—so you can choose the one that best suits your preferred playstyle.

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Guild Style: The Classic Experience

Guild Style is your traditional, balanced option. It’s the most complete version of your weapon’s standard moveset, making it familiar for veterans of pre-Generations Monster Hunter titles. With full access to all core attacks and techniques, Guild Style also allows you to equip two Hunter Arts—special chargeable abilities that add an explosive edge to your hunt. For those looking to play their weapon the way it was designed, without gimmicks or alterations, Guild Style is the safe, dependable pick. Whether you’re wielding a hammer with its spinning charge or a great sword with all its charge levels, Guild Style preserves those cornerstone techniques.

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Striker Style: Pure Hunter Art Power

Striker Style is where things start to shift. You lose access to some of your weapon’s advanced or niche attacks, but in return, you can equip three Hunter Arts instead of two. Not only that, but they charge faster as well. This style is ideal for players who enjoy flashy, high-impact finishers or utility skills like buffs, evasion moves, or crowd control. It trades mechanical complexity for art-focused aggression. If you’re playing a weapon that doesn’t rely on its full technical kit—or if you want to dominate monsters with frequent Arts—Striker Style is your best bet.

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Aerial Style: Mobility and Mounting Mastery

Aerial Style is for hunters who like to keep the fight airborne. It introduces a new leaping dodge that launches you into the air when you touch a monster, another hunter, or certain objects. From there, you can perform aerial attacks with an increased chance to mount the monster and bring it crashing down. While you’re limited to one Hunter Art, the style rewards aggressive, nimble players who want to spend more time above their foes. Especially useful with weapons like the Insect Glaive or Sword and Shield, Aerial Style enables fluid movement, consistent mounting, and dynamic positioning.

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Adept Style: Master of Counters and Dodges

Adept Style rewards hunters with good timing and positional awareness. This style gives you access to special counterattacks and evasion windows—but only if you dodge or block with precise timing. When executed correctly, you enter a short burst of increased movement speed, during which you can unleash unique and powerful attacks. Adept players won’t be able to button-mash their way to victory. You need to learn each monster’s patterns, stay calm under pressure, and strike back with precision. With just one Hunter Art and a steeper learning curve, this style is best suited for skilled players or those looking to elevate their mechanical mastery.

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Valor Style: High Risk, High Reward

Valor Style dramatically changes your combat flow. You start with limited access to your weapon’s kit and can’t use items as freely because drawing and sheathing takes longer. But once you enter Valor Mode—by filling a special gauge through offensive action—you unlock a transformed version of your weapon with new moves and superior dodging. You can also enter a defensive stance while your weapon is sheathed, dodging attacks automatically and launching unique Valor attacks from that stance. While Valor Style only allows one Hunter Art, the combination of increased mobility, extended combos, and powerful skill expression makes this one of the deepest and most technical styles in the game. For those seeking to reinvent their weapon and rise to a steep but rewarding skill ceiling, Valor is the ultimate challenge.

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Alchemy Style: The Support Specialist

Alchemy Style introduces the Alchemy Barrel—an in-mission tool that lets you shake up a selection of support items. Once charged, the barrel can produce healing items, buffs, or offensive tools that are added directly to your item bar. Additionally, activating the barrel boosts your SP (Style Power) state, granting bonuses for you and your allies. These SP effects vary depending on your style and offer party-wide boosts that can turn the tide of battle. Alchemy Style grants access to three Hunter Arts, each enhanced in SP mode for extra potency. This is the ideal style for players who enjoy hybrid support roles, dynamic item play, and being the backbone of a strong team.

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Final Thoughts: Picking Your Path

There’s no universal “best” style. Each one shines in different contexts, depending on your weapon, your team composition, and your personal preferences. The smartest way to get started is to pick your favorite weapon, try a few styles that match your strengths or interests, and see what feels right. From there, you can delve into weapon-specific guides and refine your build for maximum effectiveness.

While Guild and Striker are the easiest starting points, don’t shy away from exploring Aerial, Adept, Valor, or Alchemy once you’re comfortable. Every style brings something exciting to the table, and mastering them opens up an incredible range of possibilities for both solo and multiplayer hunts.

Happy hunting—and may your style always match your spirit!