Hammer: Best Builds & Skills
The Hammer in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is the undisputed king of blunt force, specializing in staggering monsters and dealing massive impact damage to their heads. Its slow, deliberate swings are designed to break monster poise, leading to extended stun durations and critical openings. This weapon is for players who enjoy a methodical approach, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to unleash devastating blows.
An optimal Hammer build prioritizes raw impact damage and the ability to stagger opponents. The Stun skill is paramount, as it significantly increases the chance of knocking monsters unconscious with your attacks. Combine this with skills that boost raw attack power, such as Attack Boost, and those that enhance your charging capabilities, like Focus, to reach your most powerful attacks faster. The Slugger skill is another excellent choice, further increasing your chances of inflicting stun. Armor sets that offer these skills, such as the Anjanath set with its innate Artillery Novice bonus (which boosts impact damage), are highly recommended.
When choosing a Monstie to accompany your Hammer-wielding Rider, consider those that can capitalize on your stuns or provide additional crowd control. A Monstie that can inflict Paralysis or Sleep can create even longer windows for you to land your charged Hammer attacks. For instance, a paralyzed monster is an easy target for a fully charged Spinning Bludgeon. Alternatively, a Monstie with a strong defensive presence can help you survive while you charge your attacks. A Rathian, with its ability to inflict poison, can also add a layer of damage-over-time, ensuring that even when you're not actively attacking, the monster is still taking damage. Remember that the Hammer's primary target is the monster's head, so always aim for that weak point to maximize your staggering potential and ensure you can unleash your most powerful attacks, like the Earthshaker, with confidence.