Unbiased Monster Hunter producer predicts one weapon will climb the popularity rankings in Ascendance, has no agenda: 'Hammer should definitely go up a place or

Capcom has released a series of weapon breakdown videos detailing the new Boost Bracer mechanics coming to Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, an expansion launching in 2027. The Boost Bracer functions as a combat-enhancing tool, granting hunters additional speed, impact, and exaggerated attack animations within existing weapon movesets. PC Gamer spoke with lead developers at Tokyo Game Show to discuss how the Boost Bracer alters combat flow and which weapons may benefit most from its introduction.

Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, a self-described hammer enthusiast, predicted the Hammer will climb one or two places in the weapon popularity rankings with Ascendance. Tsujimoto, who has produced the series since Monster Hunter Freedom 2 in 2007, revealed at the 2023 Justdan Game Festival that he had completed 895 hunts exclusively using the Hammer. His preference was reiterated in pre-release interviews for Wilds, where he stated both of his weapons would be Hammers.

The Hammer’s Boost Bracer kit includes the return of Rise’s Impact Crater switch skill, enabling hunters to enter a boosted combat state. Once activated, players gain a mid-charge boost dash for repositioning and a powerful one-armed slam that follows heavy charged attacks. Capcom’s weapon breakdown video for the Hammer highlights these new mechanics as central to its enhanced appeal.

Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches in 2027, with the Gunlance also expected to gain popularity due to new explosive shell mechanics. Ascendance director Takuro Hiraoka noted the Gunlance’s airborne plunging attacks and overheated stake thrusts may attract converts, potentially elevating its ranking. The expansion is available to wishlist on Steam now.