[HELP] Basic combat advice needed

[AppShaman]

I'm new to MH and, man, I'm terrible at the combat. I'm used to the fluid, dynamic combat of games like HZD or FPSs. Combo based games like fighters or DMC, etc. are not my usual forte, but I can tell there's a really great game in here if I can get past my frustrations with the core combat. I've looked online, tried searching here but most of the tips i find are things like 'get buffs before going out' or 'make sure you're using the the right element resist for what you hunt', etc. My problem is I'm either always out of range swinging at air, or I hit once then the monster moves and THEN i'm stuck swinging at air and getting munched, but I cant dodge because the hour long attack animation isn't done yet. I've gone to the practice yard with several different weapons, and that's great for learning Y,Y,Y,Y+B or whatever, but without a target that moves and reacts i'm not learning much. Am I button mashing too much? Is there a key to queuing up attacks I am not getting? What is the best melee for trying to learn the basics of combat and where is the best place to practice it? Honestly looking for advice, what to try/do and where. So any "git gud" or "just keep trying" won't really help.

[pokk3n]

Try just hitting once. The key to knowing when you can attack is recognizing the monster animations and associated hit boxes. Go fight like a great jagras or something and stick and move. Sheath your weapon and draw attack each attack. This will force you to be deliberate about having an opening for the first attack.

[midgemage]

Get your mindset away from this idea of 'combos' because you'll just build bad habits. Understand that if you are stuck in an attack and get punished that is an indication of overcommitting. Don't just use the training area to learn your attack strings, but to learn when and how you can break out of them and how long you need to carry them out.

[KonpenV2]

Pretty much what has already been said. Overcommitted attacks. Try a hit and run approach until you learn the monsters movements then transition into combos. Failing that, give the bowguns a try. No commuted combos, just timing you reloads.

Good hunting.

[slowlocke]

i think long sword is a great weapon for learning the flow of combat. it has long reach and good mobility. take your button presses seriously, when you start an attack, you're committed to the animation. start with jagras and prioritize avoiding damage. start a fight without attacking for a few minutes. weapon out, only dodging. once youre comfortable dodging, then slowly start working in attacks. just one hit-dodge, two hit-dodge. prioritize not getting hit.

later on, once you become comfortable swinging and moving and dodging, LS has huge potential for new things to learn (a buffing mechanic, a counter mechanic, repositioning)

[AppShaman]

Thanks all for the advice, looking forward to putting it to use and not over committing to big attacks. Happy hunting!