Let's start by saying this: there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're seeking a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time due to its overpowering nature, you won't find one. The essence of choosing a weapon lies in selecting what feels most enjoyable and effective for you personally. If you're not carting, consistently landing hits on the monster, and having fun in the process, that's what truly matters.
Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves a myriad of factors, including armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're looking to shave seconds off your hunt times, certain weapon types might be worth exploring. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a composite of IGN's community tier list, online opinions, my own assessment based on difficulty to master, and current speedrun time averages.
Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Tier List
Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List
The "best" weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds are Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed without a specific order. While the rest of the weapons are still highly viable, these stand out due to their performance and ease of use, which we'll delve into below.
S-tier: These weapons are considered the best for both their damage output and relative ease of mastery. The Gunlance, though more technical, offers significant benefits according to the community.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands but are generally more technical or slightly less powerful. The Hunting Horn excels in co-op settings.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: These weapons might not reach the heights of S- and A-tier even with experienced players, but they're still excellent choices. They may require more effort and fine-tuning of builds to match the performance of higher tiers.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers? As mentioned, there's no definitive best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, and every weapon is viable. Your tier list might differ based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists deter you from using your favorite weapon; B-tier is still considered great on the IGN scale!
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield is exceptional in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as just a "beginner" weapon, it's both easy to pick up and incredibly versatile. Once you master its combos and movements, it can deliver substantial damage. Its mobility allows you to stay on monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can also guard and deal punishing counterattacks. The Sword and Shield excels at perfect guarding, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and triggering an Offensive Guard buff with the right equipment skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as you can use items without sheathing the weapon, quickly administering life-saving Lifepowders and buffs to your team. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield covers all bases—except for an Offset attack.
See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds
Great Sword
The Great Sword is often the first weapon crafted in new Monster Hunter games, and its design in Wilds reflects that priority. It benefits from the new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, embodying quintessential Monster Hunter gameplay. Although slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode simplifies aiming. For those seeking the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with its True Charged Slash hits being immensely satisfying.
See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds
Long Sword
The Long Sword remains one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons due to its speed, ease of use, and engaging playstyle. It relies on the powerful Foresight Slash to build up the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage output. Its impressive reach makes severing tails straightforward. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the rewards in damage output are well worth it when you're in the zone.
See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds
Gunlance
While I admit to being less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly praised by IGN's community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons, but offers exceptional defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power, albeit at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can now fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly potent.
See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds
Bow
Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely regarded as a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's often voted as one of the strongest weapons in community polls and feels powerful, even with a slight Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and critical strikes, while Wilds ensures endless supplies of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. Perfecting dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. The Bow combines mobility, strength, and a visually striking Focus Strike.
See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds
Remember, this tier list serves as a guide, and we encourage you to stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you excel with the Light Bow Gun, knowing exactly where to aim and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you struggle with timing True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastery takes time, regardless of the weapon!
What weapon do you think is the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Share your thoughts and contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might update this article with new ratings! For more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
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