Let's start by emphasizing that there's no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're searching for a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time due to its sheer power, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels right for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying the game, that's what truly matters.
Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves many elements, including armor, decorations, and selecting a specific Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These are crucial factors, but if you're looking to reduce your hunt times, here are some weapon types that might help. This tier list for Monster Hunter Wilds is a blend of IGN's community tier list, online opinions, my own assessment based on difficulty to master, and current speedrun 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 in no particular order. While all weapons are viable, these stand out for various reasons, which we'll explore below.
S-tier: These weapons are top-tier in terms of damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical, offers significant benefits according to the community.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: These weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they might be more technical and less forgiving, or just slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn excels in co-op scenarios.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: These weapons may not reach the heights of S- and A-tier weapons, even with expert handling, but they're still effective. They might require more effort and fine-tuning for optimal results.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no weapon is inherently the best in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all are viable. Your tier list might differ depending 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 a beginner's weapon, it's actually highly versatile and consistent, capable of delivering significant damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stick to monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can guard and deliver punishing counterattacks. It can even perform perfect guards with ease, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff if you have that skill equipped. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, enabling quick administration of life-saving Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even aerial attacks, the Sword and Shield has you covered—except for an Offset attack.
See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds.
Great Sword
The developers often start with the Great Sword when designing new games, and it shows. It excels with Monster Hunter Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating the quintessential Monster Hunter experience. It's slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, but Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're seeking the highest damage per hit, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with True Charged Slash hits being particularly satisfying.
See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Long Sword
The Long Sword is a fan-favorite for good reason. It's fast, relatively easy to learn, and offers a fun, flashy playstyle centered around the powerful Foresight Slash, which builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. It also has impressive reach, making it ideal for slicing off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the payoff in damage is well worth it when you're in the zone.
See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Gunlance
While I'm 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 it offers exceptional defense with its large shield and the ability to perform Perfect Guards, along with explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it can now fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and the new Wyrmstake Full Blast is incredibly potent.
See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Bow
Despite its struggles in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely regarded as a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds, often topping community polls. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo in Wilds ensures hits and crits, and its coatings never run out, boosting damage potential. Additionally, perfecting your dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. The Bow is mobile, strong, and visually striking with its Focus Strike.
See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Remember, this tier list is just a guide. Stick with the weapon that suits you best. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim and dodging every attack, you'll outperform someone using the Great Sword if they struggle with their True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice.
What do you consider the best weapon 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! And for more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
