Let's start by emphasizing that there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're seeking a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times due to sheer overpowered capabilities, you won't find one. The key is to select a weapon that feels enjoyable and suits your playstyle. As long as you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and having a blast, you're on the right track.
Crafting a successful build involves multiple factors such as armor, decorations, and choosing the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're interested in weapons that might help you reduce hunt times, consider the following options. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online opinions, my own assessment of 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 in no particular order. While these weapons stand out, the rest are still perfectly viable. Here's why these weapons are exceptional:
S-tier: These are the cream of the crop, offering top-notch damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance is the most technical of this group, but its advantages make it a community favorite.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance with the right skills, as they are more technical and less forgiving, or slightly less potent. The Hunting Horn shines in co-op settings.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: Even in the hands of the most experienced players, these weapons might not reach the heights of S- and A-tier options, but they are by no means "bad." They may require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve similar results.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, there's no definitive best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds; every weapon is viable. Your tier list might vary based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists deter you from using your favorite weapon; B-tier is still excellent on the IGN scale!
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield is a powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a beginner's weapon, it's incredibly versatile and consistent, capable of delivering substantial 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 deal punishing damage. It excels at perfect guarding, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and triggering an Offensive Guard buff if you have that Equipment Skill. For support hunters, it allows item use without sheathing, making it easy to administer life-saving Lifepowders and buffing items to your team. Whether you prefer to evade or block, deal slashing or blunt damage, or even attack from above, the Sword and Shield offers it all—except an Offset attack.
[ttpp]See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds[ttpp]
Great Sword
The Great Sword is a cornerstone of Monster Hunter, often the first weapon developed for new games. It benefits from Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. Though slower and punishing on mishits, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you seek the highest damage in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with those True Charged Slash hits being visually gratifying.
[ttpp]See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds[ttpp]
Long Sword
The Long Sword is a perennial favorite in Monster Hunter due to its speed and accessibility. It offers a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle, relying on the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, to build the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its impressive reach makes tail slicing easy. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires management, but the payoff in damage output is immense when you're in the flow.
[ttpp]See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds[ttpp]
Gunlance
While I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly regarded by IGN's community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's challenging to master but offers superb defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power, albeit at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with extended range, and its new attack, Wyrmstake Full Blast, is incredibly potent.
[ttpp]See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds[ttpp]
Bow
Although the Bow isn't excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, it's widely considered a top-tier weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, often topping community polls. Despite a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test, it remains powerful. The Bow's new move, Tracer Ammo, guarantees hits and critical strikes. Additionally, Wilds ensures the Bow never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, boosting its potential. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. It's mobile, strong, and visually striking with its Focus Strike.
[ttpp]See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds[ttpp]
Remember, this tier list is a guide; we encourage you to stick with your preferred weapon. If you're adept with the Light Bow Gun, knowing where to aim with the right ammo and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better results than with the Great Sword if you're missing your True Charged Slashes and struggling with Offset attack timing. Mastery of any weapon takes time and practice!
What weapon do you believe is the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Share your thoughts by contributing to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. Your input might just help us update this guide! And for more in-depth information, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
