Let's start by emphasizing that there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're searching for a weapon that will guarantee the fastest hunt times every time due to its superior power, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels enjoyable and comfortable for you to use. As long as you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and having fun, 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 for weapon types that might help reduce your hunt times, consider trying the following. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my own insights based on difficulty to master, and current speedrun time averages.
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, in no particular order. These weapons stand out above the rest for various reasons, which we'll explore below.
S-tier: These weapons are considered the best of the best, offering high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical in this group, is highly valued by the community for its benefits.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: These weapons can be as effective as S-tier weapons when wielded by skilled players, though they might be more technical and less forgiving. The Hunting Horn, while not ideal for solo play, excels in cooperative settings.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: These weapons may not match the performance of S- and A-tier weapons even in the hands of experienced players, but they are still viable. They might require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, there is no single best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, and every weapon is 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. Even B-tier weapons are considered great on the IGN scale.
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield is incredibly versatile and often underestimated as just a "beginner" weapon. It's easy to pick up but can deal significant damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stay close to monsters, and it can guard and deliver punishing counterattacks. With the ability to perform perfect guards easily, you can execute quick, powerful counter slashes and activate an Offensive Guard buff with the right Equipment Skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable for using items without sheathing, allowing quick administration of Lifepowders and buffs to your party. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield has it all—except an Offset attack.
Great Sword
The Great Sword is often the first weapon developed for new Monster Hunter games, and it shows. It benefits from Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating quintessential Monster Hunter gameplay. Though slower and punishing if you miss, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're aiming for the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with those True Charged Slash hits being particularly satisfying.
Long Sword
The Long Sword remains one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons for good reason. It's fast and relatively easy to learn, offering a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle centered around the powerful Foresight Slash counterattack, which builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its reach makes slicing off tails easy, and while maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, the payoff in damage output is well worth it when you're in the zone.
Gunlance
While I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, the IGN community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts praise it in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons but offers incredible defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power, albeit at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly powerful.
Bow
Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely considered a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and crits, and the game ensures you never run out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing nearly continuous attacks. The Bow is mobile, strong, and its Focus Strike is visually stunning.
Remember, this tier list is just a reference. Stick with your preferred weapon; for example, if you're proficient with the Light Bowgun, knowing exactly where to aim and dodging every attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you struggle with True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastery of any weapon takes time!
What do you think is the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? Contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might update this article with new ratings! And for more detailed information, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
