Let's start by emphasizing that in Monster Hunter Wilds, there isn't a single "best" weapon type that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time. The key is to choose a weapon that feels right for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying the gameplay, that's what truly matters.
Crafting a successful build involves various elements such as armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These are crucial components, but if you're looking to potentially reduce your hunt times, certain weapon types might help. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is compiled from IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my own insights 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 the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed 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 more technical, is highly valued by the community for its benefits.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they might be more technical or slightly less forgiving. The Hunting Horn, for instance, excels in co-op scenarios.
- 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 weapons even with expert handling, but they are still effective. They may require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers?: As mentioned, no single weapon is definitively the best in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all weapons are viable. Your tier list could vary 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 highly versatile and consistent in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a beginner's weapon, it's easy to pick up but offers significant damage potential once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stay close to the monster, and it can guard and counter with powerful slashes. With the right Equipment Skills, it can perform perfect guards and activate Offensive Guard buffs. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, enabling quick deployment of Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield has you covered—except for an Offset attack.
Great Sword
The Great Sword is the first weapon typically developed for new Monster Hunter games, and it shines in Wilds with Power Clashes and Offset attacks. While slower and more punishing on mishits, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest single-strike damage, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with its True Charged Slash hits being particularly satisfying.
Long Sword
The Long Sword remains one of the most popular weapons in Monster Hunter for its speed and ease of use. Its playstyle is fun and flashy, relying on the Foresight Slash for perfect evades and building the Spirit Gauge to maximize damage. With its impressive reach, it's perfect for slicing off monster tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the reward is significant damage output when you're in the zone.
Gunlance
The Gunlance may be more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons, but its potential is immense. It offers strong defense with its large shield, capable of Perfect Guards, and packs explosive power, though 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 regarded as a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and critical strikes, and it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. With perfect dodge timing, the 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 adept with the Light Bowgun, knowing where to aim and dodging every attack, you'll outperform someone struggling with the Great Sword. Mastering 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 insights, check out the comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
