Let's start by emphasizing that there isn't a single "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're searching for a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times because it's overwhelmingly powerful, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels enjoyable and comfortable for you. 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 a variety of factors, including armor, decorations, and selecting a specific Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're looking to reduce your hunt times, certain weapon types might be particularly effective. The following tier list for Monster Hunter Wilds was compiled using IGN's community tier list, online opinions, my own assessment based on mastery difficulty, 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 include Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed without a specific order. These weapons stand out for various reasons, which we'll explore below. However, it's important to note that all other weapons remain viable and effective in their own right.
S-tier: These weapons are considered the top tier for their damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical, offers significant benefits that the community appreciates.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: A-tier weapons have the potential to match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they might be more challenging or slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn, for instance, excels in co-op scenarios.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: B-tier weapons might not reach the heights of S- and A-tier even with experienced use, 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, no weapon is definitively the best in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all 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. B-tier is still considered excellent by IGN standards.
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield is exceptionally versatile in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a "beginner" weapon, it's easy to master yet offers high damage potential with refined combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stay close to monsters, and it can guard and counterattack effectively. It can perform perfect guards easily, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff with the right equipment. For support players, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, enabling quick deployment of Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evading or blocking, dealing slashing or blunt damage, or attacking from above, the Sword and Shield offers it all—except an Offset attack.
See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds.
Great Sword
The developers prioritize the Great Sword in new Monster Hunter games, and it shines in Wilds with its ability to utilize Power Clashes and Offset attacks. Though slower and requiring more practice than the Sword and Shield, the new Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest single-strike damage, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, delivering satisfying True Charged Slash hits.
See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Long Sword
The Long Sword remains a fan favorite in Monster Hunter due to its speed, ease of use, and satisfying playstyle. It excels with its perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, which quickly builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its impressive reach makes severing tails straightforward. Managing the Spirit Gauge is key, but mastering it leads to incredible damage output when you're in the zone.
See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Gunlance
Though I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly regarded by the community and speedrunners in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to pick up than other S-tier weapons but offers strong defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it can now fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range and boasts the powerful Wyrmstake Full Blast attack.
See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Bow
Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely considered strong in Monster Hunter Wilds, often ranking high in community polls. It feels powerful, even after a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. Its new Tracer Ammo ensures hits and crits, while the game's design ensures it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. Perfect dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. It's mobile, potent, and visually striking with its Focus Strike.
See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Remember, this tier list is just a reference. We encourage you to stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're proficient with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim and dodging effectively, you'll likely achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you're struggling with your True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastery of any weapon takes time and practice.
What do you think is 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 even update this article with new ratings! For more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
