Let's start by saying this: there is no best weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're looking for a definitive answer on which weapon type will consistently yield the fastest hunt times because it's simply *that* good and overpowered, you won't find it here. The key is choosing a weapon that feels right for *you.* If you're not carting, consistently landing hits on the monster, and enjoying the game, that's what truly matters.
Creating a successful build for any weapon involves various factors like armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're aiming to reduce your hunt times, certain weapon types may give you an edge. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds was compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my personal opinion based on the difficulty to master each weapon, and some 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. While the rest of the weapons are certainly viable, these stand out for various compelling reasons, which we'll delve into below.
S-tier: These are the cream of the crop, offering exceptional damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, though the most technical weapon in this category, delivers significant benefits, as recognized by the community.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: A-tier weapons have the potential to rival S-tier weapons when mastered, as they often require more technical skill and are less forgiving. Alternatively, they may just fall slightly short. The Hunting Horn, while not the best for solo play, excels in co-op scenarios.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: These weapons might not match the performance of S- and A-tier weapons, even in skilled hands, but they are far from "bad." They may require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers? As mentioned earlier, no single weapon reigns supreme in Monster Hunter Wilds, and every weapon is viable. Tier lists can vary based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let these rankings discourage 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 phenomenal in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as merely a "beginner" weapon, it's incredibly versatile and consistent, capable of delivering substantial damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility during attacks allows you to stick to monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos, while also offering the ability to guard and deal punishing damage. It can even execute perfect guards with ease, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating the Offensive Guard buff with the right Equipment Skill. For support hunters, it allows the use of items without sheathing, making it possible to swiftly administer life-saving Lifepowders and buffing items to your team. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield covers all bases—except an Offset attack.
See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds.
Great Sword
The Monster Hunter developers prioritize the Great Sword when developing new games, and it shows. It excels with Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating quintessential Monster Hunter gameplay satisfaction. While it's slower and mishits can be costly, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier than ever. If you're seeking the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with those True Charged Slash hits looking incredibly gratifying.
See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Long Sword
The Long Sword remains one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons for good reason. It's fast, relatively easy to learn, and boasts a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle that leverages the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, to quickly build up the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. With excellent reach for its size, slicing off tails is a breeze. Managing the Spirit Gauge requires some skill, but the Long Sword's incredible damage output is well worth the effort when you're in the zone.
See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Gunlance
Admittedly, I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, but it's highly favored by IGN's community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to master compared to other S-tier weapons, yet its robust defense with a large shield capable of Perfect Guards and *explosive* power make it a formidable choice. In Wilds, it can now fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with extended range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly potent.
See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Bow
Despite not shining in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely regarded as a top pick in Monster Hunter Wilds, often voted as the strongest weapon in community polls. It feels powerful, even with a slight Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's S-tier status is bolstered by Tracer Ammo, which ensures shots hit and crit their targets. Wilds also ensures the Bow never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. Perfect dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing nearly non-stop attacks. It's mobile, powerful, and its Focus Strike looks fantastic—what more could you want?
See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Remember, this tier list is just a reference point, and we recommend sticking with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim with different ammo types and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you're consistently missing your True Charged Slashes and struggling with Offset attack timing. Mastering any weapon takes time!
What weapon do *you* think is the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. *Maybe* we'll update this article with new ratings! And for more detailed information, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
