Top Weapons Ranked for Monster Hunter Wilds

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 every time due to being overpoweringly good, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels enjoyable and effective 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 numerous 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 for weapon types that can potentially reduce your hunt times, consider trying out the following. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a composite of IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my own assessment 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 include Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed without a specific order. While these weapons stand out for various reasons, the rest of the arsenal remains viable. Below, we'll delve into why these weapons excel.

S-tier: These weapons are top-tier for both damage output and ease of use. The Gunlance, though more technical, offers significant advantages according to the community.

• Sword and Shield
• Great Sword
• Long Sword
• Gunlance
• Bow

A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands but are often more technical or slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn, while not ideal for solo play, shines in cooperative 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 extensive experience, but they are far from "bad." They may require more effort and fine-tuned builds to achieve similar results.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no single weapon reigns supreme in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all are viable. Your tier list could vary based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists deter you from using your favorite weapon; even B-tier is considered great on the IGN scale.

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is exceptional in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a beginner's weapon, it's incredibly versatile and consistent, capable of dealing 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 both guard and deliver punishing damage. It can easily perform perfect guards, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff if you have the appropriate Equipment Skill. For support players, it's invaluable as it allows you to use items without sheathing, making it easy to administer life-saving Lifepowders and buffs to your team. Whether you prefer to evade or block, deal slashing or blunt damage, or attack from above, the Sword and Shield offers it all—except an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The Great Sword, often the first weapon developed for new Monster Hunter games, showcases its prowess in Wilds with new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks. Though slower and more punishing if mishandled, the introduction of Focus Mode simplifies aiming. If you're after the highest damage in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with its True Charged Slash delivering visually stunning and satisfying hits.

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains a fan favorite in Monster Hunter for its speed, ease of use, and engaging playstyle. It relies on the Foresight Slash for perfect evades, quickly building the Spirit Gauge to maximize damage output. With its impressive reach, it's perfect for slicing off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some effort, but the payoff is immense, allowing for exceptional damage when you're in the zone.

Gunlance

While the Gunlance is more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons, its community acclaim in Monster Hunter Wilds is undeniable. It offers strong defense with its large shield, capable of Perfect Guards, and delivers explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range and boasts a new, powerful attack called Wyrmstake Full Blast.

Bow

Despite not topping Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is highly regarded in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and critical strikes, while the game ensures the Bow never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, boosting its damage potential. Mastering the Bow's Discerning Dodge can replenish your stamina, allowing near-constant attacks. The Bow's mobility, strength, and striking Focus Strike make it a compelling choice.

Remember, this tier list is a guide, and we encourage you to stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're adept with the Light Bow Gun, knowing exactly where to aim with specific ammo and dodging every monster attack, you might achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you struggle with timing your True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Every weapon requires time and practice to master.

What weapon do you consider the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Share your thoughts and contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might update this article with new ratings! For more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.