Top Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Ranked

Let's start by emphasizing that there isn't a universally "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're seeking a definitive answer on which weapon will guarantee 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.

Creating a successful build involves many elements, including armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These factors are crucial, but if you're looking for weapons that might help reduce your hunt times, here are some top recommendations. This tier list for the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online opinions, 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 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, all other weapons remain viable and effective.

S-tier: These weapons are the top performers in terms of damage output and ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical, offers significant benefits that the community values.

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

A-tier: These weapons can match S-tier performance with the right skills, though they may be more challenging or slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn, for example, excels in co-op scenarios.

• Insect Glaive
• Charge Blade
• Dual Blades
• Hunting Horn
• Heavy Bowgun
• Switch Axe

B-tier: While these weapons might require more effort and finely tuned builds to achieve the same results as higher tiers, they are still highly effective.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no single weapon is definitively the best in Monster Hunter Wilds, and every weapon is viable. Your tier list could vary based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists discourage 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 exceptional in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a "beginner" weapon, it's incredibly versatile and can deliver substantial damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stay close to the monster, and it can guard and deal powerful counterattacks. It's also capable of perfect guarding, enabling quick, potent counter slashes and triggering an Offensive Guard buff with the right equipment skill. For support hunters, it allows the use of items without sheathing, making it easy to provide life-saving Lifepowders and buffs to your team. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield offers it all, except for an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The developers of Monster Hunter typically start with the Great Sword in new games, and its design in Wilds reflects this priority. It benefits from new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating the quintessential Monster Hunter experience. Though slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. For those seeking the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with its True Charged Slash delivering immensely satisfying hits.

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains one of the most popular weapons in Monster Hunter due to its speed, ease of use, and satisfying playstyle. It relies on the Foresight Slash, a perfect-evading counterattack, to build up the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. With its impressive reach, it's ideal for slicing off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the rewards in damage output are well worth it when you're in the zone.

Gunlance

While I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly praised by IGN's community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons, but its rewards are substantial. It offers excellent defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power, though at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can now fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly powerful.

Bow

Despite not performing as well in certain speedruns, the Bow is widely considered a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds. It feels powerful and has been voted as the strongest weapon in community polls. Its new Tracer Ammo ensures shots hit and crit their targets, and it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. The Bow combines mobility, strength, and visually striking Focus Strikes.

Remember, this tier list serves as a reference. It's best to stick with the weapon you enjoy most. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you struggle with your True Charged Slashes and Offset attack timing. Mastery takes time, regardless of the weapon.

What weapon do you believe is 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! And for more detailed insights, check out the comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.