Top Tier Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds Revealed

Let's start by acknowledging 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 sheer power, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels right for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying the game, that's what truly matters.

Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves numerous factors such as armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're looking for weapon types that can help you reduce hunt times, the following are worth considering. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a compilation of IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my personal opinion 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 in no particular order. These weapons stand out for various reasons, which we'll detail below. However, all other weapons remain viable choices.

S-tier: These weapons are the cream of the crop, offering both high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, though technically demanding, is highly valued by the community for its benefits.

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

A-tier: These weapons can rival S-tier weapons in skilled hands, but they may be more technical or slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn shines in co-op scenarios.

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

B-tier: These weapons might require more effort and fine-tuned builds to match the performance of higher-tier options, but they are still highly effective.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned, there isn't a definitive best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all weapons are viable. Your tier list might vary based 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 exceptional in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a "beginner" weapon, it's easy to pick up but offers immense versatility and consistent damage output once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stick to monsters effectively, and it can guard while dealing significant damage. It's also capable of perfect guarding, enabling quick and powerful counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff with the right equipment skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, enabling quick healing or buffing for the team. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even aerial attacks, the Sword and Shield excels in all areas—except for an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is often the first weapon developed for new Monster Hunter games, and its design in Wilds showcases this priority. It benefits from the game's new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, offering quintessential Monster Hunter gameplay satisfaction. While slower and punishing for mishits, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier than ever. If you're after the highest single-strike damage, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with its True Charged Slash delivering visually and impactfully satisfying hits.

Long Sword

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

Gunlance

While I admit to being less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly praised by the IGN community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons but offers incredible defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power 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 potent.

Bow

Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely considered a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds, often voted as the strongest weapon in community polls. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo in Wilds guarantees hits and crits, while the game ensures an endless supply of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing nearly uninterrupted attacks. The Bow offers mobility, strength, and a visually impressive Focus Strike.

Remember, this tier list is for reference only. Stick with your preferred weapon; for example, if you're adept with the Light Bowgun, knowing where to aim and dodging monster attacks effectively will yield better results than struggling with the Great Sword. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice.

What weapon do you think is the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article, and we might update this article with new ratings! For more detailed information, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.