Top Weapons Ranked for Monster Hunter Wilds

Let's start by emphasizing this: in Monster Hunter Wilds, there is no definitive "best" weapon type. If you're seeking a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time due to its sheer power, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels right for you. As long as you're not carting, consistently landing hits on the monster, and enjoying the experience, 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 for the specific monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're looking to improve your hunt times, certain weapon types are worth exploring. This tier list for the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining 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 are the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. These weapons stand out above the rest for various reasons, which we'll delve into below.

S-tier: These are the cream of the crop, offering both high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical weapon in this tier, is highly valued by the community for its benefits.

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

A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they may be more technical and less forgiving, or they may slightly lag behind in potential. The Hunting Horn excels in co-op, even if it's not the top choice for solo hunts.

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

B-tier: These weapons may not reach the heights of S- and A-tier weapons, even with expert handling, but they're far from "bad." They might require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, there's no universally best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds; every weapon is viable. Your tier list might vary depending on the monster you're hunting. Don't let these tiers 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 a standout in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as just a "beginner" weapon, it's actually one of the most versatile and consistent options in the game. Once you master its combos and movements, it can deliver substantial damage. Its mobility allows you to stick to monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can guard and deliver punishing blows. It's also remarkably easy to perform perfect guards, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating the Offensive Guard buff if equipped. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, making it easy to administer life-saving Lifepowders and buffs to the entire party. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even aerial attacks, the Sword and Shield has you covered—except for an Offset attack.

See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds

Great Sword

The Great Sword is the first weapon the developers focus on in new Monster Hunter games, and it shows. In Wilds, it benefits from new Power Clashes and incredibly satisfying Offset attacks. While slower and more punishing for mishits compared to the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with True Charged Slash hits being especially gratifying.

See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains one of the most popular weapons in Monster Hunter for good reason. It's fast and relatively easy to pick up, offering a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle. It relies on the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, to build up the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage output. Its impressive reach makes slicing off tails easy. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the reward is immense damage 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 IGN's community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons but offers substantial defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power, albeit at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range and boasts a new, powerful attack: Wyrmstake Full Blast.

See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Bow

Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is considered an excellent choice in Monster Hunter Wilds, often topping community polls. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new move in Wilds, Tracer Ammo, guarantees that shots will hit and crit their intended target. Additionally, Wilds ensures the Bow never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. It's mobile, strong, and visually striking—what more could you want?

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 skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim with specific ammo and dodging every monster attack, you'll likely achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you're consistently missing your True Charged Slashes and struggling with Offset attacks. Mastery takes time, no matter the weapon.

What do you think is the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? Share your thoughts by contributing to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might update this article with new ratings based on your feedback! For more detailed information, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.