Top Weapons Ranked in Monster Hunter Wilds

Let's start by acknowledging a fundamental truth: there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're hunting for the ultimate 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 gameplay, that's what truly matters.

Crafting a successful build 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 to shave seconds off your hunt times, certain weapon types stand out. Our tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a compilation of IGN's community tier list, online opinions, my personal insights based on difficulty to master, and current speedrun averages.

Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

The "best" weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds are Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. While these weapons excel, the rest are still highly viable. Here's why these weapons stand out:

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 in this category, is highly valued by the community for its unique benefits.

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

A-tier: These weapons have the potential to match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they may be more technical and less forgiving. The Hunting Horn, while not ideal for solo play, shines in co-op scenarios.

• 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 experienced players, but they are far from "bad." They require more effort and finely-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 every weapon is viable. Your tier list might vary depending on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists deter 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 powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as merely a "beginner" weapon, it's incredibly versatile and consistent. 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 counter with punishing force. The Sword and Shield can perform perfect guards easily, enabling quick counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff with the right equipment skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as you can use items without sheathing it, quickly administering life-saving Lifepowders and buffs to your team. Whether you prefer evasion, blocking, slashing, or blunt damage, the Sword and Shield offers it all—except an Offset attack.

See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is a staple of the Monster Hunter series, and it's clear why the developers prioritize it in new games. It leverages Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating the quintessential Monster Hunter experience. Although slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're aiming for the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with its True Charged Slash hits being visually and mechanically satisfying.

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 quick to pick up, with a fun and flashy playstyle centered around the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, which quickly builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its impressive reach makes it easy to slice off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the payoff in damage output is well worth it when you're in the zone.

See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Gunlance

While I'm not an expert on the Gunlance, it's clear from IGN's community tier list, speedrunners, and online discussions that it's a fan favorite in Monster Hunter Wilds. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons, but its rewards are significant. The Gunlance offers robust defense with its large shield, capable of Perfect Guards, and explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it can now fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly powerful.

See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Bow

Despite not shining in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely regarded as an excellent choice in Monster Hunter Wilds, often ranking highly in community polls. It feels powerful despite a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo in Wilds guarantees hits and crits, and the game ensures you never run out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. Perfecting your dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing for almost continuous attacks. The Bow offers mobility, strength, and a visually striking Focus Strike.

See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Remember, this tier list is merely a guide. We encourage you to stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're adept 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're struggling with your True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastery of any weapon takes time and practice.

What do you consider the best weapon 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 in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.