Let's start by emphasizing that there's 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 overpowered, you won't find one. The key is to choose a weapon that feels right for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying yourself, that's what matters most.
Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves several factors, including armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're looking to shave seconds off your hunt times, certain weapon types are worth considering. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my own insights based on difficulty to master, and current speedrun time averages.
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, in no particular order. These weapons stand out for various reasons, which we'll explore below.
S-tier: These are the cream of the crop, offering high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance is the most technical weapon in this category, but its benefits are well worth the effort, according to the community.
- 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 or slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn, while not the best for solo play, excels in cooperative settings.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: While these weapons may not reach the heights of S- and A-tier weapons, even in experienced hands, they are by no means "bad." They simply 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 definitive "best" weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, and every weapon is viable. Your tier list could vary depending on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists deter you from using your favorite weapon; even B-tier weapons are great on the IGN scale!
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield is incredibly versatile and often underestimated as just a "beginner" weapon. While easy to pick up, it's also one of the most consistent weapons in the game, capable of dealing substantial damage with mastered combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stick to monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can guard and deliver punishing counterattacks. The Sword and Shield can perform perfect guards easily, enabling quick, 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 deployment of life-saving Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even aerial attacks, the Sword and Shield has it all—except an Offset attack.
Great Sword
The Great Sword is often the first weapon developed for new Monster Hunter games, and its design reflects that. It benefits from Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating the quintessential Monster Hunter experience. While it's slower and mishits can be costly, the new Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest single-strike damage, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with True Charged Slash hits that are visually and mechanically satisfying.
Long Sword
The Long Sword remains one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons due to its speed, ease of use, and satisfying playstyle. It relies on the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, to build up the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. With excellent reach, it's perfect for slicing off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the payoff in damage output is significant when you're in the zone.
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 amazing 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.
Bow
Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely praised in Monster Hunter Wilds and 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 guarantees hits and crits, and it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. Perfecting dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-constant attacking. The Bow is mobile, strong, and visually striking—what more could you want?
Remember, this tier list is for reference only. Stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing exactly where to aim and dodging every attack, you'll outperform a Great Sword user who struggles with timing their True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastery takes time, so choose what suits you best.
What do you think is the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? 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.
