With the recent launch of Monster Hunter Wilds, I’ve immersed myself in exploring all weapon types available, from Day One to the latest Title Update 1. This comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List is designed to guide both new and experienced players in selecting the most effective weapon for their gameplay style.
Complete Tier Ranking of Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds
This Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List evaluates the pros and cons of each weapon, categorizing them as beginner-friendly or suitable for seasoned players. We will also discuss how these weapons shine in Title Update 1 and their contributions to the current gameplay meta. Here’s the ultimate Monster Hunter Wilds weapon tier list:
S Tier Weapons
Insect Glaive
- Pros: Exceptional mobility, high damage output, and supportive Kinsects.
- Cons: Limited defensive options.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Both beginners and veterans.
Since the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds, the Insect Glaive has consistently maintained a competitive edge in the meta, particularly in Title Update 1. This weapon offers fluid movement and dynamic aerial combat, making it suitable for players at any level. Despite lacking a guard option, its fast evasion capabilities allow hunters to remain agile and avoid damage effectively.
One notable strength of the Insect Glaive is its Kinsect companion, which not only collects extracts for buffs to speed, attack, and stamina but also inflicts debuffs on monsters, providing a tactical advantage during battles.
Great Sword
- Pros: High DPS potential.
- Cons: Slow movement speed.
- Guard Accessibility: Yes.
- Best For: Veterans.
The Great Sword consistently delivers impressive DPS in Monster Hunter Wilds, capable of inflicting massive damage with a single, well-placed swing. Even formidable monsters like the High-Rank Zoh Shia can be felled quickly with a few expertly timed combos.
However, its slow movements are better suited for veteran players familiar with its weighty playstyle. Though it lacks mobility, effective use of evasion and guard techniques equips players with the means to endure battles.
Bow
- Pros: Excellent for mid to long-range attacks, precision strikes, and diverse attack options.
- Cons: Requires keeping distance from enemies, making close combat difficult.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Beginners.
The Bow offers an accessible playstyle for newcomers, allowing hunters to maintain distance from monsters with rapid-fire options like Quick Shot, Dragon Piercer, and Charging Sidestep attacks. The Dragon Piercer, which launches a high-impact fiery shot, is particularly enjoyable but requires charging for full effectiveness.
Though maintaining distance is often crucial, it poses a challenge as monsters tend to charge towards you. However, with high mobility, dodging can be effectively employed. Teamwork in multiplayer sessions can enhance survivability when paired with players wielding close-range weapons.
Long Sword
- Pros: Fast attacks and high damage potential.
- Cons: Lower DPS compared to other S Tier weapons.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Veterans.
If you enjoy executing combos, the Long Sword is a fantastic choice. Mastering the Spirit Gauge does wonders to amplify your damage output, making it one of the most skill-intensive weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Though it has slightly less DPS than the Great Sword, its speed compensates for it. If the Great Sword’s sluggishness doesn’t suit you, the Long Sword allows you to maintain quick and efficient action.
Sword and Shield
- Pros: A well-rounded weapon that balances offense and defense.
- Cons: Lacks significant counterattacks.
- Guard Accessibility: Yes.
- Best For: Beginners and veterans.
For new players still mastering Monster Hunter Wilds, the Sword and Shield permits easy defense and offense with its shield, minimizing damage taken while learning game dynamics. It’s an ideal weapon for understanding the game mechanics while preserving your character’s longevity.
This weapon excels in versatility, boasting impressive mobility, solid defensive capabilities, and powerful attacks, making it a true all-rounder. Though it may lack counterattacks, its overall strengths render the absence negligible.
A Tier Weapons
Gunlance
- Pros: Performs well with long-range attacks and solid guarding options.
- Cons: Slow mobility.
- Guard Accessibility: Yes.
- Best For: Veterans.
The Gunlance takes the functionality of the Sword and Shield to another level with its larger blade and integrated gun capabilities. Despite its potential, its slower mobility places it in the A tier. However, it offers a unique feature of chargeable shells, acting almost like a firearm.
Players who familiarize themselves with the Gunlance’s mechanics will appreciate its potential for high damage while also serving as a formidable tank for this weapon class.
Switch Axe
- Pros: Long reach in Axe Mode, quick strikes in Sword Mode.
- Cons: Can feel repetitive with the same combos.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Veterans.
The Switch Axe stands out as a formidable weapon for skilled hunters who can fluently alternate between Axe Mode and Sword Mode. Mastery of its mechanics can lead to some of the highest damage outputs in Monster Hunter Wilds.
That said, the limited combo opportunities may render longer battles tedious. Nevertheless, it remains a preferred choice for players focused on damage dealing.
Charge Blade
- Pros: Devastating Axe Mode.
- Cons: Complex mechanics.
- Guard Accessibility: Yes.
- Best For: Veterans.
However, players must master its intricate mechanics—charging phials with Sword Energy to unleash potent attacks during Axe Mode. This weapon may pose a challenge, particularly for novice players, demanding patience and skill to harness its full potential.
Dual Blades
- Pros: Best for high mobility.
- Cons: Damage output is lower than other weapons.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Both beginners and veterans.
The Dual Blades offer an exciting experience with rapid-fire attacks, even for beginners. Their agility and unique mechanics allow players to evade damage seamlessly. Be cautious of stamina consumption, as depleting it can render you vulnerable to enemy strikes.
By dealing consistent attacks, players can activate Demon Mode, temporarily enhancing their damage output. With practice, the Dual Blades become an impactful choice in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Heavy Bowgun
- Pros: Effective for long-distance precision attacks.
- Cons: Limited mobility.
- Guard Accessibility: Yes.
- Best For: Veterans.
The Heavy Bowgun is ideal for players who prefer stationary, powerful ranged attacks against monsters. While the Light Bowgun might resemble a machine gun, the Heavy Bowgun serves as an artillery cannon. However, this weapon’s lack of mobility can pose challenges for novice players.
Despite its stationary attack style, the Heavy Bowgun serves well as a great secondary weapon. It provides essential long-range support when needed, proving valuable in critical moments.
B Tier Weapons
Hunting Horn
- Pros: Excellent support capabilities.
- Cons: Moderate damage output and steep learning curve.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Veterans.
The Hunting Horn is a powerful blunt weapon that allows players to buff themselves and their teammates. While it may not achieve top damage rankings, its Echo Bubbles can undoubtedly improve combat effectiveness. By deploying Echo Bubbles on the battlefield, you enhance damage capabilities for those within range.
If you’re new to Monster Hunter Wilds, I’d recommend testing the Hunting Horn in the Training Grounds first. Its mechanics can be intricate, requiring the correct sequential hits to trigger effective performances. Just when you become comfortable, a Special Performance mechanic demands further precision, potentially complicating battles with looming threats.
Light Bowgun
- Pros: Quick mobility with impactful mid-range attacks.
- Cons: Not as powerful as the Heavy Bowgun.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Both newcomers and veterans.
The Light Bowgun is an excellent choice for beginner players, allowing continuous fire against monsters much like a machine gun. Maintaining distance from your target is crucial until you master the game mechanics, and the ability to fire damage consistently while remaining mobile is a significant advantage in your favor.
Compared to its heavier counterpart, the Light Bowgun lags behind in damage output, but its speed and maneuverability may make it the preferred option for players who value agility over firepower.
C Tier Weapons
Lance
- Pros: Exceptional defensive capabilities.
- Cons: Limited mobility and damage output.
- Guard Accessibility: Yes.
- Best For: Veterans.
Prioritizing defense, the Lance’s offensive presence is underwhelming, resulting in its lower rank within the Monster Hunter Wilds tier list. Monsters take longer to fall when wielding this weapon, making it reliant on teamwork for success. The combination of limited mobility can easily lead to taking damage from enemy strikes.
That said, the Lance still has merit for players who value defense. With swift attacks and effective counterattack opportunities, it has its place in the strategic toolbox.
Hammer
- Pros: Capable of potent strikes.
- Cons: Limited adaptability.
- Guard Accessibility: No.
- Best For: Beginners and veterans.
For players seeking to unleash powerful strikes and potentially stun larger foes, the Hammer serves as an excellent introductory weapon. Although it’s not the fastest, its significant attack potential makes it a strong contender, especially for those who prefer direct confrontation in combat.
While this may seem a bit critical, a Hammer does have its place, albeit one that feels overshadowed by the versatility of the Hunting Horn. The latter’s support capabilities truly set it apart in Monster Hunter Wilds, making it a favorite among skilled players.
Every weapon shines in the hands of a capable player. As you explore the various weapon choices, take the time to discover your preferred playstyle. Master the weapon that resonates with your gameplay, and you’ll find success against any challenge, regardless of tier placement on this list!
FAQ: Common Questions About Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons
What is the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds?
The Insect Glaive currently ranks as one of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, offering remarkable mobility and high damage potential, making it suitable for both new and veteran hunters.
Are ranged weapons better than melee in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Each weapon type has its strengths; ranged weapons like the Bow allow players to maintain distance and deliver consistent attacks, while melee weapons often have higher damage outputs. The best choice depends on your playstyle.
What should beginners use in Monster Hunter Wilds?
New players should consider starting with weapons like the Sword and Shield or the Light Bowgun, as these options offer a supportive playstyle with manageable mechanics to help with learning the game.
How does the tier list influence my weapon choice?
The tier list provides a framework to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon, helping players make informed choices that suit their preferences and gameplay style.