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"Top Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Tier List"

by Ava Apr 22,2025

Let's start by saying this: 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 because it's overpoweringly effective, you won't find it. The key is to choose the weapon that feels good for you to play with. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying yourself, that's what truly matters.

Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves many factors, including 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 reduce your hunt times, here are some weapon types 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 insights 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. While all weapons are viable, these stand out due to their high damage output and ease of use. Here’s how they rank:

S-tier: These weapons excel in both damage and user-friendliness. The Gunlance, though more technical, offers significant rewards according to the community.

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

A-tier: These weapons can match S-tier performance with the right skills, as they are more technical and less forgiving, or slightly less effective overall. The Hunting Horn shines in co-op settings.

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

B-tier: These weapons may not match the top tiers in experienced hands but are still highly effective. They require more effort and finely-tuned builds.

  • Lance
  • Hammer
  • Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no single weapon is universally "best" 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 discourage you from using your favorite weapon; even B-tier is considered great on the IGN scale!

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is a versatile powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a "beginner" weapon, it's easy to pick up but offers immense potential for dealing high damage through well-executed combos and movements. Its mobility is unmatched, allowing you to stay close to monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos. It can also guard and deliver punishing counterattacks, including perfect guards that trigger an Offensive Guard buff with the right equipment skill. For support hunters, the ability to use items without sheathing the weapon is invaluable, enabling quick deployment of Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, the Sword and Shield covers it all—except an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is often the first weapon refined by the Monster Hunter developers, and it shows. It leverages Wilds' new Power Clashes and Offset attacks for satisfying gameplay. Though slower and more punishing on mishits, the introduction of Focus Mode makes it easier to aim. If you're aiming for the highest single-strike damage, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, delivering those True Charged Slash hits with immense satisfaction.

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains a fan favorite in Monster Hunter due to its speed, ease of use, and engaging playstyle. It relies on the powerful Foresight Slash to build the Spirit Gauge, enabling maximum damage output. Its reach makes it ideal for slicing off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some effort, but the resulting damage potential is well worth it.

Gunlance

While the Gunlance is challenging to master, it's highly regarded by the community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its large shield allows for Perfect Guards, and it offers explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly powerful.

Bow

Despite a slight Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test, the Bow remains a top pick in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and critical strikes, and the game ensures unlimited coatings, boosting damage potential. The Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina on perfect dodges, allowing near-constant attacks. Its mobility, strength, and stylish Focus Strike make it a standout choice.

Remember, this tier list is just a reference. Stick with the weapon you enjoy most. For example, if you're adept with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely 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!

What weapon do you consider the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Share your thoughts and contribute to our Community Tier List. We might update this article with new ratings! For more detailed information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.