Top Weapons Ranked for Monster Hunter Wilds

Let's start by emphasizing a crucial point: there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're seeking a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every single time due to sheer superiority, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels enjoyable and comfortable for you to use. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and having fun, that's what truly matters.

Crafting a successful build involves numerous factors such as armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These elements are pivotal, but if you're aiming to improve your hunt times, consider experimenting with the following weapon types. This tier list for the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds was compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my personal opinion 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 Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. While other weapons are also viable, these stand out due to their unique advantages, which we'll explore below.

S-tier: These weapons are top-tier for both their damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance is the most technical weapon in this category, but its benefits make it a favorite among the community.

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

A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they tend to be more technical and less forgiving, or slightly less effective overall. The Hunting Horn, while not ideal for solo play, excels 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 users, but they are by no means "bad." They might 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; all are 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 strong 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 a "beginner" weapon, it's actually one of the most versatile and consistent options available. It offers incredible mobility even during attacks, allowing you to stick to monsters like mud to a Jyuratodos. It can guard effectively and deliver punishing damage, including easy perfect guards that enable quick, powerful counter slashes and proc an Offensive Guard buff if you have the right Equipment Skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, enabling quick administration of life-saving Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, dealing slashing or blunt damage, or attacking from above, the Sword and Shield has you covered—even with a Power Clash. The only thing missing is an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is often the first weapon the Monster Hunter developers refine in new games, and it shows. It excels in Wilds' new Power Clashes and Offset attacks, offering quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. Though slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode makes it easier to aim. If you're after the highest damage output per strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice—those True Charged Slash hits are incredibly satisfying.

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains a fan favorite in Monster Hunter for good reason. It's fast, relatively easy to pick up, and offers a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle. Its powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, quickly builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage output. With excellent reach for its size, slicing off tails is a breeze. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the reward is immense damage when you're in the flow.

Gunlance

The Gunlance is a challenging weapon to master, but highly rewarding. It offers excellent defense with its large shield, capable of Perfect Guards, and 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 not shining in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely considered a top pick in Monster Hunter Wilds. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo guarantees critical hits on intended targets, and Wilds ensures you never run out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. It's mobile, strong, and its Focus Strike looks fantastic.

Remember, this tier list is just a reference. Stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing where to aim with different ammo types and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you keep missing your True Charged Slashes and can't time your Offset attacks consistently. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice.

What weapon do you consider the best 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 based on your feedback! And for more detailed insights, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.