First off, let’s get one thing straight: there’s no ultimate weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you’re hoping for a clear-cut answer on which weapon will guarantee you the quickest hunts every single time, you’re out of luck. The reality is, you should pick whatever feels right for you. As long as you’re not getting knocked out, landing hits on the monster, and enjoying yourself, that’s what really counts.
When it comes to building a killer weapon setup, you’ve got to consider things like armor, decorations, and the specific Artian weapon that fits the monster you’re facing. Those are super important, but if you want to find weapon types that can help you shave off some time during hunts, these options are solid. This tier list of top weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a mashup of IGN’s community rankings, online opinions, my own experience with mastering them, and some current speedrun stats.
Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List
The Top Best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds are the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow. There’s no ranking here, but these weapons have some unique perks that make them special. However, the rest of the weapons are still more than capable!
S-Tier
This lineup features the absolute best for dealing damage while still being relatively easy to handle. The Gunlance stands out as the most complicated weapon, but the community thinks the rewards are definitely worth the learning curve.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-Tier
A-tier weapons can perform nearly as well as S-tier ones if you know how to use them. They often demand a bit more finesse and can be tricky, or they might just fall slightly short. While the Hunting Horn isn’t the greatest for solo play, it’s fantastic when you’re teaming up with others.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-Tier
While these weapons might not quite measure up to S- and A-rank ones, even in the hands of pros, that doesn’t mean they’re “bad.” They just require a bit more effort and some careful tweaking to get the same results as the higher-tier options.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
[note]Like we mentioned earlier, there’s no definitive best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds; every weapon has its strengths. Depending on the monster you’re up against, your tier list could look completely different. So, don’t let those tier lists hold you back from using your favorite weapon. B-tier is still solid on the IGN scale![/note]
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds is a total gem that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Many folks think of it as just a “beginner” weapon, but it’s so much more. It’s super user-friendly, but once you nail your combos and movements, it turns into one of the most adaptable and reliable weapons in the game, capable of racking up some serious damage. You can stay agile even while attacking, making it easy to stick to monsters like a Jyuratodos in mud. It’s also great for guarding and can hit back hard. Perfect guarding is a piece of cake, letting you unleash quick counter slashes and activate an Offensive Guard buff if you’ve got that skill. Plus, if you’re a support player, you can use items without putting your weapon away, so you can quickly heal your team with Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you like to dodge, block, deal slashing or blunt damage, or even attack from above, the Sword and Shield has you covered—just missing an Offset attack.
Great Sword
The developers of Monster Hunter have mentioned that the first weapon they usually work on for new games is the Great Sword, and you can really see why. It makes the most of the new Power Clashes in Wilds and those Offset attacks are super satisfying. Overall, its kit embodies the classic Monster Hunter experience. It might take a bit more practice compared to the Sword and Shield since it’s slower and a missed hit can really hurt, but with Focus Mode, aiming is easier than ever. If you want to deal the most damage in one hit, the Great Sword is definitely a solid choice, and those True Charged Slash hits are just so satisfying to pull off.
Long Sword
The Long Sword stands out as the most popular weapon in Monster Hunter, and for good reason. It’s fast and easy to get the hang of, with a playstyle that’s both flashy and satisfying. The Foresight Slash is a great counterattack that helps you rack up your Spirit Gauge quickly for maximum damage. Its reach is impressive too, making it super easy to slice off tails. Sure, keeping that Spirit Gauge at its peak takes some work, but the damage you can unleash when you’re in the groove is totally rewarding.
Gunlance
Honestly, I don’t know much about the Gunlance, but it seems like the folks over at IGN and the gaming community really dig it in Monster Hunter Wilds. I’ve found it trickier to get the hang of compared to other top-tier weapons, but once you nail it, the defense is fantastic with that big shield for Perfect Guards and some serious explosive power, though you do lose a bit of mobility. In Wilds, you can now shoot two Wyvern’s Fire shots, and they’ve got a longer range too. Plus, the new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is super powerful!
Bow
The bow might not be the best choice for speedruns in Tempered Arkveld, but many players still think it’s a solid option in Monster Hunter Wilds. It often tops community polls as the strongest weapon, and I totally get it! It feels super powerful, even with the slight nerf to Focus Strike since the Open Beta Test. So, what’s the deal with its S-tier status? Wilds introduces a new move called Tracer Ammo that guarantees your shots hit and crit. Plus, you’ll never run out of those damage-boosting or ailment coatings, which really boosts its damage output. And if you get your dodge timing just right, the Bow’s Discerning Dodge helps you regain stamina, so you can keep the pressure on! It’s agile, powerful, and that Focus Strike is just cool—what else do you need?
Just remember, this info is for reference only, and we totally recommend using the weapon you feel most confident with. For example, if you’re a pro with the Light Bow Gun and can aim perfectly while dodging monster strikes, you’ll likely have better times than if you’re using the Great Sword and keep missing your True Charged Slashes or struggling with your Offset attacks. It takes time to get good with any weapon!
What’s your pick for the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? Join in on our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might even refresh this piece with new ratings! Plus, check out our ever-expanding Monster Hunter Wilds guide for more info.
