Top Tier Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds Revealed

Let's start by emphasizing this: in Monster Hunter Wilds, there isn't a definitive "best" weapon type. If you're searching for a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times due to its overpowering nature, you won't find one. The key is to choose a weapon that feels enjoyable and suits your playstyle. If you're not frequently carting, consistently landing hits on monsters, and having fun while doing it, you're on the right track.

Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves numerous factors such as armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're interested in weapons that might help you reduce your hunt times, here are some top picks to consider. This tier list for the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiments, my personal insights 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 without a specific order. While all weapons are viable, these stand out for various reasons, which we will explore in detail below.

S-tier: These weapons are considered the best due to their high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical in this category, offers significant benefits according to the community.

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

A-tier: A-tier weapons can match S-tier performance with skilled handling, though they might be more challenging or slightly less effective. The Hunting Horn, while not ideal for solo play, shines in co-op scenarios.

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

B-tier: These weapons might not reach the heights of S- and A-tier even with expert handling, but they are far from "bad." They may require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no single weapon is universally the best in Monster Hunter Wilds, and 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; 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 standout in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as merely a "beginner" weapon, it's actually one of the most versatile and consistent weapons in the game. Its mobility allows you to stick to monsters like mud to a Jyuratodos, and it can guard while dealing significant damage. With practice, you can perfect guard and perform quick, powerful counter slashes, activating an Offensive Guard buff if equipped with the right skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, enabling swift administration of Lifepowders and buffs. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even aerial attacks, the Sword and Shield offers it all—except an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is the first weapon the developers typically design for new Monster Hunter games, and it shows. It excels with Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, embodying quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. Though slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest damage per hit, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with True Charged Slash hits being particularly gratifying.

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains a favorite in Monster Hunter for its speed, ease of use, and engaging playstyle. It leverages the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, to build the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. With excellent reach, it's ideal for slicing off tails. Managing the Spirit Gauge to maintain its max state can be challenging, but the rewards in damage output are well worth it when you're in the flow.

Gunlance

While I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly regarded by the IGN community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts. It's more challenging to master than other S-tier weapons but offers strong defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards, and explosive power, albeit at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and its new Wyrmstake Full Blast is incredibly potent.

Bow

Despite its performance in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is considered a top choice in Monster Hunter Wilds. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. Its new Tracer Ammo ensures shots hit and crit their targets, and the game ensures it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing almost non-stop attacks. It's mobile, strong, and its Focus Strike looks fantastic—what more could you ask for?

Remember, this tier list is a reference. Stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're adept with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim and dodging every attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you struggle with True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. 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! And for more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.