Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

Let's be clear: there's no single "best" weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds. Forget the quest for a universally overpowered option; the ideal weapon is the one *you* enjoy and excel with. Consistent hits, successful hunts, and fun gameplay are the true measures of success. While build optimization (armor, decorations, and weapon choice tailored to specific monsters) significantly impacts performance, some weapon types consistently contribute to faster hunt times.

This tier list, a blend of IGN community rankings, online feedback, personal experience, mastery difficulty, and speedrun data, highlights weapons that often excel. Remember, this is subjective and hunt times depend heavily on skill and build.

Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Tier List

Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

The following weapons stand out, though all weapons remain viable. Their strengths are detailed below.

S-tier: Exceptional damage output and relative ease of mastery. The Gunlance, while technically demanding, offers significant rewards.

Sword and Shield
Great Sword
Long Sword
Gunlance
Bow

A-tier: Potentially S-tier with skilled play. These weapons demand more precision and may be less forgiving. The Hunting Horn shines in cooperative hunts.

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

B-tier: While capable, these weapons might require more refined builds and expertise to match the performance of S and A-tier options. However, they are far from ineffective.

Lance
Hammer
Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers? As stated, there's no definitively "best" weapon. Weapon effectiveness varies greatly depending on the monster and hunter skill. Don't let tier lists restrict your weapon choice; even B-tier weapons remain highly effective.

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield consistently underperforms expectations. While approachable for beginners, its versatility and damage potential are often underestimated. High mobility during attacks allows for persistent monster engagement, combined with guarding capabilities and punishing counterattacks. Perfect guarding is exceptionally easy, enabling powerful counter slashes and the Offensive Guard buff. Furthermore, item usage is possible without sheathing, offering crucial support for the team. Its adaptability, covering various combat styles, makes it a strong contender. The only significant drawback is the lack of an Offset attack.

See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds

Great Sword

A developer favorite, the Great Sword showcases its design philosophy. It excels with Power Clashes and Offset attacks, delivering quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. While slower and less forgiving than the Sword and Shield, Focus Mode enhances aiming precision. For maximum single-hit damage, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, its True Charged Slash attacks especially rewarding.

See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

Long Sword

The Long Sword's popularity stems from its speed, accessibility, and satisfying gameplay. The Foresight Slash, a perfect-evading counterattack, efficiently builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its reach facilitates tail cutting. While Spirit Gauge management is crucial, the resulting damage output is substantial.

See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

Gunlance

Though personally less familiar, community feedback and speedrun data highlight the Gunlance's effectiveness. Its mastery curve is steeper, but its defensive capabilities (Perfect Guards) and offensive power (Wyvern's Fire, Wyrmstake Full Blast) are substantial.

See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Bow

Despite a minor Focus Strike nerf, the Bow remains a strong contender. Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and critical hits, while unlimited coatings enhance damage potential. Mastering the Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing for near-constant attacks. Its mobility, power, and visual appeal make it a compelling choice.

See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Ultimately, weapon proficiency trumps tier lists. A skilled Light Bowgun user will outperform a Great Sword user struggling with True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice.

What's your preferred weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? Share your thoughts! And for more detailed information, explore our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.