Top Weapons Ranked in Monster Hunter Wilds

Let's start by emphasizing this key point: there isn't a definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're searching for a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time due to being overwhelmingly powerful, you won't find it. The reality is that your choice should be driven by what feels enjoyable and effective for you personally. As long as you're not carting, consistently landing hits on the monster, and having fun, you're on the right track.

Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves multiple factors, such as armor, decorations, and selecting the optimal Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're interested in weapons that might help you shave off those precious seconds from your hunt times, consider trying the following. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds has been compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, personal insights based on difficulty to master, and current speedrun time averages.

Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

The "best" weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds include the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. These weapons stand out above the rest for various reasons, which we'll explore below.

S-tier: These weapons are considered the cream of the crop, offering high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while the most technical in this category, is highly valued by the community for its benefits.

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

A-tier: These weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they may be more technical and less forgiving. The Hunting Horn, while not the top choice for solo play, excels in cooperative settings.

• 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 weapons, even with experienced players, but they are by no means "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, there's no definitive best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all weapons are viable. Your tier list could vary depending on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists deter you from using your favorite weapon; even B-tier weapons are considered great 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 merely a "beginner" weapon, it's incredibly versatile and consistent, capable of delivering substantial damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stick to monsters like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can guard and deal punishing damage. It can also perform perfect guards easily, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and triggering an Offensive Guard buff with 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 for your team. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield offers it all—except an Offset attack.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is the first weapon the developers typically refine in new Monster Hunter games, and it shows. It excels with Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. While it requires more practice than the Sword and Shield due to its slower pace and punishing mishits, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest damage output in a single strike, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with those True Charged Slash hits being incredibly satisfying.

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains one of the most popular weapons in Monster Hunter for good reason. It's fast and relatively easy to pick up, with a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle centered around its powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, which quickly builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. It also boasts impressive reach for its size, making tail slicing a breeze. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the payoff in damage output is well worth it when you're in the zone.

Gunlance

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

Bow

Despite not excelling in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely considered a top pick in Monster Hunter Wilds, often voted as the strongest weapon in community polls. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo in Wilds guarantees hits and crits, and it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-continuous attacks. It's mobile, strong, and its Focus Strike looks impressive—what more could you ask for?

Remember, this tier list is just a reference. We recommend sticking with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing exactly where to aim with what ammo and dodging every monster attack, you'll likely achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you're struggling with True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice!

What weapon do you think is the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might update this article with new ratings! And for more, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.