Top Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds: Tier List

Let's start by emphasizing that there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're seeking the weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time because it's overwhelmingly powerful, you won't find it. Instead, the key is to choose a weapon that feels right for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying the process, that's what truly matters.

Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves multiple factors, including armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're aiming to reduce your hunt times, consider trying the following weapon types. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a blend of IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my personal opinion 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. While other weapons are certainly viable, these stand out for various reasons, which we'll explore below.

S-tier: These weapons are considered the cream of the crop due to their high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance is the most technical in this category, but its benefits are deemed worthwhile by the community.

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

A-tier: These weapons can match S-tier performance in skilled hands, though they often require more technical mastery and may be less forgiving. The Hunting Horn excels particularly in co-op settings.

• 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 even with expert use, but they are still highly effective. 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 reigns supreme 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; B-tier is still excellent on the IGN scale!

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is incredibly versatile and often underrated as merely a "beginner" weapon. While it's easy to pick up, it's also one of the most adaptable and consistent weapons in the game, capable of delivering substantial damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stay on the monster like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can guard effectively, delivering punishing counterattacks. It can also perfect guard with ease, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff if you have that Equipment Skill. For support hunters, it's a boon as it can use items without sheathing, allowing quick administration of life-saving Lifepowders and buffs for your team. Whether you prefer to evade or block, deal slashing or blunt damage, or even attack from above, the Sword and Shield offers it all, except for an Offset attack.

See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds

Great Sword

The Great Sword is the first weapon developed for new Monster Hunter games, and its design reflects this heritage. It excels with Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, encapsulating quintessential Monster Hunter gameplay. It's slower and more punishing with mishits than the Sword and Shield, but 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 its True Charged Slash hits being particularly satisfying.

See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

Long Sword

The Long Sword is consistently popular in Monster Hunter for good reason. It's fast and relatively easy to learn, with a fun, flashy, and rewarding playstyle centered around its perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, which helps build the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Its reach is remarkable for its size, making tail slicing straightforward. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the payoff in damage output when you're in the flow is immense.

See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

Gunlance

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

See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds

Bow

Despite a dip in performance during Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow remains a top pick in Monster Hunter Wilds, often voted as the strongest weapon in community polls. It feels powerful, even with a slight Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. Its new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and crits, while the game ensures an endless supply of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. Perfecting your dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing near-constant attacks. The Bow is mobile, potent, and its Focus Strike visually impressive.

See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds

Remember, this tier list is for reference only. Stick with the weapon you enjoy most. For example, if you're adept with the Light Bowgun, knowing exactly where to aim with what ammo and dodging every monster attack, you'll likely outperform using the Great Sword if you struggle with timing your True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice!

What weapon do you consider the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article, and we might update this article with new ratings! For more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.