Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List Guide – In Monster Hunter Wilds, your weapon choice can make a huge difference in your hunting success. With a variety of weapon types available, each catering to different playstyles and offering unique strengths, knowing which ones stand out can save you a lot of trial and error. This guide breaks down the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, with a tier list that ranks them from S-tier (best) to C-tier, covering their power, versatility, and overall value in different hunts.
About Weapon Tiers in Monster Hunter Wilds
The weapon tier list categorizes weapons by overall effectiveness, taking into account factors like damage output, versatility, speed, range, and ease of use. Each weapon has unique mechanics, and the tiers are based on how well they perform in various hunting scenarios:
- S-Tier: Weapons that excel across all situations, offering high damage, versatility, and ease of use.
- A-Tier: Strong weapons that may excel in specific scenarios but are reliable choices overall.
- B-Tier: Mid-tier weapons that perform well in the right hands but may require practice to master.
- C-Tier: Weapons with limited utility or niche uses that may not be ideal for all players.
Let’s dive into the weapon tiers and see which ones are worth prioritizing in Monster Hunter Wilds.
S-Tier Weapons: Best of the Best
1. Long Sword
The Long Sword is a fan favorite in Monster Hunter Wilds, thanks to its balance of power and agility. It offers excellent reach, solid damage, and a smooth, fluid moveset that makes it easy to control. With the ability to counter and parry, the Long Sword provides both offensive and defensive capabilities, making it highly versatile.
- Pros: High damage, excellent reach, counters
- Cons: Requires timing for maximum damage
2. Dual Blades
Dual Blades bring speed and aggression to the battlefield. These weapons allow for quick, rapid-fire attacks that can overwhelm monsters with sheer volume. The Dual Blades’ high mobility and combo potential make them perfect for players who want to stay on the offensive without letting up.
- Pros: High attack speed, agility, devastating combos
- Cons: Limited reach, low individual hit damage
3. Bow
The Bow is an incredibly versatile ranged weapon, allowing hunters to engage from a safe distance without sacrificing damage. Its range of ammo types and charge levels provides flexibility for any hunting situation. While it may take time to master aiming and timing, the Bow’s potential damage and mobility make it a top choice for skilled players.
- Pros: Long-range, versatile attack options, high DPS
- Cons: Requires practice for precision, limited melee options
A-Tier Weapons: Strong Choices with Specific Strengths
1. Great Sword
The Great Sword is known for its massive damage output. Each swing carries substantial weight and, if timed correctly, can deal tremendous damage in single hits. However, its slower speed and heavy animations mean it requires a calculated approach, making it ideal for experienced players.
- Pros: High single-hit damage, powerful charge attacks
- Cons: Slow movement, challenging for beginners
2. Insect Glaive
The Insect Glaive stands out for its unique ability to launch hunters into the air, allowing for incredible mobility. Hunters can use this weapon to stay airborne and outmaneuver monsters, which opens up unique opportunities for attack. Paired with the Kinsect companion that collects buffs from monsters, the Insect Glaive is a strategic weapon that offers a new dimension to combat.
- Pros: High mobility, aerial attacks, Kinsect buffs
- Cons: Complex mechanics, moderate base damage
3. Charge Blade
The Charge Blade combines elements of both the Sword and Shield and Axe weapons, making it a versatile powerhouse. It offers strong defensive options while in Sword and Shield mode and can unleash powerful charged attacks when switched to Axe mode. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for players who like both offensive and defensive playstyles.
- Pros: Versatile, high damage potential, defensive options
- Cons: Complex to master, timing-dependent
B-Tier Weapons: Good Options for Specific Playstyles
1. Hammer
The Hammer is all about blunt force, delivering crushing blows that can stun monsters with repeated head hits. This weapon is ideal for hunters who want to play a supportive role in multiplayer hunts by stunning monsters to create openings for their teammates. However, its limited reach and slow attack speed can make it difficult to use against agile targets.
- Pros: High stun potential, excellent for crowd control
- Cons: Short range, slow attack speed
2. Hunting Horn
The Hunting Horn is a support weapon with a musical twist, allowing hunters to play songs that grant buffs to their team. While it doesn’t have the highest damage output, it’s invaluable in multiplayer hunts for its ability to boost teammates’ stats and provide support. For solo players, however, it may feel limited in terms of damage.
- Pros: Team buffs, decent damage, unique playstyle
- Cons: Limited solo utility, requires rhythm
3. Switch Axe
The Switch Axe combines two modes: Sword mode for high-powered strikes and Axe mode for mobility. This versatility gives it flexibility in combat, but it lacks the consistency and defense of other weapon types. Players who enjoy learning weapon mechanics and mastering complex combos will enjoy the Switch Axe’s dynamic moveset.
- Pros: Versatile, fun switch mechanic, high damage potential
- Cons: Lacks defensive options, complex moveset
C-Tier Weapons: Niche but Fun
1. Lance
The Lance is one of the most defensive weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, designed to tank through monster attacks with a powerful shield. However, its low mobility and linear attacks make it difficult to chase down fast-moving enemies, limiting its versatility in solo hunts.
- Pros: Strong defense, reliable for blocking
- Cons: Slow, low maneuverability, limited reach
2. Gunlance
The Gunlance adds an explosive twist to the Lance’s gameplay, allowing hunters to use shelling attacks in addition to standard lance strikes. While fun to use and satisfying in terms of explosions, the Gunlance’s mechanics require close-range play, which can be challenging against certain monsters.
- Pros: High burst damage, unique explosive attacks
- Cons: Short reach, slow, requires precise positioning
3. Heavy Bowgun
The Heavy Bowgun is a long-range powerhouse, dealing massive damage from a distance but sacrificing mobility. While capable of powerful charged shots and explosive ammo, the weapon’s slow movement and setup time can make it a risky choice against fast or aggressive monsters.
- Pros: High long-range damage, customizable ammo
- Cons: Slow movement, limited mobility
Choosing the Right Weapon for You
Selecting the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds ultimately comes down to your preferred playstyle. Here are some tips on choosing a weapon that fits your gameplay needs:
- Beginner-Friendly Weapons: For new players, the Long Sword and Dual Blades are highly recommended due to their speed, ease of control, and balanced power.
- Support Playstyle: For players who enjoy helping teammates, the Hunting Horn and Hammer are perfect for supporting hunts by stunning enemies or providing buffs.
- High-Damage Options: If you prefer big damage and don’t mind slower attacks, the Great Sword or Hammer will suit you well.
- Ranged Weapons: For players who prefer to keep their distance, the Bow and Light Bowgun provide solid options with enough mobility to stay out of harm’s way.
Final Thoughts
This weapon tier list for Monster Hunter Wilds provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon, helping you make an informed decision that suits your hunting style. Remember that while these tiers provide a general guide, the best weapon is ultimately the one that feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you to wield. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hunter, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a wide range of weapons that can be mastered with practice and dedication.