Welcome to the most comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds weapon tier list you’ll find anywhere! As hunters prepare to embark on new adventures in the vast wilderness of Monster Hunter Wilds, one question remains paramount: which weapon will give you the edge against the formidable creatures that await? Whether you’re a veteran hunter or new to the series, our carefully crafted tier list will guide you through the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon type, helping you make the perfect choice for your playstyle.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, the combat system has evolved with new mechanics and environmental interactions that affect weapon performance differently than in previous titles. This tier list is based on extensive testing, community feedback, and analysis of the game’s meta as of November 2025. We’ve evaluated each weapon based on damage output, versatility, learning curve, and effectiveness against the diverse range of monsters you’ll encounter.
Before diving into our rankings, remember that the “best” weapon ultimately depends on your personal playstyle and preferences. A skilled hunter can make any weapon viable, but some simply offer more advantages in the current meta. Let’s explore our tier list and find your perfect hunting companion!
When creating this tier list, we considered several key factors that determine a weapon’s effectiveness in Monster Hunter Wilds:
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Sword | S | High Damage, Good Mobility | Spirit Gauge, Foresight Slash |
| Charge Blade | S | Very High Damage, Guard | Phial Attacks, Guard Points |
| Insect Glaive | S | High Damage, Excellent Mobility | Kinsect Extracts, Vaulting |
| Light Bowgun | S | High Elemental Damage, Excellent Mobility | Rapid Fire, Wyvernblast |
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Blades | A | Very High Damage, Excellent Mobility | Demon Mode, Archdemon Mode |
| Great Sword | A | Extreme Damage, Poor Mobility | True Charge Slash, Focus Strike |
| Heavy Bowgun | A | Extreme Damage, Poor Mobility | Wyvern Ammo, Special Ammo |
| Hammer | A | High Damage, Good Mobility | Spinning Blunt, Power Charge |
| Bow | A | High Elemental Damage, Excellent Mobility | Dragon Piercer, Power Shots |
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch Axe | B | High Damage, Average Mobility | Sword Mode, Amped State |
| Lance | B | High Damage, Poor Mobility | Guard, Counter Thrust |
| Gunlance | B | High Damage, Poor Mobility | Wyvern Fire, Shelling |
| Hunting Horn | B | Average Damage, Good Mobility | Melodies, Encore |
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sword & Shield | C | Average Damage, Excellent Mobility | Perfect Rush, Item Use |
| Tonfa | C | Average Damage, Excellent Mobility | Spinning Attacks, Guard Points |
The Long Sword continues its reign as one of the top weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its exceptional balance of damage output and mobility makes it suitable for virtually any hunt. The Spirit Gauge system rewards aggressive playstyle, allowing skilled hunters to maintain high damage output throughout extended fights. The Foresight Slash provides both offensive and defensive capabilities, making it incredibly versatile against aggressive monsters. In Wilds, the Long Sword benefits from new environmental interactions, allowing hunters to use terrain features to extend combos and build Spirit Gauge faster. While it has a moderate learning curve, mastering this weapon will reward you with consistent performance across all monster types.
The Charge Blade stands out as one of the most complex yet rewarding weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its unique hybrid design combines sword and shield mechanics with axe transformation, offering incredible versatility. The weapon’s Guard Points allow skilled hunters to turn defensive moments into offensive opportunities, while the powerful Phial Attacks can deal devastating damage to monster weak points. In Wilds, the Charge Blade has received buffs to its SAED (Super Amped Elemental Discharge), making it even more potent in extended fights. The learning curve is steep, but those who master its intricate mechanics will find themselves among the most effective hunters in any party.
The Insect Glaive maintains its top-tier position in Monster Hunter Wilds thanks to its unparalleled mobility and aerial combat capabilities. The Kinsect system allows hunters to extract various buffs from monsters, creating dynamic gameplay that adapts to each situation. The vaulting mechanic enables you to mount monsters with ease, opening up opportunities for team attacks. In Wilds, the Insect Glaive benefits from improved Kinsect AI and new environmental interactions that make gathering extracts more intuitive. While it requires good spatial awareness and timing, its ability to control the battlefield and maintain constant pressure on monsters makes it an excellent choice for solo hunters and team players alike.
The Light Bowgun excels in Monster Hunter Wilds as a versatile ranged weapon with exceptional mobility. Its rapid firing capabilities and diverse ammo types allow hunters to exploit monster weaknesses effectively. The Wyvernblast mines create strategic opportunities for damage bursts, while the new special ammo types introduced in Wilds add even more tactical depth. The Light Bowgun’s excellent mobility makes it ideal for avoiding monster attacks while maintaining consistent damage output. Its versatility in applying status effects and elemental damage makes it valuable in both solo and team hunts. While it requires careful ammo management, skilled hunters will find the Light Bowgun to be one of the most reliable weapons in any situation.
The Dual Blades offer relentless offensive capabilities with their rapid attack speed and excellent mobility. The Demon Mode and Archdemon Mode system creates a risk-reward dynamic that rewards aggressive playstyle. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Dual Blades benefit from improved stamina management and new combo extensions that increase their damage potential. Their ability to apply status effects quickly makes them valuable for team hunts, while their high raw damage output ensures they remain competitive in solo play. The main drawback is their relatively short reach, requiring hunters to stay dangerously close to monsters. However, their exceptional mobility helps mitigate this risk, making them a solid choice for hunters who prefer fast-paced, aggressive combat.
The Great Sword remains a powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds, capable of dealing the highest single-hit damage of any weapon. The True Charge Slash is one of the most devastating moves in the game, capable of staggering even the largest monsters. The new Focus Strike mechanic introduced in Wilds adds a tactical element to the weapon’s playstyle, allowing hunters to target specific monster parts with precision. While the Great Sword suffers from poor mobility and slow attack speed, its incredible damage potential makes it a formidable choice in the hands of patient hunters. The weapon’s ability to block attacks provides some defensive capability, though it’s not as reliable as dedicated guarding weapons. Mastering the Great Sword requires excellent timing and positioning, but the satisfaction of landing a perfectly charged True Charge Slash is unmatched.
The Heavy Bowgun stands as the premier ranged weapon for raw damage output in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its devastating Wyvern Ammo and Special Ammo types can turn the tide of any hunt when used strategically. The weapon’s ability to pierce through multiple targets makes it particularly effective against large monsters with multiple hit zones. In Wilds, the Heavy Bowgun has received quality-of-life improvements to its reloading mechanics and new ammo types that increase its versatility. While its poor mobility requires careful positioning, the Heavy Bowgun’s exceptional damage output makes it a valuable asset in any hunting party. The weapon’s defensive capabilities, including the ability to deploy shields, provide some protection against aggressive monsters. Mastering the Heavy Bowgun requires excellent resource management and positioning, but its damage potential is second to none.
The Hammer continues to be a top-tier choice for hunters focused on stunning monsters and dealing consistent blunt damage. Its ability to target monster heads and knock them down creates opportunities for team attacks and safe damage windows. The Spinning Blunt and Power Charge mechanics allow for both sustained damage and devastating burst attacks. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Hammer benefits from improved combo flow and new environmental interactions that enhance its stunning capabilities. While it lacks the raw damage output of some other weapons, its utility in controlling monster behavior makes it invaluable in team hunts. The Hammer’s good mobility and decent defensive options make it accessible to new players while still offering depth for experienced hunters. For those who enjoy playing a supportive role while dealing respectable damage, the Hammer remains an excellent choice.
The Bow offers a perfect balance of mobility and damage output in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its ability to maintain distance while dealing consistent damage makes it ideal for hunters who prefer a more tactical approach. The Dragon Piercer and Power Shot mechanics provide both burst damage and sustained pressure on monsters. In Wilds, the Bow benefits from improved coating mechanics and new arrow types that increase its versatility against different monster types. The weapon’s excellent mobility allows for precise positioning to exploit monster weaknesses, while its charge system rewards skilled timing. While the Bow requires careful stamina management and positioning, its ability to adapt to any situation makes it a reliable choice for both solo and team hunts. For hunters who value mobility and tactical gameplay, the Bow remains a top-tier option.
The Switch Axe offers a unique blend of sword and axe mechanics, providing versatility in combat situations. The Sword Mode offers rapid attacks and mobility, while the Axe Mode delivers powerful, wide-reaching strikes. The Amped State system rewards strategic switching between modes, creating dynamic gameplay that adapts to different monster behaviors. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Switch Axe has received improvements to its transformation mechanics and new combo extensions that increase its damage potential. While it offers good damage output and versatility, the Switch Axe is outclassed by more specialized weapons in specific situations. Its learning curve is moderate, requiring hunters to master both modes and their optimal usage scenarios. For hunters who enjoy versatility and don’t mind a slightly higher skill requirement, the Switch Axe remains a solid choice.
The Lance excels as a defensive weapon with reliable damage output and exceptional guarding capabilities. Its ability to withstand powerful attacks while maintaining offensive pressure makes it valuable against aggressive monsters. The Counter Thrust mechanic allows skilled hunters to turn defensive moments into offensive opportunities, while the charging attacks provide mobility despite the weapon’s generally slow movement speed. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Lance benefits from improved guard mechanics and new environmental interactions that enhance its defensive capabilities. While its damage output is consistent but not exceptional, the Lance’s defensive utility makes it a valuable asset in team hunts. The weapon’s learning curve is moderate, requiring good timing and positioning to maximize its potential. For hunters who prefer a defensive playstyle, the Lance remains a reliable choice.
The Gunlance combines melee attacks with explosive shelling capabilities, creating a unique playstyle focused on burst damage and defense. Its ability to guard attacks and unleash devastating Wyvern Fire attacks makes it formidable in close-quarters combat. The various shelling types (Normal, Long, Wide) offer different playstyles within the weapon category, allowing hunters to customize their approach. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Gunlance has received improvements to its shelling mechanics and new combo extensions that increase its versatility. While its damage output is inconsistent compared to other weapons, its burst damage potential can turn the tide of difficult hunts. The weapon’s learning curve is moderate to high, requiring careful management of heat and ammunition. For hunters who enjoy explosive combat and don’t mind a more methodical approach, the Gunlance offers a rewarding experience.
The Hunting Horn stands out as the premier support weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, capable of buffing allies while dealing respectable damage. Its melody system allows hunters to provide various buffs to the entire party, making it invaluable in team hunts. The Encore mechanic extends the duration of these buffs, creating strategic opportunities for coordinated attacks. In Wilds, the Hunting Horn has received improvements to its melody system and new attack patterns that increase its solo viability. While its damage output is lower than other weapons, its support capabilities can significantly increase the entire party’s effectiveness. The weapon’s learning curve is moderate, requiring hunters to memorize melody combinations and manage their performance timing. For hunters who enjoy playing a supportive role while still contributing to damage output, the Hunting Horn remains a unique and valuable choice.
The Sword & Shield offers excellent mobility and the unique ability to use items without sheathing the weapon. Its rapid attack speed and status application capabilities make it versatile in various situations. The Perfect Rush mechanic provides a powerful finisher for extended combos, while the weapon’s guarding capabilities offer some defensive options. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Sword & Shield has received improvements to its combo system and new environmental interactions that enhance its utility. While its damage output is consistent but not exceptional, the weapon’s versatility and mobility make it accessible to new players. The main drawback is its lack of specialization, making it outclassed by more focused weapons in specific situations. For hunters who value versatility and mobility above all else, the Sword & Shield remains a viable option.
The Tonfa introduces a new playstyle to Monster Hunter Wilds with its focus on rapid, spinning attacks and unique guarding mechanics. Its ability to maintain offensive pressure while providing defensive options creates a balanced approach to combat. The weapon’s spinning attacks can hit multiple times, making it effective at applying status effects and elemental damage. In Wilds, the Tonfa benefits from environmental interactions that enhance its spinning attacks and new combo extensions that increase its damage potential. While its damage output is average compared to other weapons, its unique mechanics offer a fresh experience for veteran hunters. The weapon’s learning curve is moderate, requiring good timing and positioning to maximize its potential. For hunters looking for a new experience or those who enjoy balanced, all-around weapons, the Tonfa provides an interesting alternative to traditional options.
For beginners, I recommend starting with the Long Sword or Sword & Shield. The Long Sword offers a good balance of damage and mobility with a moderate learning curve, while the Sword & Shield provides excellent versatility and the ability to use items without sheathing, making it more forgiving for new players.
The Great Sword and Heavy Bowgun are tied for the highest damage potential in Monster Hunter Wilds. The Great Sword can deal devastating single-hit damage with its True Charge Slash, while the Heavy Bowgun can output incredible sustained damage with its various ammo types.
Absolutely! While our tier list ranks weapons based on their overall effectiveness in the current meta, a skilled hunter can make any weapon viable. The most important factor is choosing a weapon that matches your playstyle and practicing with it to master its mechanics.
Weapon tiers typically shift with major game updates that balance weapon performance and introduce new mechanics. Minor shifts may occur as the community discovers new strategies and optimal builds. I recommend checking back periodically for the most current rankings.
For solo play, I recommend weapons with good self-sufficiency and versatility. The Long Sword, Insect Glaive, and Light Bowgun are excellent choices as they offer good damage output, mobility, and the ability to adapt to various situations without relying on team support.
As we wrap up our Monster Hunter Wilds weapon tier list, remember that the “best” weapon ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle. While our rankings provide a solid foundation for understanding the current meta, don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons to find what works best for you.
The beauty of Monster Hunter Wilds lies in its diverse combat system, which allows for various approaches to hunting. Whether you prefer the calculated strikes of the Great Sword, the rapid assaults of the Dual Blades, or the tactical precision of the Bow, there’s a weapon that will perfectly suit your hunting style.
Keep in mind that game updates may shift the meta over time, so be sure to check back for the most current rankings. Until then, happy hunting, and may your chosen weapon serve you well in the wilds!
For more Monster Hunter Wilds content, including build guides, monster strategies, and update news, be sure to check out our other articles on Boundbyflame.com.
