In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, choosing the best weapon for solo play can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating defeat. The ideal weapon should allow you to handle various situations without the need for a team. Some weapons offer robust defense, others provide immense power, and a select few enable you to exploit monster weaknesses effectively. Here's our curated list of the top five weapons for solo players, complete with insights into what makes each one exceptional.

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons for Solo Play

Switch Axe

Mastering the Switch Axe requires time, strategic planning, and patience, but it's a rewarding choice for solo players. This weapon's versatility outshines the Charge Blade, offering powerful combos in both its axe and sword forms. In axe mode, unleash the wild swing to relentlessly pummel monsters with high damage. Switch to sword mode to access intricate combos, including the traditional burst attack and heavy-hitting chain attacks that can skyrocket damage numbers even with low-level versions of the weapon.

Hammer

The Hammer stands out as one of the most potent weapons in *Wilds*, perfect for solo players. Its superior damage output allows you to invest in ailment branches like sleep or paralysis, controlling monster behavior while still delivering devastating blows. Hammers excel at breaking weak points and knocking monsters down, making it easier to create wounds and collect more crafting materials from hunts. The focused strike, which breaks wounds, is particularly effective, helping you end hunts swiftly and efficiently.

Great Sword

The Great Sword is akin to a sharp hammer, excelling in a few key areas. While movement with this weapon is slow, it can be used as a shield to guard against attacks. Its basic attacks include a regular slash and an overhead strike, but the star of the show is the charged attack. This attack has three levels, with the most powerful requiring precise timing to reach. Mastering this timing can be challenging, but even the basic and first-level charged attacks deal significant damage, making it a formidable choice for solo play.

Lance

The Lance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* has seen significant improvements, offering more than just defensive capabilities. It boasts the most powerful guard in the game, combined with thrust attacks that lead to stronger skills like multi-hit thrust combos. Enhanced mobility options and a new guarding skill that uses stamina to block attacks more effectively make the Lance a versatile choice. While it may not deal as much damage as the Great Sword, its defensive strengths ensure you can endure longer hunts and emerge victorious.

Heavy Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun is favored in solo play due to its higher damage output and larger ammo capacity compared to the Light Bowgun. Its burst mode, despite a cooldown, delivers powerful attacks that make the wait worthwhile. Additionally, the Heavy Bowgun's versatility allows you to equip various ammo types, including standard, piercing, and status ailment rounds. This flexibility, combined with the ability to attack from a distance, makes the Heavy Bowgun an excellent choice for solo hunters who need to maintain control and deal significant damage from afar.