Let's start by emphasizing that in Monster Hunter Wilds, there is no definitive "best" weapon type. If you're searching for a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time due to sheer power, you won't find one. The key is to choose a weapon that feels enjoyable and intuitive for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and having fun, that's what truly matters.

Creating a successful build involves various elements such as armor, decorations, and selecting an Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These aspects are crucial, but if you're aiming to reduce your hunt times, consider experimenting with 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, personal opinion on difficulty to master, and current speedrun time averages.

Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Tier List

Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

The "best" weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds are Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. These weapons stand out for various reasons, which we'll explore below. However, every weapon in the game is viable and can be effective with the right build and skill.

S-tier: These weapons excel in both damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance, while technically challenging, offers significant benefits according to 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 may require more technical prowess or offer slightly less forgiving gameplay. The Hunting Horn, for example, shines in co-op scenarios.

• 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. However, they are by no means "bad" and can still be highly effective with finely-tuned builds.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no weapon is definitively the best in Monster Hunter Wilds; every weapon is viable. Your tier list could vary based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let these rankings discourage you from using your favorite weapon; B-tier weapons are still considered great by IGN's standards.

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is a powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as a "beginner" weapon, it's highly versatile and can deliver substantial damage once you master its combos and movements. Its mobility allows you to stay close to monsters, and it can guard and counter with punishing force. The Sword and Shield can perfect guard easily, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating the Offensive Guard buff if equipped with the right skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows item use without sheathing, making it easy to administer Lifepowders and buffs to 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 often the first weapon developed in new Monster Hunter games, and it shows. It excels with Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks, embodying quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. Though slower and more punishing on mishits than the Sword and Shield, 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 its True Charged Slash hits being particularly satisfying.

Long Sword

The Long Sword is consistently one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons for good reason. It's fast, relatively easy to pick up, and offers a fun, flashy playstyle centered around the powerful perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, which quickly builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. It also has excellent reach for its size, making it perfect for slicing off tails. Managing the Spirit Gauge is key, but the payoff in damage output when you're in the flow is well worth it.

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 offers incredible defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards, and explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, it 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 regarded as a top pick in Monster Hunter Wilds, often topping community polls. It feels powerful, even with a minor Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo ensures shots hit and crit their intended targets, and Wilds makes it so the Bow never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings. Perfecting dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing for near-continuous attacks. The Bow is mobile, strong, and its Focus Strike is visually impressive—what more could you ask for?

Remember, this tier list is a guide, and we encourage you to stick with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're skilled with the Light Bowgun, knowing exactly where to aim 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. Mastery takes time, regardless of the weapon.

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