Understanding the right weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the most important decisions a player can make. While there is no definitive best weapon, choosing one that suits your playstyle can significantly enhance your experience. With 14 weapons available, the selection process can be overwhelming. However, this guide will help you determine the best fit for your needs, whether you’re a newcomer to the franchise or a seasoned hunter looking for insights into weapon improvements.
New Weapon Features in Monster Hunter Wilds
One of the most notable changes in Monster Hunter Wilds is the ability to take a second weapon on hunts, allowing for more tactical flexibility. This addition makes selecting a primary weapon even more critical. As the game’s demo approaches, now is the perfect time to understand how each weapon has evolved.
Weapon Breakdown
Long Sword: Swift and Deadly
A fan-favorite, the long sword combines speed and power, enabling players to unleash devastating burst damage. The playstyle revolves around building the Spirit Gauge, which enhances attacks like the Helm Breaker. In Wilds, the long sword introduces a new red gauge move set, the Crimson SL Combo, and a powerful Spirit Charge attack.
Lance: Unmatched Defense
If standing firm in the face of danger appeals to you, the lance is the ultimate defensive powerhouse. While it appears to lack mobility, experienced players can reposition fluidly. The improved poke combo, enhanced shield mechanics, and new counterattack options make it a more formidable choice in Wilds.
Great Sword: Sheer Power
For those who favor raw strength, the great sword is unparalleled. Its slow but devastating swings allow hunters to deal massive damage. Wilds enhances this weapon by introducing Focus Mode, which enables players to rotate their True Charge Chop and retain charge levels through tackles. It also benefits from both the new Clash
Attack and Offset Attack mechanics.
Light Bowgun: Precision and Speed
The light bowgun is ideal for those who prefer ranged combat with mobility. In Wilds, it sees significant changes, requiring players to operate closer to monsters but rewarding them with a new Rapid Fire Gauge that boosts firing efficiency.
Heavy Bowgun: Long-Range Firepower
Offering massive firepower, the heavy bowgun excels in ranged damage with large ammo capacity and defensive options. In Wilds, it features an extended optimal range, an Offset Attack for countering monster hits, and the Ignition Gauge for unleashing special ammo.
Dual Blades: High-Speed Combat
For those who enjoy relentless, high-speed attacks, dual blades focus on building a Demon Gauge to unlock even more powerful moves. Wilds introduces extended combos, including weaving between Demon Dance and Demon Flurry, as well as a Perfect Dodge mechanic that boosts elemental and attack damage.
Bow: Agile and Lethal
The bow offers excellent mobility without sacrificing damage. Managing charge levels and selecting the right coatings is key to maximizing damage. Wilds adds the Trick Gauge, allowing players to replenish coatings and perform homing arrow shots.
Charge Blade: Tactical Complexity
One of the most technically demanding weapons, the charge blade requires managing files to enhance attacks. Wilds brings back the Axe Mode and introduces an Overcharging File mechanic for increased damage potential.
Hammer: Stunning Power
The hammer specializes in high burst damage and stunning monsters with blunt attacks. In Wilds, new mechanics like Mighty Charge and Offset Attacks enhance its already formidable playstyle.
Hunting Horn: Support and Strength
Often underestimated, the hunting horn excels in providing buffs while dealing solid damage. Wilds enhances its capabilities with Echo Bubbles for added buffs and increased attack speed.
Insect Glaive: Aerial Mastery
This weapon enables hunters to control a Kinsect companion while using aerial attacks. Wilds grounds the glaive slightly but compensates with new Focus Strike and Charged Attack abilities.
Gunlance: Explosive Precision
Combining the lance’s defense with cannon-like firepower, the gunlance allows for relentless pressure. Wilds improves its shelling mechanics, introduces multiple blast follow-ups, and adds a drill-based Focus Strike.
Sword and Shield: Versatile and Mobile
A well-rounded choice, the sword and shield allow for both offense and defense. Wilds makes it even more mobile with Focus Mode enhancements and a powerful Charged Chop attack.
Switch Axe: Adaptive Combat
Blending axe and sword playstyles, the switch axe offers adaptability. Wilds enhances both forms with improved mobility, the Full Release and Compressed Slash attacks, and new Offset and Counter mechanics.
With Monster Hunter Wilds introducing exciting new mechanics and weapon improvements, finding the perfect weapon is more crucial than ever. Whether you prefer swift strikes, high defense, or devastating damage, there’s a weapon suited to your playstyle. Which one will you choose for your next hunt?
