Best Weapons Tier List for Monster Hunter Wilds

Games in the Monster Hunter series have always been about picking up the right weapon for your playstyle, and Monster Hunter Wilds is no different. Same as in previous titles of the franchise; there are a lot of weapons to choose from. With 14 weapon types, it can be quite overwhelming to decide which one to use, especially if you are new to the game. Some weapons have simpler mechanics and can deal massive damage, while others require precise execution and mastery to be truly effective.

This tier list ranks all weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds based on ease of use, damage potential, versatility, and overall effectiveness during combat.

The rankings will be as follows:

• S-Tier: Easy to use and extremely powerful.
• A-Tier: Strong weapons with good balance of power and skill requirement.
• B-Tier: More challenging weapons that require good knowledge and execution.
• C-Tier: Harder to use and generally less efficient compared to higher-tier options.

S	Bow Bow Guide Gunlance Gunlance Guide COMING SOON! Long Sword Long Sword Guide COMING SOON!
A	Dual Blades Dual Blades Guide COMING SOON! Great Sword Great Sword Guide COMING SOON! Hammer Hammer Guide Heavy Bowgun Heavy Bowgun Guide Sword and Shield Sword and Shield Guide COMING SOON!
B	Charge Blade Charge Blade Guide COMING SOON! Insect Glaive Insect Glaive Guide COMING SOON! Lance Lance Guide Light Bowgun Light Bowgun Guide COMING SOON!
C	Hunting Horn Hunting Horn Guide COMING SOON! Switch Axe Switch Axe Guide COMING SOON!

Keep in mind that all weapons are viable in the right hands, but some simply take more effort to master than others. With that in mind, let's break down each tier and explain why these weapons are ranked the way they are.

Weapons in the S-Tier category have high damage output, simple mechanics, and great versatility for various different hunts. They do not require extensive knowledge of monster behaviour to be effective, which makes them a very good choice for both new and experienced hunters.

• High sustained damage with little risk.
• Great mobility and range, making it safer than melee weapons.
• Simple aiming mechanics compared to Bowguns.
• Coatings allow for additional elemental or status effects.

The Bow is one of the most accessible and rewarding weapons in the game. Especially early on. You can stay at a safe distance while dealing consistent DPS, making it great for both solo and multiplayer hunts. Its learning curve feels much better compared to other ranged weapons, which is why it lands in S-Tier.

• Fast, fluid combos with great reach.
• Spirit Gauge system is fairly easy to manage.
• Counters let you dodge attacks while staying aggressive.
• High DPS with flashy, rewarding gameplay.

The Long Sword has always been a fan favorite for a reason. It is easy to pick up but still has enough depth if you prefer to optimize your gameplay. The Spirit Gauge buffs increase damage, and once you learn the timing of its counters, this weapon becomes an absolute powerhouse.

• Explosive damage that ignores monster armor.
• Does not rely on precision for high damage.
• Decent defensive options with shield blocking.
• Wyvern's Fire and shelling make it deal high amounts of burst damage.

Unlike the regular Lance, the Gunlance does not require perfect positioning to be effective. Its shelling attacks hit hard regardless of monster weaknesses, and its burst potential makes it one of the best weapons for breaking tough monster parts.

These weapons have great damage and utility potential, but require a bit more knowledge and experience to use effectively.

• Fastest weapon in the game, making it great for elemental/status damage.
• Demon Mode boosts speed and attack power significantly.
• No blocking ability, so positioning is very important.

Dual Blades' playstyle is known for aggressive, relentless combat. Their high attack speed makes them amazing for applying elemental/status effects, but they lack defensive options. If you do not mind dodging constantly, they are an A-Tier weapon that can be insanely strong in the right hands.

• Massive ranged firepower with different ammo types.
• Can be built for status effects or pure damage.
• Slower movement compared to Bow, requiring better positioning.

The heaviest-hitting ranged weapon, the Heavy Bowgun, is perfect for players who like big damage and do not mind slower movement. However, you need to be mindful of your ammo management and positioning to avoid getting caught in a bad spot.

• Highest raw damage in the game.
• Charged attacks deal massive damage but require precise timing.
• Punishing if you miss, but rewarding when used well.

The Great Sword is not the fastest weapon, but when it lands, it HITS. It takes practice to time its charged attacks properly, but one well-placed True Charged Slash can chunk a monster's health bar like nothing else.

• Can stun monsters by hitting their heads.
• Simple charge attacks with high K.O. potential.
• Great for breaking monster parts.

A straightforward blunt weapon that is especially great in knocking monsters unconscious. If you like breaking faces and stunning monsters, the Hammer is a great pick.

• Fast attacks, decent defense, and you can use items without sheathing.
• Very versatile in any hunt.
• Lacks raw damage output of some other weapons.

The Sword & Shield combo is the most well-rounded weapon in the game. It lets you stay mobile, deals consistent damage, and you can block attacks. What it lacks in raw power, it makes up for with its versatility. Overall, one of the most reliable choices, especially for beginners.

These weapons require proper management or have limitations that make them harder to use effectively.

• Insect Glaive – Fun aerial combat, but requires Kinsect management.
• Light Bowgun – Mobile but lacks power compared to Heavy Bowgun or Bow.
• Lance – The best blocking weapon, but low damage and slow movement.
• Charge Blade – Insane burst damage, but complicated to manage properly.

These weapons require a lot of effort but do not provide the same consistent payoff unless you are already a pro with them.

• Hunting Horn – Great for multiplayer support, but slower in solo play.
• Switch Axe – Strong, but clunky and harder to manage.

While the Hunting Horn is fantastic in multiplayer, its damage output and speed make it a struggle if you are playing solo. Meanwhile, Switch Axe has huge burst potential, but stamina management and slow animations hold it back.

Generally, you should just keep in mind that the best weapon is the one that fits your playstyle. While this tier list ranks weapons based on ease of use and effectiveness, every weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds is viable if you take the time to master it.

• If you want an easy-to-use but powerful weapon? Go for Bow, Long Sword, or Gunlance.
• If you like a challenge with high rewards? Try Great Sword, Charge Blade, or Insect Glaive.
• Playing multiplayer often? The Hunting Horn might be worth considering.

Experiment, practice, and find what works best for you. At the end of the day, Monster Hunter is about having fun and enjoying the hunt. So, happy hunting!