Let's start by emphasizing this: there's no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're seeking a weapon that guarantees the fastest hunt times every time because it's overwhelmingly powerful, you won't find it. The key is to choose a weapon that feels good to play with for you. As long as you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying yourself, that's what truly matters.

Creating a successful build for any weapon involves numerous factors such as armor, decorations, and selecting a specific Artian weapon tailored to the monster you're facing. These elements are crucial, but if you're aiming to reduce hunt times, here are some weapon types worth exploring. This tier list of the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds was compiled by combining IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my personal opinion based 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 the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. While the rest of the weapons are perfectly viable, these stand out for various reasons, which we'll explore below.

S-tier: These are the cream of the crop, offering top-tier damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance is the most technical among them, but its benefits, as endorsed by the community, are well worth the effort.

• Sword and Shield
• Great Sword
• Long Sword
• Gunlance
• Bow

A-tier: These weapons can match the performance of S-tier weapons with the right skill set, as they tend to be more technical and less forgiving. The Hunting Horn, while perhaps not the best for solo play, excels in cooperative settings.

• 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, but they are by no means "bad." They may require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As mentioned earlier, no single weapon reigns supreme in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all are viable. Your tier list might differ based on the monster you're hunting. Don't let these rankings deter you from using your favorite weapon. Even B-tier weapons are considered great on the IGN scale!

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

The Sword and Shield is a powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as merely a "beginner" weapon, it's not only easy to pick up but also incredibly versatile and consistent. Once you master its combos and movements, it can deliver significant damage. Its mobility allows you to stay on the monster like mud on a Jyuratodos, and it can guard and deal punishing damage. The Sword and Shield can even execute perfect guards with ease, enabling quick, powerful counter slashes and activating an Offensive Guard buff if you have that Equipment Skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as it allows the use of items without sheathing, making it perfect for administering life-saving Lifepowders and buffing items swiftly. Whether you prefer evading or blocking, dealing slashing or blunt damage, or even attacking from above, the Sword and Shield has you covered—even with a Power Clash. The only thing missing is an Offset attack.

See all Sword and Shields in MH Wilds

Great Sword

The developers at Monster Hunter have said the Great Sword is the first weapon they refine in new games, and it's evident. It excels with Monster Hunter Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks. Though slower and more punishing on mishits compared to the Sword and Shield, the introduction of Focus Mode makes aiming easier. If you're after the highest single-strike damage, the Great Sword is a great choice, and landing those True Charged Slash hits is incredibly satisfying.

See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

Long Sword

The Long Sword remains one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons for good reason. It's fast, relatively easy to learn, and offers a fun, flashy, and satisfying playstyle. Its perfect-evading counterattack, the Foresight Slash, quickly builds up the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. Despite its size, it boasts impressive reach, making tail-slicing effortless. Managing the Spirit Gauge can be challenging, but the payoff is immense, with the Long Sword delivering phenomenal damage when you're in the zone.

See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Wilds

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 it offers robust defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range and boasts a new, incredibly powerful attack, the Wyrmstake Full Blast.

See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Wilds

Bow

Despite underperforming in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely considered an excellent choice in Monster Hunter Wilds. It often tops community polls for the strongest weapon and feels powerful, despite a minor nerf to its Focus Strike since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's S-tier status is bolstered by Tracer Ammo, a new move in Wilds that guarantees critical hits on intended targets. Additionally, the Bow never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. Perfecting dodge timing with the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing nearly uninterrupted attacks. With its mobility, strength, and stylish Focus Strike, what more could you ask for?

See all Bows in Monster Hunter Wilds

Remember, this tier list is merely a guide, and we highly recommend sticking with the weapon you enjoy most. For instance, if you're adept with the Light Bowgun, knowing precisely where to aim with the right ammo and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you're struggling to land True Charged Slashes and time Offset attacks consistently. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice!

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