Players wondering which Monster Hunter Wilds weapons to use will have many different choices before them. Each weapon comes with its own play style, and some players might find they enjoy some more than others. It is best to get some time in with each of these weapons. Doing so can even extend players' time with the game.
This is not an MMO that needs players to commit to their choices right away, and players are free to change their minds on what weapons they wish to use at any time. Players will want to have the best experience they can with Monster Hunter Wilds.
Monster Hunter Wilds: How to Get Sharp Fang
This guide will help players find Sharp Fangs, an Equipment Material in Monster Hunter Wilds that is used to craft the Chatacabra Coil.
All Weapon Types in Monster Hunter Wilds
There are 14 weapon types in Monster Hunter Wilds, and they don’t necessarily behave the same way as in previous games. Monster Hunter Wilds continues to evolve the formula of the long running franchise and there is something for everyone in terms of weapon choices. Players don’t need to like or master every weapon in the game, and can put their time and experience into mastering one, or a couple, of those that speak to them.
Become very familiar with the game’s focus mode to make the most of targeting monster weak points.
Charge Blade
Pros:
- High Damage
- Can guard
- Two combat modes
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
- High maintenance
The Charge Blade is able to change between being an axe or a sword and shield. This is not a weapon players should try out early in the game. It has a lot of moving parts to use it optimally. This includes when to switch, which moves to use, and resource management for its phials. Players will want to fight a couple of monsters first, get a feel for the game, maybe even head towards the Forest first. Then take this weapon into the Training Area to try it out.
Bow
Pros:
- Multiple ammo types
- High mobility
- Wide range of attacks
- Easy to play
Cons:
- Weakest ranged option
- No guard
Players can stay at a decent range at all times and stay mobile. Players can also make attacks while they are airborne using the Bow. Hitting a monster with a tracer will allow arrows to home in on their target monster, making this a great weapon choice for players that plan to stay mobile. Plates have a wide range of attacks such as arrows that rain from above, a powerful charged shot, and firing multiple arrows at once in a wide arc.
Dual Blades
Pros:
- High speed attacks
- High Mobility
- Highly versatile
Cons:
- No guard
- Relies on Demon Modes for decent damage output
- Not beginner-friendly
While no spin-off Monster Hunter game has added new weapons to the franchise, the release of the original titled Monster Hunter G brought with it the iconic Dual Blades. Using Dual Blades is almost like dancing with how much mobility and movement they grant. Players can continuously relocate while in the midst of combat, and have a high number of windows to go on the defensive. Players can boost their attack with Demon Modes, which can make getting the hang of these weapons trickier than other weapon options.
Greatsword
Pros:
- Heavy hitting
- Can guard
- Access to Hyper Armor
Cons:
- Slow attack speed
- Missed hits are costly
- Takes practise to master
Greatswords may be slow on the windup, but they pack one heck of a punch. Players will need to practise and learn what their targets are capable of when taking this weapon into a fight. Luckily, this weapon is capable of guarding, allowing players to stay in the thick of combat. It also has enough reach to give players a bit more room for dodging out of damage. The playstyle of the Greatsword involves landing charged attacks and repositioning between slow strikes. This balance of damage and safety makes it a great solo option.
Gunlance
Pros:
- Shell Types offer versatility
- Can guard
- Highly defensive weapon choice
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
- Tricky to master
- Reloading can cause openings
When looking into defensive weapon options, the Gunlance is the more offensive option to the regular Lance. The Gunlance can fire a shot while sidestepping for enhanced mobility when following up with attacks. While the Lance has a very straightforward playstyle, the gunlance offers a lot more crunch with its numerous shell types. Players avoid reloading if there is a chance the monster will attack, as this can open them up. Players can play around with this weapon while doing side tasks to get a better feel for it.
Hammer
Pros:
- Heavy Hitting
- Decent movement and mobility
- Blunt damage type
Cons:
- Great for stunning
- No guard
Just like the Greatsword, this is a weapon players will want to keep charging all the way for the heaviest of hits. Players will have a wide range of options for their weapons, but the Hammer is great for when they need some blunt damage. Players that enjoy the Greatsword can make the Hammer an alternative option whenever an aggressive monster is giving them trouble, as the hammer can be used to disrupt their patterns and stun these monsters. Allowing players to follow up by piling on damage.
Heavy Bowgun
Pros:
- Highest damage ranged weapon
- Can guard
- Large arsenal of attacks.
Cons:
- Not mobile
- Works best in groups
- Players must stay at an optimal range.
The Heavy Bowgun gives players everything they need to take down their enemies while keeping their distance. While not as mobile as the Light Bowgun, this weapon has a lot of firepower to dish out at the start, letting it regenerate for follow-up uses. Players cannot just run away and take shots while staying at a completely safe distance, as there is an optimal damage range they will need to maintain.
Hunting Horn
Pros:
- Unique playstyle
- Supports allies
- High damage output
Cons:
- No guard
- Not beginner-friendly
- High management
This weapon lets players get right up into the action with high damage, while also supporting their allies. So long as 1 skilled player in the party is using this weapon, the hunt will go by a lot smoother. Players will have visible sheet music building up from their attacks, and they will need the right setup before they perform. Players can also place Echo Bubbles on the battlefield to support allies in specific places, such as where allies are, and/or where they may move to.
Insect Glaive
Pros:
- Customizable
- Fun Melee weapon to play
- Unique playstyle
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
- No guard
- Hard to master
While all of the weapons in the game may be different, a lot of them share some semblance of how others play. Some make use of range, some have a tanky, defensive playstyle. The insect Glaive has more depth to it thanks to its Kinsects mechanic. This is another weapon players should not dive into right away, and should first get a feel for the game with one of the easier weapon options. However, it is definitely a weapon all players should try out at some point.
Lance
Pros:
- Can guard (and counterattack)
- Easy to play
- Quick strikes
- Best defensive weapon in the game
Cons:
- Very slow movement
- Average damage
Using a Lance means being incredibly slow. However, it makes up for this by being the most stalwart weapon option in the game — which can make the game too easy. Players that master their block times will be able to relentlessly apply damage to their targets with counter-attacks, thrusts, and exploiting weak points while using hyper armor. Due to its slow speed, players will want to enter combat by either charging, or performing a dismount attack from their Seikret.
Light Bowgun
Pros:
- High mobility
- Multiple ammo types
Cons:
- No guard
- Low damage
The Light Bowgun is the first of 2 choices. This option does not offer as much damage compared to the Heavy Bowgun, nor does it have the ability to guard. This does not make it worse, as it provides numerous ammo types, and builds up for powerful burst damage moments. It makes up for its lack of guard with greater mobility.
Long Sword
Pros:
- Great attack Speed
- Easy to reposition out of monster attacks
- Great Reach
Cons:
- No guard
- Average attack
- Parrying is important
This is a perfect alternative for players who want to play something like a Greatsword, but unleash fast-striking slashes. However, this comes at the cost of losing the ability to guard. Players will also not need to balance alternating between charging up strikes and relocating, as they can relocate with a series of fast attacks. Players will need to build up their Spirit Gauge for this weapon, which creates an ebb and flow throughout the fight rather than getting into a single mindsight with breaks in between. While there is no guard for the longsword, it can parry, and not mastering this mechanic means being suboptimal with this weapon.
Switch Axe
Pros:
- High Damage
- Offers different modes
- Versatile
Cons:
- No guard
- Not beginner-friendly
Players will be able to alternate between two different modes with this weapon. The first lets players launch into a deadly barrage of fast flying attacks for high damage using the Sword Mode. The other gives them more range with heavier hitting strikes using the Axe Mode. This makes it great for changing tactics on the fly.
Sword and Shield
Pros:
- Can guard
- Nimble
- Versatile
Cons:
- Low damage
- Lacks reach
Players that love the defense offered by the lance, but want something a little faster might be interested in the Sword and Shield. This weapon’s attacks move the player allowing them to reposition more easily while staying in the midst of close combat. It has a wide range of versatile attacks while staying nimble, meaning players have more options, but also making it more complex than playing the Lance.
How to Mount Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds
Players will be able to mount monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds, although not everybody knows how to do it or what to do after they have.
Which Weapon to Choose in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Players will be able to talk to Alma at the first camp they set up. Here, they can ask questions about how they want to play, and she will recommend weapons to them. Players should accept whatever she suggests, test them out on the practice barrel and then speak with her again to try out other playstyles.
Not all players have the same playstyle, which is why there are so many weapon types. It is also still too early to know what the best weapons in the game are at this time. Players should try out all the weapons in the Training Area to find which weapon provides the style they perform the best with. However, there are some clear favorites among the community.
Players should test out the Lance in Smash Mode if they want to play like a tank, all ranged weapons for keeping their distance, and the Hunting Horn if they wish to be a support for the group.
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Released
- February 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
