Best Weapons Tier List for Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)

Last updated on Feb 27, 2025 at 18:13by Neviriah

Not sure which weapon to use in Monster Hunter Wilds? This tier list ranksevery weapon by power, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. If you are abeginner looking for something simple or a veteran wanting high damage withoutovercomplicating things, this guide breaks down the easiest and strongest weaponsso you can find the best fit for your playstyle.

Games in the Monster Hunter series have always been about picking up the rightweapon for your playstyle, and Monster Hunter Wilds is no different. Same as inprevious 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 andcan deal massive damage, while others require precise execution and mastery tobe 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 extremelypowerful.
• A-Tier: Strong weapons with good balance ofpower and skill requirement.
• B-Tier: More challenging weapons that requiregood knowledge and execution.
• C-Tier: Harder to use and generally lessefficient compared to higher-tier options.

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

Keep in mind that all weapons are viable in the right hands, but some simplytake more effort to master than others. With that in mind, let's break down eachtier 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 extensiveknowledge of monster behaviour to be effective, which makes them a very goodchoice 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 consistentDPS, making it great for both solo and multiplayer hunts. Its learning curvefeels much better compared to other ranged weapons, which is why it landsin 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 topick 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 itscounters, 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 tobe effective. Its shelling attacks hit hard regardless of monster weaknesses,and its burst potential makes it one of the best weapons for breaking toughmonster parts.

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

• Fastest weapon in the game, making it great for elemental/statusdamage.
• 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 highattack speed makes them amazing for applying elemental/status effects, but theylack defensive options. If you do not mind dodging constantly, they are anA-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 playerswho like big damage and do not mind slower movement. However, you need to bemindful of your ammo management and positioning to avoid getting caughtin 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. Ittakes practice to time its charged attacks properly, but one well-placed TrueCharged 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 monstersunconscious. If you like breaking faces and stunning monsters, the Hammer is agreat 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 letsyou stay mobile, deals consistent damage, and you can block attacks. What itlacks in raw power, it makes up for with its versatility. Overall, one of themost reliable choices, especially for beginners.

These weapons require proper management or have limitations that make themharder 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 consistentpayoff 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 andspeed make it a struggle if you are playing solo. Meanwhile, Switch Axe hashuge 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 thatfits your playstyle. While this tier list ranks weapons based on ease of useand effectiveness, every weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds is viable if you takethe time to master it.

• If you want an easy-to-use but powerful weapon? Go forBow, Long Sword, or Gunlance.
• If you like a challenge with high rewards? TryGreat Sword, Charge Blade, or Insect Glaive.
• Playing multiplayer often? TheHunting 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, happyhunting!