In the sprawling, untamed landscapes of Monster Hunter Wilds, every hunt feels like an adventure waiting to be conquered. The moody jungles, volatile volcanoes, and seemingly endless underwater zones aren’t just challenging—they’re unforgiving. And when the monsters are this formidable, the wrong weapon can make even a seasoned hunter feel helpless. We’ve all been there, staring at our weapon inventory, wondering which tool will turn the tide of battle and let us walk away victorious. In this guide, we’ve listed Monster Hunter Wilds’ best weapons, pointing out the tools of the trade that shine brightest in these chaotic hunting grounds. Whether you’re prepping for solo hunts or planning an epic team takedown, learning how the weapons fit your monster-hunting strategy is the first step in becoming a legend.
How to Choose the Best Weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds
Every hunter has their own story—some of us love diving into the fray with sheer brute force, while others prefer playing it safe with precision and ranged attacks. Choosing the “best” weapon, therefore, isn’t just about stats or damage output. It’s about finding what meshes with your playstyle and the monster and biome you’re up against.
For example, the mobility of the Insect Glaive is unmatched when hunting airborne creatures maneuvering through jungle canopies, while the Hammer remains a top-tier choice for smashing through armored foes. But weapons aren’t just reactive; they shape your entire hunt—from perfect openings to adapting to Wilds’ new environmental challenges. The tiered crafting system, in which many materials are tied directly to Wilds’ unique monsters, adds yet another layer to your weapon strategy.
Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons
Below, we’ve broken down Monster Hunter Wilds’ best weapons, discussing their strengths, ideal scenarios, and new mechanics introduced in this entry of the franchise. Each weapon has something unique to offer, so strap in as we unveil what makes each option so special.
1. Sword & Shield
- A seamless open world with no loading zones.
For many hunters, the Sword & Shield feels like home. Versatile and quick, this weapon offers the perfect balance for offense and defense, making it one of the best weapons for beginners or those seeking adaptability. What makes them stand out in Wilds is their newfound elemental versatility. Sword & Shield users can now chain quick, devastating combos while inflicting elemental or status ailments efficiently.
Why we picked it: This weapon remains indispensable in tight biomes like jungles, allowing hunters to deal consistent damage while staying agile and defensive. Plus, its ability to use items without sheathing is a lifesaver for tense moments against beasts like Tigrex or Nargacuga.
2. Great Sword
- Vast living environments with reactive wildlife and monsters.
With its colossal size and unmatched raw damage, the Great Sword remains a fan-favorite heavy weapon. Simple in structure but lethal in execution, it thrives on well-timed charged attacks, capable of turning an entire hunt around with a single strike. Monster Hunter Wilds adds a new layer of complexity with dynamic biome mechanics—terrain conditions now influence how effectively you can land these devastating blows, making positioning more critical than ever.
Why we picked it: As a top contender in the Monster Hunter Wilds’ best weapons list, the Great Sword’s devastating charged attacks still shine against slow, heavily armored monsters such as Barroth. With Wilds emphasizing environmental interactions, skilled hunters who master timing and positioning will find this weapon a reliable powerhouse in both open plains and confined battlefields.
3. Dual Blades
- New monsters with unique behaviors and habitats.
Dual Blades are all about speed and relentless aggression. For hunters who thrive on mobility and rapid strikes, this weapon delivers pure adrenaline. Monster Hunter Wilds enhances their versatility with biome-specific buffs, allowing hunters to adapt their playstyle based on the terrain and environmental conditions.
Why we picked it: Against swift monsters like Barioth or agile aerial threats, Dual Blades excel at striking weak points without losing momentum. Their Demon Mode provides explosive burst damage, making them perfect for overwhelming smaller creatures like Great Jaggi or Mizutsune before reinforcements arrive.
4. Hammer
- Focuses on a more personal and story-driven experience.
Few weapons feel as satisfying as the Hammer, especially when landing a perfectly timed blow that staggers even the toughest monsters. Known for its raw, blunt force, this weapon excels at breaking through armored hides and stunning foes with repeated head strikes.
Why we picked it: The Hammer remains a top choice against monsters like Diablos, especially in Wilds’ volcanic zones where tough terrain demands precise positioning. Its ability to disable enemies is invaluable, and with the new area customization buffs introduced in Wilds, this weapon is a powerhouse for those who thrive on heavy-hitting combat.
5. Insect Glaive
- Weapon classes return with new moves and combos.
If vertical mobility and aerial combat are your dream tactics, the Insect Glaive, a standout in the Monster Hunter Wilds’ best weapons selection, is just the thing to help you feel most at home. Known for its pole vaulting mechanism, this agile weapon pairs perfectly with untamed environments like Wilds’ jungle cliffs and forest tree canopies. Its kinsect companion offers boosts tailored to damage or support roles, making it flexible for team play.
Why we picked it: With the increased vertical terrain mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds, mastering the Insect Glaive is a clear choice for hunts against airborne giants like Rathalos. The newfound biome-specific buffs make mobility-focused weapons even more effective.
6. Bow
- Expands player mobility and traversal in large environments.
If pinpoint accuracy and distance are what you crave, the Bow is, hands down, the best weapon for ranged hunters. Ideal for players who prefer maintaining safe distances, the weapon’s customizable coatings and elemental builds flourish against monsters larger than life.
Why we picked it: The Bow’s versatility excels in hunts in Wilds’ water zones, where melee options suffer against aquatic creatures like Lagiacrus. The Primal Weapon Crafting system allows players to enhance elemental attributes further, ensuring this weapon always feels competitive.
7. Gunlance
- Day-night cycles and weather affect monster behavior.
Explosive and sturdy, the Gunlance combines defensive gameplay with bursts of power. Known for its ability to tank through attacks and dish out high-damage barrages, this weapon becomes even more impactful in tough biomes introduced in Wilds.
Why we picked it: In coastal areas, where precise timing is crucial, the Gunlance is a strategic choice among the Monster Hunter Wilds’ best weapons. Its ability to stagger monsters while shielding teammates makes it a top-tier option. Its Savage Weapon Mode improves successive hits for greater burst damage.
8. Hunting Horn
- Builds on the success of Monster Hunter: World and Rise.
For team hunts, the Hunting Horn is unmatched. Acting as both a weapon and buff tool, its melodies offer game-changing support that boosts attack, defense, and speed for teammates.
Why we picked it: Multiplayer hunts in Wilds often take place in challenging zones like volcanic caves or dense forests. The Hunting Horn’s ability to empower groups ensures smooth communication and prolonged encounters.
9. Switch Axe
- Pushes the series to new heights in scale and depth.
The Switch Axe is a masterclass in versatility. Able to shift between high-damage axe strikes and devastating sword combos, this weapon adapts smoothly to nearly any scenario.
Why we picked it: The biome-specific mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds elevate the Switch Axe’s ability to control encounters. Whether grounding airborne beasts or transitioning to burst damage, the adaptability is unmatched.
Crafting & Upgrading
Weapons become truly powerful once crafted and upgraded. In Wilds, rare biome items like volcanic ore or jungle vines add unique elemental boosts. Combine these materials with flagship monster parts for weapons that dominate hunts. Look out for Savage Weapon Modes that reward consistent attacks, offering temporary damage amplification against even the toughest foes.
Afterwords
Hunting in Monster Hunter Wilds is as much about preparation as it is about execution. To that end, selecting from the Monster Hunter Wilds’ best weapons is crucial. Whether you prefer the raw power of the Hammer or the mobility of the Insect Glaive, the best weapon is the one that fits your playstyle and allows you to adapt to Wilds’ sprawling untamed terrain. What’s your weapon of choice for the fierce foes waiting out there? Let us know and share your strategies!
1. What is the most challenging weapon for beginners in Monster Hunter Wilds?
The Charge Blade is the most complex weapon due to its layered mechanics of charging energy and timing high-impact burst attacks.
2. How does Savage Weapon Mode work?
Savage Weapon Mode is a Wilds-specific mechanic that boosts damage temporarily if players maintain successive hits under certain conditions.
3. Can ranged weapons compete with melee weapons in DPS?
Absolutely. Weapons like Bowguns and the Bow boast consistent, high-precision DPS that rival heavy melee tools in certain monster encounters.
4. Are crafting materials for the best weapons difficult to find?
Yes, rare drops like volcanic ore or flagship monster-specific items prioritize exploration and adaptability in Wilds.
