Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

The choice of a weapon defines a hunter. Welcome to the Monster Hunter Wilds weapon tier list. In this tier list, we’ll attempt to rank all 14 weapon types in the game based on how fast they can clear the hunt for the apex monster and how much fun you could have with them. Both metrics are subjective, without a doubt, but if you’re a new player, this ranking should give you an idea of what to pick first.

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The Truth About Ranking Weapons in Monster Hunter Games

Creating a tier list for Monster Hunter games is a task that demands both objectivity and subjectivity. While measurable factors like speedrun clear times and damage output provide a solid foundation, the reality is that every player’s experience with a weapon is deeply personal. This makes weapon rankings as much about playstyle and enjoyment as raw performance.

In other words, in this tier list, you will hardly find Monster Hunter Wilds meta weapons simply because the game isn’t even out yet, and all the information gathered here is based on the open beta gameplay and one monster hunt – Ray Dau.

Having said that, for this tier list, we’ve considered the following key criteria to provide a balanced ranking:

1. Performance in Speedruns: Clear times recorded by speedrunners offer a consistent metric to gauge raw weapon power. These rankings focus on the efficiency and damage potential of each weapon against specific monsters like Ray Dau.
2. Accessibility for Players: How easy is the weapon to learn and master? Some weapons may have sky-high potential but demand extreme skill to unlock them.
3. Updates and Changes: With the release of Monster Hunter Wilds, each weapon has undergone updates — some subtle, others transformative. These changes affect their versatility and effectiveness in the current game environment.
4. Fun Factor: This is the most subjective criterion. How engaging is the weapon to play? Does it feel rewarding to use? The flow, animations, and satisfaction of landing hits all play a role.
5. Utility in Multiplayer: Weapons that contribute to team synergy, whether through buffs, status effects, or crowd control, gain extra points for their multiplayer value.

As we’ve said earlier, it’s hard to get Monster Hunter Wilds weapons ranked definitively because the game is fundamentally about freedom of choice. A weapon that tops the performance charts may not resonate with everyone, while others find immense satisfaction in wielding tools considered "weaker."

This is the beauty of Monster Hunter—every weapon is viable in the hands of a skilled hunter. As you explore this list, remember that while it reflects data and analysis, your experience and preference are what truly matter. No matter where your favorite weapon falls on this tier list, it’s all about enjoying the hunt in your own style.

Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Tier List

This tier list is a comprehensive evaluation of the weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, combining both speedrun performance and player enjoyment from the beta. Despite the fact that you won’t find the “list of the best weapons to use in Monster Hunter Wilds,” it should serve as basic info about the weapons and how they got updated in this new Monster Hunter entry.

By analyzing clear times in speedruns and the gameplay experience each weapon provides, this list balances objective efficiency with subjective fun. Each weapon is ranked based on its utility, updates introduced in Wilds, and how it compares to others in terms of versatility, power, and engagement. Whether you're a competitive hunter aiming for top-tier efficiency or someone who values creativity and style, this tier list provides insights into what makes each weapon stand out—or fall behind.

C Tier

These are good weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds. While effective, they fall a bit behind in speedrunning potential due to either lower damage output or slower setups. Despite their unique traits and updates, they fail to make a significant impact compared to their counterparts.

Lance

Lance lands firmly in the B Tier, reflecting its slower speedrun time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds and limited updates in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its shield-based KO mechanics add some variety, but overall, it remains a straightforward weapon focused on defense and methodical gameplay. Ideal for beginners or purists, Lance struggles to match the power and excitement of higher-tier weapons.

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield also fall into B Tier with a speedrun time of 5 minutes and 51 seconds. The Perfect Guard and powerful chop attack improve its versatility, but these updates lack the impact needed to push it higher. While reliable and steady, its gameplay feels more like an incremental upgrade than a standout revamp, keeping it firmly in this tier.

Light Bowgun

Despite a strong speedrun performance of 5 minutes and 32 seconds, Light Bowgun is placed in B Tier overall due to its lackluster fun factor. While the new gauge system adds some depth, it feels overshadowed by Heavy Bowgun’s impactful mechanics and versatility. Light Bowgun is a competent ranged option but lacks the innovation needed to make it a top choice.

B Tier

These weapons types, while not objectively Monster Hunter Wilds weapons meta, strike a balance between power and adaptability, achieving respectable speedrun times and offering fun and rewarding gameplay. They are excellent choices for players who want a mix of effectiveness and engagement.

Hammer

Hammer secures its spot in A Tier with a strong speedrun time of 4 minutes and 54 seconds and engaging updates. Its Mighty Charge ability and instant offset upswing add layers of strategy, making its gameplay more dynamic. While it doesn't have the flashiest features, its consistent improvements and satisfying playstyle make it a top pick for many players.

Hunting Horn

Hunting Horn balances power and fun, earning a solid place in A Tier. Its speedrun time of 5 minutes and 2 seconds highlights its effectiveness, while its mix of Rise-inspired aggression and World-style gameplay ensures a dynamic experience. The Echo Bubbles and melody-storing mechanics bring a unique flair that sets it apart from similar weapons.

Dual Blades

Dual Blades earn their A Tier ranking with a speedrun time of 5 minutes and 24 seconds and their fast-paced, cat-and-mouse gameplay. The updated demon gauge and blade dance combos emphasize aggression and mobility, while the demon flurry and dodge mechanics provide versatility. Though simple at its core, the weapon’s relentless energy and fluid style make it both effective and enjoyable.

Switch Axe

Switch Axe lands in A Tier, combining a B Tier speedrun performance with engaging mechanics. The new offset in axe mode and counters in sword mode provide depth, but the over-reliance on the "For Release" attack restricts its gameplay. While the weapon has its quirks, its layered mechanics offer plenty of rewarding moments for players who can adapt to its nuances.

Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun rises to A Tier despite its B Tier speedrun time of 6 minutes and 30 seconds. Its updates, including Sleep Ammo and Demon Ammo, enhance its utility as both a primary and secondary weapon. The addition of Perfect Guard and clashes introduces a strategic element, making Heavy Bowgun a versatile and impactful choice.

Insect Glaive

Insect Glaive sits in A Tier, reflecting its middle-of-the-pack speedrun time of 4 minutes and 57 seconds and its polarizing updates. While the removal of infinite aerial combos and the old Essence mini-game divided fans, its streamlined mechanics provide a fresh take that many players enjoy. For those willing to adapt, Insect Glaive offers dynamic and satisfying gameplay.

A Tier

This is the strongest weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds that dominates speedruns with clear times under five minutes, showcasing exceptional power and efficiency. Their raw performance and engaging mechanics make them standout choices for advanced players.

Greatsword

Greatsword stands alone in A Tier as the Monster Hunter Wilds best DPS weapon with a speedrun time of 4 minutes and 48 seconds and its innovative offset mechanics. These risk-reward moves add a layer of depth, making its gameplay both strategic and satisfying. While not the flashiest weapon, its raw strength and consistent updates solidify its place as one of the most reliable options in Monster Hunter Wilds.

S Tier

Want to know what is the best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? Try the S+ Tier, which features weapons that excel in both speedrunning and fun rankings, combining unparalleled efficiency with engaging gameplay mechanics.

Bow

Bow leads the S Tier with an unmatched speedrun time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds. The introduction of Tracer Arrows and the Trick Shot gauge system elevates its precision and versatility, allowing players to adapt seamlessly to various scenarios. Its consistent updates and fluid mechanics make it the definitive ranged weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Longsword

Long Sword is another S Tier weapon, boasting a speedrun time of 4 minutes and 34 seconds and an array of impactful updates.  The Crimson Slash combo, enhanced Foresight Slash, and versatile Focus Mode special make it a highly adaptable and stylish weapon. Its fluid gameplay and strategic depth ensure its place among the best.

Charge Blade

Charge Blade secures its spot in S Tier with a speedrun time of 4 minutes and 6 seconds and a design that caters to both newcomers and veterans. The smooth transitions into Power Axe Mode and Shield Charge make it accessible, while its saw blade mechanics and versatile gameplay provide ample depth. It’s both powerful and fun, earning its elite status.

Gunlance

Gunlance completes the S Tier with a speedrun time of 4 minutes and 35 seconds and an array of exciting updates. Its new movement options, double Worm Stake attacks, and explosive combos make it one of the most engaging weapons to use. Gunlance excels in both performance and fun, cementing its place as a top-tier choice.

As of the beta version of the game, these are current Monster Hunter Wilds meta weapons, but this can change over time, so this tier list will be updated on release.

Conclusion

All Monster Hunter Wilds weapons deserve to be the hunter’s main weapons. Not only that but the fact that you can now carry two weapons instead of one (the second is carried by Seikret) shows that making a choice of what weapon to bring with you on a hunt is now less painful, as you can finally bring two of them.

Having two weapons on a hunt and being able to switch between them almost at any time (as long as you’re on a mount) makes for one of the biggest changes in the game since the last installment. It’s almost as massive as having true open-world style locations. 

So, hopefully, this tier list gives you an idea of which weapons you might want to try out.

F.A.Q.