The best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds are the Long Sword, Bow, and Gunlance, which consistently rank in the top tiers across all major sources due to their exceptional damage output, versatility, and ease of use. These weapons dominate both solo and multiplayer hunts, offering hunters the perfect balance of power and accessibility regardless of skill level.
| Tier | Weapons | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| S-Tier | Long Sword, Bow, Gunlance, Heavy Bowgun | High DPS, easy to learn, excellent defense options |
| A-Tier | Dual Blades, Great Sword, Hammer, Insect Glaive, Sword & Shield | Strong damage with moderate skill requirements |
| B-Tier | Charge Blade, Lance, Light Bowgun | High potential but steep learning curve |
| C-Tier | Hunting Horn, Switch Axe | Complex mechanics with lower payoff |
This comprehensive tier list synthesizes data from the most authoritative sources, including Icy Veins (updated October 2025 for TU3), Game8.co (July 2025 for TU2), Rock Paper Shotgun, and Polygon, giving you the most current and accurate weapon rankings available.
Contents
Monster Hunter Wilds features 14 distinct weapon types, each offering unique playstyles, mechanics, and strategic advantages. Choosing the right weapon can dramatically impact your hunting success, clear times, and overall enjoyment. Our tier list considers multiple crucial factors:
Long Sword The undisputed king of Monster Hunter Wilds, Long Sword consistently tops every tier list for good reason. It offers the perfect balance of reach, speed, and power that makes it effective against virtually any monster.
Key Strengths:
According to Game8.co, "The Long Sword maintains a top spot due to its strong counter options and large array of hyper armor moves, making it easy to benefit from Counterstrike and sustain high DPS."
Bow The premier ranged weapon has received significant improvements in Wilds, making it more accessible and powerful than ever. Its mobility and consistent damage output make it a top choice for both solo and multiplayer hunters.
Key Strengths:
Rock Paper Shotgun notes, "The Bow packs amazing damage potential into a fast-firing package and can be very easily used to decimate any monster in the game."
Gunlance This explosive powerhouse combines the best of melee and ranged combat, offering devastating burst damage while maintaining solid defensive capabilities.
Key Strengths:
Icy Veins ranks Gunlance in S-Tier, stating it "does not require perfect positioning to be effective. Its shelling attacks hit hard regardless of monster weaknesses, and its burst potential makes it one of the best weapons for breaking tough monster parts."
Heavy Bowgun The hardest-hitting ranged weapon in the game, Heavy Bowgun delivers massive firepower at the cost of mobility. It's perfect for hunters who prefer a more methodical, position-based approach.
Key Strengths:
Dual Blades The fastest weapon in the game offers relentless aggression and incredible elemental/status damage potential, making it a favorite for hunters who prefer an in-your-face playstyle.
Key Strengths:
Great Sword The iconic powerhouse weapon delivers the highest single-hit damage in the game, perfect for hunters who enjoy calculated, high-impact strikes.
Key Strengths:
Game8.co moved Great Sword to SS-Tier in their July 2025 update, noting it "has earned its place as a strong maintainer weapon since release, having already the powerful ability to perform an offset attack and guard."
Hammer This classic blunt weapon received significant improvements in Title Update 2, making it much more competitive in the current meta.
Key Strengths:
Insect Glaive The only weapon with dedicated aerial combat capabilities, Insect Glaive offers unique mobility and mounting opportunities that set it apart from other weapons.
Key Strengths:
Sword & Shield The most versatile weapon in the game offers a perfect balance of offense, defense, and utility, making it an excellent choice for beginners and veterans alike.
Key Strengths:
Charge Blade This complex weapon offers incredible burst damage but requires significant mastery to use effectively. It's rewarding for dedicated hunters but has a steep learning curve.
Key Strengths:
Lance The ultimate defensive weapon offers unparalleled blocking capabilities but suffers from lower damage output and slower movement compared to other weapons.
Key Strengths:
Light Bowgun More mobile than its heavy counterpart but lacks the raw firepower, making it a middle-ground option for hunters who value mobility over pure damage.
Key Strengths:
Hunting Horn Traditionally a support weapon, Hunting Horn has improved in Wilds but still struggles with solo play efficiency compared to other weapons.
Key Strengths:
Switch Axe While offering strong burst potential, Switch Axe's clunky mechanics and stamina management hold it back in the current meta.
Key Strengths:
The weapon meta in Monster Hunter Wilds has evolved significantly since launch, with several major balance changes affecting weapon rankings:
If you're new to Monster Hunter Wilds, these weapons offer the best starting experience:
If you prioritize fast clear times and maximum damage:
If you primarily hunt in groups:
The Long Sword currently holds the top spot across most tier lists due to its perfect balance of damage, reach, and defensive options. However, the "best" weapon ultimately depends on your personal playstyle and preferences.
Weapon rankings typically shift with each Title Update, which occurs every 2-3 months. Major balance changes can significantly impact weapon viability and tier positions.
Absolutely! All weapons are viable in the right hands. Lower-tier weapons may require more skill and optimization to achieve similar results to top-tier options, but they can still clear all content effectively.
While it's beneficial to have multiple weapon types mastered for different matchups, it's more efficient to specialize in one or two weapons and learn them thoroughly rather than switching frequently.
Armor skills are crucial for maximizing weapon potential. Each weapon type has specific skills that significantly enhance its performance, so building appropriate armor sets is essential for optimization.
Based on current balance trends and developer patterns, we anticipate several potential shifts in the weapon meta:
The Monster Hunter Wilds weapon tier list provides valuable guidance for choosing your main weapon, but remember that the best weapon is ultimately the one you enjoy playing the most. While S-Tier weapons like Long Sword, Bow, and Gunlance offer the highest potential for fast clear times and competitive play, personal comfort and enjoyment should always be your primary consideration.
Take advantage of the weapon training area to test different options, join community discussions to learn from experienced players, and don't be afraid to experiment. With 14 unique weapon types, there's a perfect fit for every playstyle in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Call to Action: Bookmark this guide for regular updates as the meta evolves with new Title Updates, and join the Monster Hunter Wilds Discord community to share your weapon mastery journey with fellow hunters!