Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Choice Guide
Monster Hunter Wilds features 14 different weapons, each with completely unique controls and playstyles. Your choice of weapon drastically changes your hunting approach, so finding the right one for you is the first step toward improvement. This article explains the characteristics of each weapon type and how to choose the weapon that best suits you.
Broad Weapon Categories
The 14 weapons can be broadly categorized into four groups: “reach-focused,” “mobility-focused,” “damage-focused,” and “support-oriented.” The Great Sword and Hammer deal high damage per hit but have large openings after attacks, requiring practice to use effectively. On the other hand, the Insect Glaive and Dual Blades are combo-oriented weapons that excel at landing consecutive hits while staying on the move. The Sword and Shield and Lance offer a good balance of offense and defense, making them approachable choices for beginners.
Recommended Weapons for Beginners
If this is your first Monster Hunter game, it’s best to choose based on simplicity of controls and survivability. The Sword and Shield has minimal recovery after attacks and allows quick item usage, making it ideal for fighting while observing the monster’s movements. The Lance has strong guard capabilities, letting you block monster attacks head-on and safely look for openings to counterattack. The Hammer is also a popular first pick thanks to its intuitive controls—just focus on targeting the head and you’ll land stuns with ease.
Weapons for Intermediate and Advanced Players
Once you’re comfortable with the controls, try stepping up to more specialized weapons. The Charge Blade features a sword mode and an axe mode with switching between them, demanding situational awareness and advanced playmaking. The Switch Axe is great for aggressive playstyles, with powerful combos built around its morphing attacks. The Hunting Horn is a support-oriented weapon that can buff your teammates, making it invaluable in group play. The Insect Glaive enables aerial combat and features unique actions like mounting and attacking monsters from above.
Key Points When Choosing a Weapon
Keep the following points in mind when selecting a weapon. First is complexity of controls. Consider how many inputs you can handle and match that against your skill level. Second is the balance between reach and mobility. Whether you want to attack from a distance or get up close and strike quickly changes which weapon is the best fit. Third is compatibility with your playstyle. If you primarily play solo, go for a self-sufficient weapon. For multiplayer, a weapon that offers support or easy coordination with teammates is a better choice.
Actually Trying Them Out Matters
Don’t decide based on theoretical stats alone—head into the training area and get a feel for each weapon. The training area lets you freely test basic combos for every weapon, so you can check whether a weapon clicks with you on a gut level. Practicing in low-rank quests against actual monsters is also highly effective. Even if a weapon feels difficult at first, your body will naturally adapt the more you use it.
How Playstyles Differ Between Weapons
Even with the same weapon, your approach can vary dramatically depending on how you use it. With the Great Sword, the key is reading the timing of your charge attacks and striking the monster’s openings for massive damage. The Light Bowgun, on the other hand, is all about maintaining distance while firing shots and inflicting status ailments. The Lance isn’t about charging in recklessly—it rewards a patient style of guarding, reading the monster’s movements, and countering when an opening appears. Understanding the optimal tactics for each weapon will help you hunt more efficiently.
Finding the weapon that suits you is the key to getting the most out of Monster Hunter Wilds. Be sure to try out as many weapons as possible and develop your own unique hunting style.