Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (2026)

Let’s get this out of the way first: there is no best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds.

If you’re landing hits, not carting, and enjoying the hunt, you’re doing it right. Tier lists help with optimization, not fun. Still, some weapons consistently perform better across hunts, builds, and skill levels. That’s what this list is for.

This tier list is based on:

• Community rankings
• Speedrun averages
• Overall damage potential
• Ease of use and consistency
  

It will change over time.

Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

S-Tier Weapons

These weapons offer strong damage and reliable performance without needing perfect play every hunt.

• Sword and Shield
• Great Sword
• Long Sword
• Gunlance
• Bow
  

A-Tier Weapons

Very strong in the right hands, but more technical or less forgiving.

• Insect Glaive
• Charge Blade
• Dual Blades
• Hunting Horn
• Heavy Bowgun
• Switch Axe

B-Tier Weapons

Still viable. Just require more effort, better builds, or matchup knowledge to keep up.

• Lance
• Hammer
• Light Bowgun

There is no C-tier. Every weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds works.

Why There Are Only Three Tiers

Monster Hunter isn’t a meta-chasing game. Weapon strength changes based on:

• Monster behavior
• Player skill
• Armor and decorations
• Matchups
  

Even B-tier weapons can outperform S-tier ones in the right hands. Tier lists are a reference, not a rule.

Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield is one of the most underrated weapons in the game. It’s fast, mobile, defensive, and extremely consistent. You can block, dodge, counter, and even use items without sheathing.

It’s easy to learn and scales very well with skill. Great for solo and co-op.

Great Sword

If you want the biggest single-hit damage, this is it. Great Sword rewards patience and positioning. Wilds makes it more forgiving with Focus Mode, Power Clashes, and Offset attacks.

Miss your hits and you’ll suffer. Land them and hunts end fast.

Long Sword

One of the most popular weapons for a reason. Fast, flashy, and built around counterattacks. Managing the Spirit Gauge takes practice, but the damage payoff is worth it.

Also excellent reach for tail cuts.

Gunlance

Gunlance is technical, slow, and extremely strong when mastered. It has great defense, explosive damage, and new tools in Wilds like double Wyvern’s Fire and Wyrmstake Full Blast.

Not beginner-friendly, but very rewarding.

Bow

The Bow is mobile, safe, and powerful. Unlimited coatings, Tracer Ammo for guaranteed hits, and stamina recovery through perfect dodges make it relentless.

Even after minor nerfs, it remains one of the strongest weapons overall.

Closing Statements

This Monster Hunter Wilds weapon tier list (2026) is a guide, not a commandment.

A skilled hunter with a “lower-tier” weapon will always outperform someone who doesn’t know their kit. Play what feels good. Learn the weapon. Build around it.

That’s how hunts get faster.