Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in the beloved action role-playing game series, brings with it a host of exciting weapons for players to master.
Among these, the bow stands out as a versatile and dynamic ranged option that offers both mobility and power.
This guide will explain the intricacies of the bow, providing aspiring archers with all the knowledge they need to become formidable hunters.
The Basics of Bow Combat:
The bow is one of three ranged weapons available in Monster Hunter Wilds, offering a unique blend of agility and firepower.
Its playstyle is characterized by constant movement, strategic positioning, and the ability to unleash devastating arrow barrages from a safe distance.
Aiming and Charging:
To begin using the bow effectively, hunters must first understand the fundamental mechanics of aiming and charging.
By pressing the left trigger, players can enter aim mode, allowing for precise targeting of monster weak points. The right trigger is used to charge the bow, with longer charge times resulting in more powerful shots.
Charge Levels and Arrow Count:
As the bow charges, it progresses through different levels, each indicated by a color change:
- Uncharged: Basic attack, single arrow
- Yellow charge: Intermediate power, two arrows
- Red charge: Maximum power, three arrows
Charging Side Step:
One of the bow’s most crucial techniques is the charging side step. By shooting and then quickly dodging, hunters can instantly advance to the next charge level.
This technique allows for rapid charging without the need to stand still, maintaining mobility while maximizing damage output.
Stamina Management:
Effective use of the bow relies heavily on stamina management. Both charging and dodging consume stamina, so hunters must be mindful of their green bar. However, the bow has a unique advantage in the form of the Discerning Dodge.
This special evasive maneuver not only makes the hunter invulnerable for a brief moment but also completely refills the stamina bar, allowing for aggressive play and extended combos.
Power Shots and Power Volleys:
To increase damage output, hunters can utilize power shots by pressing the B button (or Circle on PlayStation) after a regular shot. This fires four arrows in a spread pattern, dealing significant damage.
For even more punch, a power shot can be followed up with a power volley by pressing the button again, unleashing an even larger barrage of arrows.
Tracer Arrows:
Tracer arrows are a key component of the bow’s arsenal. These special arrows stick to a monster and create a homing point for subsequent shots.
The availability of tracer arrows is indicated by the Power Coding gauge in the bottom right of the screen. Each use of a tracer consumes one bar of this gauge.
Benefits of Tracers:
- Increased damage against the marked area
- Arrows will home in on the marked spot, improving accuracy
- Can be detonated for additional damage
Coatings:
Coatings add extra effects to arrows, enhancing their effectiveness. Unlike in previous games, coatings in Monster Hunter Wilds don’t need to be crafted from inventory items.
Instead, they’re tied to the bow’s gauge system. Different bows may have access to different coating types, such as:
- Power Coatings: Increase overall arrow damage
- Poison Coatings: Apply poison status effect
- Elemental Coatings: Add elemental damage (varies by bow)
Advanced Techniques:
- Flying Swallow Shot: This new addition to the bow’s moveset in Wilds allows hunters to perform a jumping attack after a dodge. It serves as both a repositioning tool and a damage-dealing move, covering significant distance while firing a spread of arrows.
- Thousand Dragons: A powerful close-range attack that fires a massive spread of arrows. While its effectiveness diminishes at long range, combining it with a tracer arrow allows all the arrows to home in on the target, making it devastating even from a distance.
- Dragon Piercer: This technique fires a single, powerful arrow that pierces through the entire length of a monster. It’s particularly effective against large, elongated monsters, as the arrow will hit multiple times along its path. Dragon Piercer can be initiated without charging, unlike Thousand Dragons.
- Arc Shot: By charging and then pressing the B button (or Circle), hunters can perform an Arc Shot. This fires multiple arrows into the air, which then rain down on the target area. While useful for creating additional homing points, it’s worth noting that this technique is reportedly being adjusted for the game’s launch.
Combo Example: To illustrate how these techniques come together, here’s a sample combo:
- Fire a tracer arrow
- Perform a charging side step
- Fire a charged shot
- Execute a power shot
- Immediately follow up with Thousand Dragons
- Cancel the recovery animation with a charging side step
- Return to the basic charge-and-fire combo
Maximizing Damage Output:
To achieve the highest possible damage with the bow, hunters should aim to:
- Maintain maximum charge level through efficient use of charging side steps
- Keep tracers applied to the monster’s weak points
- Utilize power shots and power volleys when safe to do so
- Maintain 100% uptime on coatings
- Use Thousand Dragons or Dragon Piercer when large openings present themselves
- Constantly manage stamina through strategic use of the Discerning Dodge
Conclusion:
The bow in Monster Hunter Wilds offers a thrilling and dynamic playstyle that rewards skill, timing, and strategic thinking.
By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, hunters can become formidable archers capable of taking down even the most fearsome monsters.
Whether you’re an expert bow user or new to ranged combat, the bow’s versatility and power make it an excellent choice for any hunter looking to make their mark in the world of Monster Hunter Wilds.
Remember, practice makes perfect. So grab your bow, head out into the wild, and happy hunting!
