After you’ve set up to the right Skills and Gear Bonuses in Monster Hunter Wild, you should get the weapons with the Highest Damage possible.
To make this easy for you, we’ve compiled an in-depth analysis of weapon performance based on speedrun times against the game’s current highest-tier monster, the tempered version of Arkfeld.
This article will break down our methodology and context to list the weapon performance ranking in Monster Hunter Wild.
Methodology:
Before we jump into the list, it’s important to understand how we came up with these rankings:
- Corrupted Mantle: All the fast runs in this list use the Special Cloak. This cloak gives a 10% boost for 2 minutes but slowly lowers health. When fully on, it gives even more boosts and extra damage for some attacks.
- Exclusion of Heroics: We didn’t include runs using the “Low Health” skill to keep things fair when comparing weapons. This skill can make runs much faster but is very risky because you have to play perfectly with very little health.
- Recent Update: The game creators made some changes soon after the game came out. These might have changed how well some weapons work. Our list shows how weapons performed when these runs were recorded.
- Ongoing Development: Since the game is new, these rankings might change as players find new tricks and get better at using the weapons.
Weapon Performance Rankings:
14. Hunting Horn:
The Hunting Horn finds itself at the bottom of the rankings, with a clear time significantly behind other weapons.
This may be due to the weapon’s inability to consistently trigger the Corrupted Mantle’s bonus damage effect.
However, it’s worth noting that the run used for this ranking was recorded several days before the others, and there may be potential for improvement as players optimize their strategies.
13. Hammer:
While performing better than the Hunting Horn, the Hammer still lags behind other weapons.
Like the Hunting Horn, it may not be able to trigger the Corrupted Mantle’s effects as consistently as other weapons.
The Hammer’s playstyle, which involves more than just spamming basic combos, may not be as conducive to maximizing the mantle’s benefits.
12. Bow
The Bow’s performance is particularly interesting, as it was a top performer in both beta tests.
Its current ranking reflects significant nerfs to the Tracer Arrow and changes to the Focus Mode aiming. While normal shots were buffed, the overall impact seems to have reduced the Bow’s effectiveness in speedruns.
11. Dual Blades:
Dual Blades perform decently but not exceptionally. While they can make good use of the Corrupted Mantle with their triple triangle combo, Arkfeld’s poor elemental hit zones may be limiting their potential.
The weapon’s reliance on elemental damage could be a disadvantage in this particular matchup.
10. Light Bowgun:
The Light Bowgun showcases an interesting playstyle, utilizing dash shots to bypass animation locks.
While not at the top of the rankings, its performance is solid and satisfying to watch.
9. Heavy Bowgun:
Performing just slightly better than its lighter counterpart, the Heavy Bowgun utilizes the Wyvernheart (machine gun style) and piercing shots to great effect.
The close times between Light and Heavy Bowgun suggest a good balance between the two ranged options.
8. Switch Axe:
The Switch Axe has seen significant improvements since the beta tests. The current strategy involves aggressive use of Full Release, occasionally interrupted by Saw Counters.
This playstyle maximizes DPS while minimizing the use of other moves in the weapon’s repertoire.
7. Gunlance:
Gunlance performs well in these rankings and would be even higher if Heroics were allowed.
Its strong showing demonstrates the weapon’s high damage potential and effectiveness in the current meta.
6. Sword and Shield:
The Sword and Shield showcases impressive versatility and damage output.
The strategy involves cycling through basic triangle combos, occasionally using shield attacks, and taking advantage of the weapon’s ability to quickly respond with perfect guards.
The smooth movement and gameplay flow of the SnS contribute to its strong performance.
5. Lance:
Lance’s high ranking may come as a surprise to some.
The weapon benefits greatly from the Corrupted Mantle, allowing for near-constant poke spam interspersed with perfect guards and occasional power guards.
This playstyle maximizes DPS and showcases the Lance’s potential in skilled hands.
4. Great Sword:
The Great Sword performs exceptionally well, even without Heroics. Its True Charge Slash benefits greatly from the Corrupted Mantle’s bonus damage procs.
The strategy involves a mix of tackles and offsetting to maintain aggressive positioning and maximize damage output.
3. Long Sword:
The Long Sword’s optimal strategy has evolved since the beta. Instead of relying on Helm Breaker and Full Release, the current meta involves reaching red gauge and then spamming the new Crimson SL combo.
This fast-paced combo, combined with the Corrupted Mantle, results in incredibly high DPS.
2. Insect Glaive:
Despite all the legit concerns during the beta, the Insect Glaive proves its worth with an impressive second-place finish.
The strategy involves minimal aerial combat, instead focusing on ground combos that maximize the Corrupted Mantle’s effectiveness.
The new descending attack, which empties all essence for a powerful strike, is used strategically throughout the run.
1. Charge Blade:
The Charge Blade takes the top spot with its devastating chainsaw-like Power Axe mode.
The optimal strategy involves cycling through ED1 and ED2 combos, occasionally using the Amped Element Discharge for its strong knockout potential.
This playstyle, combined with the Corrupted Mantle’s benefits, results in unparalleled DPS against Arkfeld.
Conclusion:
Looking at how well different weapons work in Monster Hunter Wilds after it came out, we can see that most weapons are pretty evenly matched. Most of them can finish hunts in similar times.
Some weapons like the Hunting Horn and Hammer are a bit slower, but most are close together. This means that how good a player is and how they use the weapon matters a lot.
Remember, these rankings are based on specific things – fast runs against a tough Arkfeld using the Special Cloak.
Different monsters, ways of playing, or game types might give different results. Also, since the game is new and changes are still being made, these rankings might change as players find new ways to use the weapons.
It’s good that most weapons can finish hunts in close times. This means players can choose many different weapons and still do well.
But, because some ways of playing (like using the Special Cloak a lot) work so well, some weapons might end up being used in very similar ways to be the best.
As you keep playing Monster Hunter Wilds and trying new things, it will be interesting to see how these rankings change.
