Monster Hunter Wilds: How to Choose a Weapon

The Monster Hunter franchise is well known for its unique take on the weapon system. Unlike other games, your weapon is the most important factor for your character's playstyle.

In a way, picking a weapon in Monster Hunter is like picking a class for your character. Don't worry though, as you can always switch between weapons. You'll just need to craft new weapons to be on par with what you already have.

In this article, I'll briefly cover all 14 weapon types and their playstyles. Use this information to pick the perfect weapon for you.

We also have more in-depth guides for every weapon, which we'll link to in each section.

Note: MH Wilds is introducing a "Two Weapon" system, letting you bring two weapons into combat. This guide will mainly focus on each weapon individually, rather than combinations.

"A weighty weapon with slower movement and attacks, but each blow packs a powerful punch. Suitable for hit-and-run tactics or even guarding, the Great Sword is highly adaptable."

[Full Great Sword Guide]

The Great Sword is all about slow, heavy hits with massive damage. Playstyle revolves around timing and positioning for charged attacks. Pick it for satisfying, high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

"A weapon that excels at swift movements and combos. With a sharp eye and good timing, you can counter incoming attacks. Landing certain attacks will raise the level of the Spirit Gauge. Once the Spirit Gauge turns red, some of your attacks will be strengthened."

[Full Long Sword Guide]

The Long Sword is an agile weapon with a focus on combos and counters. Spirit Gauge management is key to maintaining good damage. Choose it for fluid, stylish combat with defensive options like counters/parries instead of blocking/guarding.

"A weapon that boasts maneuverability and rapid attacks. You can use the shield both to guard and to attack. You can even use some items while your weapon is drawn."

[Full Sword & Shield Guide]

The Sword & Shield is versatile with quick attacks, blocking capabilities, and the ability to use items unsheathed. Great for beginners and support roles due to its flexibility.

"A weapon designed for rapid attacks. Enter Demon Mode to boost the damage of your attacks. Archdemon Mode will further boost the damage of some attacks."

[Full Dual Blades Guide]

The Dual Blades are all about fast gameplay and attacking relentlessly with Demon Mode. Ideal for players who enjoy aggressive, high-speed combat. Stamina management is important as Demon Mode drains your stamina.

"A blunt weapon with destructive power and good mobility. Charge your attacks to make them more powerful. You can even stun monsters by landing multiple hits to their head."

[Full Hammer Guide]

The Hammer deals heavy, blunt damage focused on stunning monsters. Playstyle centers on charging attacks and targeting the head. Pick it for KO potential and raw power.

"A blunt weapon that can perform melodies that give you buffs. Place Echo Bubbles to grant special effects in an area. Melody effects also benefit your allies."

[Full Hunting Horn Guide]

The Hunting Horn is generally a party support weapon that deals blunt damage and buffs allies. However, you can absolutely play Hunting Horn solo. Playstyle involves attacking while playing songs. Choose it for team utility and unique mechanics. (or solo style points)

"The lance is a weapon with top-class defense. Its thrusting attacks are quick and safe to execute. Make good use of its variety of guard-related moves and counters."

[Full Lance Guide]

The Lance is a defensive weapon with precise pokes, strong shields, and surprising mobility. The playstyle is methodical, focusing on counterattacks and guarding. Pick it for unmatched defense and consistent damage uptime. However, some endgame monsters can be bad matchups for shields/Lance, so keep that in mind.

"A weapon with a long reach and the ability to fire explosive shells. Use sidesteps to make small positioning adjustments. Guard against even the most powerful of attacks. Utilize a variety of powerful shell-based attacks."

[Full Gunlance Guide]

The Gunlance is very similar to Lance but with explosive shelling attacks. The Gunlance generally has less mobility, making it feel more like a tank. The playstyle mixes pokes and shell bursts when openings appear. Choose it for explosive damage and unique mechanics.

"A multifaceted weapon that can morph between two different modes. Axe Mode excels at long-reach attacks. Sword Mode lets you unleash faster attacks."

[Full Switch Axe Guide]

The Switch Axe is a transforming weapon that switches between axe and sword modes. Playstyle involves managing the Phial gauge for powerful attacks. The weapon has arguably the least defensive tools in the game, so pick it for pure offensive output.

"A versatile weapon that can morph between two different modes. Sword Mode allows you to maneuver yourself quickly and accurately. Dish out massive damage with Axe Mode. Charge phials while in Sword Mode to power up Axe Mode. Charged phials can power up different aspects of the weapon."

[Full Charge Blade Guide]

The Charge Blade is a complex weapon that switches between sword/shield and axe modes. Playstyle revolves around charging Phials and unleashing powerful attacks. Choose it for technical depth and burst damage. Similar to Switch Axe, but has better defensive tools/moves.

"A mobile weapon you use while controlling a creature known as a Kinsect. Gain powerful buffs by harvesting extracts from monsters. Vault into the air to perform jumping attacks at will."

[Full Insect Glaive Guide]

The Insect Glaive is a fast, aerial-focused weapon with a Kinsect (small bug friend) for buffs. Playstyle involves vaulting and mounting monsters. Pick this weapon if the unique aerial combat appeals to you. Hard to learn, even harder to master.

"A mid-range weapon that can fire various ammo types. Highly mobile and great at quick attacks and dodges. Use Rapid Fire energy to fire in quick succession. Energy regenerates over time and when you successfully land hits."

[Full Light Bowgun Guide]

The Light Bowgun is a mobile ranged weapon with rapid fire and many customization options. Playstyle involves dodging and exploiting different types of ammo. Pick it for versatility and agility in ranged form.

"A long-range weapon that fires ammo from a distance.
On top of the Auto-Guard function, you can also guard incoming attacks manually. Expend energy in Ignition Mode to fire special ammo. Energy regenerates over time and when you successfully land hits."

[Full Heavy Bowgun Guide]

The Heavy Bowgun is a slow but powerful ranged weapon with high damage and shielding options. Playstyle focuses on positioning and ammo management. Choose it for raw firepower and defense over mobility.

"A mid-range weapon that uses a variety of arrow-based attacks.
Charge your arrows to increase their damage. The bow also boasts high mobility. Hitting a monster with a Tracer will cause arrows to home in on it. Tracers will explode after being dealt enough damage or after enough time passes."

[Full Bow Guide]

The Bow is a ranged weapon with rapid shots and coatings for status effects, similar to ammo for Light Bowgun. Playstyle focuses on stamina management and positioning. Choose it for consistent damage, good mobility, and range.