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Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List

Authore: EmilyUpdate:Mar 21,2025

Let's be clear: there's no single "best" weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Forget the idea of a universally overpowered weapon guaranteeing the fastest hunt times every time. The most important factor is choosing a weapon that you enjoy playing and are effective with. Consistent hits, successful hunts, and most importantly, having fun, are what truly matter.

Building a successful weapon loadout involves much more than just the weapon itself. Armor, decorations, and selecting the right Artian weapon for the specific monster are crucial elements. However, if you're aiming for faster hunt times, certain weapon types consistently excel. This tier list combines insights from the IGN community, online feedback, my own experience considering ease of mastery, and current speedrun data.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Weapon Tier List

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Weapon Tier List

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Best Weapons Tier List

The "best" weapons in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, in no particular order, include the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow. However, let's emphasize that all weapons are viable; these simply stand out for various reasons detailed below.

S-tier: These weapons offer the best combination of damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance requires the most technical skill, but its rewards are highly valued within the community.

Sword and Shield
Great Sword
Long Sword
Gunlance
Bow

A-tier:

A-tier weapons possess the potential to reach S-tier performance with skilled players. They often demand more technical precision and are less forgiving, or they fall slightly short of the top tier. The Hunting Horn, while potentially less optimal solo, shines in cooperative hunts.

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

B-tier:

These weapons may lag slightly behind S- and A-tier weapons even in expert hands. This doesn't imply inferiority; they might simply require more refined builds and skillful execution to achieve comparable results.

Lance
Hammer
Light Bowgun

Why only three tiers?: As stated earlier, there isn't a single "best" weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Every weapon remains viable, and a different tier list could emerge based on the target monster. Don't let tier lists restrict your weapon choice. Even B-tier weapons are highly effective.

PlayBest Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Weapons Explained

Sword and Shield

PlayThe Sword and Shield consistently underperforms expectations. While easy to learn, its versatility and high damage potential, once mastered, make it a formidable choice. Exceptional mobility allows for constant pressure on monsters, while the ability to guard and counterattack adds significant defensive capabilities. Perfect guarding is relatively straightforward, enabling powerful counters and activating the Offensive Guard buff. The Sword and Shield also allows item usage without sheathing, beneficial for support players.

See all Sword and Shields in MH Rise: Sunbreak

Great Sword

PlayThe Great Sword exemplifies quintessential Monster Hunter satisfaction. Its slow attacks and potential for punishing mishits are balanced by the satisfying power of its charged attacks and the ease of aiming provided by Focus Mode. For maximum single-hit damage, the Great Sword remains a top choice.

See all Great Swords in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Long Sword

PlayThe Long Sword's popularity stems from its fast, stylish, and satisfying gameplay. Mastering its perfect-evade counterattack, the Foresight Slash, is key to maximizing damage output. Its reach excels at severing tails. While managing the Spirit Gauge is crucial, the rewards are well worth the effort.

See all Long Swords in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Gunlance

PlayCommunity feedback, speedruns, and general online sentiment consistently highlight the Gunlance's effectiveness. While possessing a steeper learning curve than other S-tier weapons, its potent defensive capabilities (via Perfect Guarding) and explosive damage compensate for reduced mobility. The ability to fire two Wyvern's Fire shots and the powerful Wyrmstake Full Blast significantly boost its offensive potential.

See all Gunlances in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.

Bow

PlayDespite a minor Focus Strike nerf, the Bow remains highly effective. The new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and critical strikes, significantly enhancing damage. The unlimited supply of coatings further increases its damage potential. Mastering the Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, enabling nearly uninterrupted attacks. Its mobility, power, and visually appealing Focus Strike make it a compelling choice.

See all Bows in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.

Ultimately, this is a guide, not a definitive statement. Your skill with a particular weapon will heavily influence its effectiveness. A skilled Light Bowgun user can outperform a Great Sword player who struggles with timing. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice!

What's your preferred weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak? Share your thoughts! And for more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak guide.