"Monster Hunter Wilds: Top Beginner Weapons"

Author: Daniel May 04,2025

Choosing the best weapons in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be daunting for beginners. Even though the game provides a weapon based on a quiz, it might not be the ideal choice for new players. While *Wilds* has improved its onboarding process, it doesn't rush to explain the intricacies of each weapon. Our beginner's guide to *Monster Hunter Wilds* weapons simplifies your choices by recommending five user-friendly and effective weapons, along with a brief overview of what to expect from each.

Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons for Beginners

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  • Hammer
  • Dual Blades
  • Sword and Shield
  • Light Bowgun
  • Long Sword

Hammer

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A hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds, using a stun hammer to attack a Lala Barina

The hammer is an ideal starting weapon for newcomers or those needing a refresher. It delivers high damage with straightforward moves. Key combos include an overhead smash, a whirling hit, a powerful charged attack, and the Big Bang, which can knock down even large monsters. Hammers boast higher attack power than most other weapons, making them effective even when opting for status-inflicting options without complex button combinations.

Dual Blades

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A hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds using the dual blades against a sand leviathan

Dual blades offer a gentle learning curve with a few basic combos, yet provide more engagement than the hammer. Their mobility is unmatched, making dodging and targeting easier. Standard combos are simple, but Demon Mode unleashes high-damage blade dances. Be mindful of stamina consumption in Demon Mode, and ensure you're well-fed with stamina-boosting meals before hunts.

Sword and Shield

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A hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds performing a downward thrust attack with the sword and shield

The sword and shield offer versatility and a high skill ceiling. The shield allows blocking without hampering movement, seamlessly integrating defense into your strategy. Combos range from simple slashes to complex maneuvers, but even basic attacks can complete hunts successfully. The ability to use items without sheathing your weapon is a game-changer, offering strategic flexibility.

Light Bowgun

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A hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds using normal ammo with the light bowgun against a Lala Barina

The Light Bowgun is perfect for those who prefer to keep their distance and observe monster patterns while dealing damage. It comes with unlimited basic ammo and the option for special elemental ammo. Though hunts may take longer, this weapon is safer and great for understanding monster behavior. It's also valuable as a secondary weapon for applying status effects or exploiting weaknesses.

Long Sword

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The Long Sword is the most complex of our beginner recommendations, requiring precise timing and positioning. Basic attacks include a strike-and-retreat move and a sheathe skill for quick movement. The weapon's strength lies in its spirit slash attacks, which escalate in power as you build the spirit meter. The most challenging combo involves a three-part attack that can miss if not executed correctly, making it a weapon for those ready to dive deeper into the game's mechanics.