Weapon Types List and Balancing Adjustments

Insect Glaive Changes

Vaulting Dance

The Vaulting Dance is a special maneuver that lets hunters chain aerial attacks by using monsters as springboards to leap into the air. During the beta test, it was disabled to encourage players to try out the new motions. Many players are thrilled to see the return of this signature action for the Insect Glaive.

Offset Effect and Enhanced Extract

An Offset Effect was added to the beginning of Descending Slash, and the extract effects have been enhanced, significantly expanding the range of attacks. Beta test players who have used the Insect Glaive have praised it as the best version yet.

▼ Descending Slash Charge Mechanic

There were some concerns about the difficulty of the charge mechanic for Descending Slash. However, after considering the benefits of allowing players to become accustomed to the mechanic and the expanded gameplay possibilities it offers, the developers decided to retain the charge mechanic.

Lance Changes

Improved Guard and Counter Attacks

"Charge Counter" can now be guarded during charging and utilized from any combo. Additionally, "Power Guard" charge levels increase based on the strength of attacks received from monsters. Overall, this enhances the efficiency of guarding and counter mechanics.

New Moves After Perfect/Power Guard

After executing "Perfect Guard" or "Power Guard," you can now perform a new follow-up action that involves jumping forward and thrusting with the spear. This addition provides more post-guard options, making it easier to deal damage.

Guard Dash And Combo Refined

The 'Guard Dash' cancel timing will be sped up for smoother transitions during combos. Additionally, actions that might confuse players or cause unintended actions will undergo minor adjustments, such as removing problematic follow-up actions.

Switch Axe Changes

Improved Gauge Charging and Sword Damage

Switch Axe now alleviates the difficulty of accumulating gauge in Axe Mode, and adjustments have been made to increase the Sword's attack power, making it more powerful and responsive to gauge consumption. The video shows landing attacks that now give more impact and a satisfying feel thanks to hit stop.

Full Release Slash Damage Increased

Full Release Slash has been enhanced in power and responsiveness, positioning it as a decisive move worthy of the Switch Axe's signature attack. Additionally, the effect of immunity to knockback will also be added.

Other Actions Improved

Minor adjustments will be made, such as improving the usability of the counter slash and shortening the gap after Focus Strike. These changes aim to enhance the playability of actions that were previously difficult to handle.

Sword & Shield Changes

Improved Backstep and Sliding Slash

Sword & Shield will see improvements in the power and speed of various attacks. Furthermore, the newly added combos of "Rising Slash" during guard, and strengthened evade window for "Backstep" and "Sliding Swipe" will make the weapon stronger overall and easier to use..

Bow Changes

Tracer Shots Power Decreased, Other Attacks Strengthened

Adjustments will be made to "Tracer Shot," reducing its excessive power while improving the overall power (Basic Combo, Arc Shots, etc.) instead. This isn't a nerf perse, but a rebalancing, incentivizing the Hunter to use attacks other than 'Tracer Shots' to do solid damage.

Focus Strike Locks on One By One

Bow's Focus Strike was previously able to lock on to multiple wounds at once, but this will be changed to lock on to each wound one by one. Additionally, the time required for a focus attack will be longer, increasing the risk of lower DPS and vulnerability to attacks.

Great Sword: Enhanced True Charged Slash

In the Monster Hunter Wilds community update, it was revealed that the Great Sword's balance will be adjusted. The hit stop, hit effects, and sound effects (SE) of 'True Charged Slash' have been tweaked, while its power will be improved.

Hammer: Reduced Upswing

In the Monster Hunter community update, Hammer adjustments were revealed. Upswings will no longer launch people into the air. However, it will still knock down allies, so be careful when using it in multiplayer.

Hunting Horn Changes

In the Monster Hunter Wilds community update, it was revealed that balance adjustments will be made to Hunting Horn. During the OBT, the melody effect provided is Attack Up [Small], but in the full version, more powerful abilities like Attack Up [Large] and skills that extend the melody effect duration were also available, making the weapon too powerful. These changes were made because it was deemed too powerful as a sub-weapon.

Melody Effects Adjusted for Allies and Weapons

There are plans to adjust the status-up effect of melodies on nearby Hunter allies. Additionally, adjustments will include removing the extension of melody effect time when switching to another weapon type.

Self-Improvement Move Speed Increased

Hunting Horn's melody, "Self-Improvement" will be revised to increase movement speed. These adjustments aim to improve balance while maintaining its value as a support weapon.

Dual Hunting Horns Viable

It has been discovered that having Hunting Horns with the same melody effects equipped in both the main and sub weapon slots allows the Hunter to play that melody effect on either weapon and maintain it even after switching. This allows the Hunter access to numerous buffs without the need to switch weapons as often.

Other Weapon Changes

Great Sword Features & New Moves

The Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds is a weapon with heavy swings and slow movement but delivers powerful blows. It can adapt to various situations through hit-and-run tactics and guarding.

Use Focus Mode to Adjust Slash Direction

If you perform an Overhead Slash while in Focus Mode, you can use the L stick to adjust the direction of the Overhead Slash. Make sure to hit the powerful Overhead Slash in time with the moving monster's attack.

Focus Slash: Perforate

If it hits a wound or weak point, it deals multiple instances of damage, making it an effective attack for breaking wounds. After the attack, holding △ allows you to follow up with the powerful 'True Charged Slash.'

Offset Attack Cross Slash

If timed correctly against a monster's attack, an Offset Attack will occur. If the monster flinches during the Offset Attack, you can follow up with 'Cross Slash' If it does not flinch, you can transition into "True. Charged Slash".

Long Sword Features & New Move

The Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds excels at swift movements and consecutive attacks. By foresight dodging attacks, it can unleash counterattacks. Landing specific attacks increases the Spirit Gauge, and when it turns red, certain moves become more powerful.

Crescent Slash

The combo that can be performed by repeatedly pressing the △ button has been changed in Wilds. After two Overhead Slashes, a Crescent Slash will be done. This can be looped by doing another Overhead Slash.

Crimson Slash

When the Spirit Gauge is at red level, the △ attack changes to Crimson Slash. In addition, after Crimson Slash III, another △ will do Crimson Slash I making it possible to loop this attack sequence.

Can Perform Spirit Slash while Moving

Spirit Slash can now be performed while moving by inputting direction. This will be useful when monsters move unexpectedly during the attack.

Spirit Charge

Hold R2 to build up to max charge and then release R2 to deal Spirit Roundslash. This is a very useful technique that allows you to perform a Roundslash without a counter or combo.

Spirit Release Slash

Spirit Release Slash is a new action that can be done after Spirit Helm Breaker. Like Spirit Helm Breaker, it drops one Spirit Gauge level when used so doing the combo will lower the level by 2.

Spinning Crimson Slash

It can be done after Spirit Roundslash only when the Spirit Gauge level is red.

Foresight Whirl Slash

Foresight Slash changes to Foresight Whirl Slash only when the Spirit Gauge level is red. It is easier to connect to Spirit Roundslash as it evades and counterattacks at the same time.

Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust

A Focus Strike can be performed with R1 while in Focus Mode. When it hits a wound or weak spot, a slash is done, and the Gauge level is increased depending on the number of wounds it destroys.

Sword and Shield Features & New Moves

The Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds is a weapon that excels in fast movement and attacks. It allows for shield-based attacks and guarding. Additionally, certain items can be used even while unsheathed.

New Basic Combo

This is the △ sword attack. In the previous titles, the basic combo was a combined sword and shield attack, but in this version, the combo only uses the sword. Also, by pressing the L stick, you can attack while moving, making it easier to adjust your position.

Sliding Swipe

Sliding on the spot, this attack closes the distance to the target. In the Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, it was designed to be combo into a run-up slash and jump when it hits, but this has been changed in Wilds.

Perfect Guard - Counter Slash

A well timed Guard on an enemy attack will result in a Perfect Guard, which can be combined into a Counterslash with the △ button.

Charged Chop

The Charged Chop is a technique that can be performed after certain attacks. It involves thrusting the sword forward to strike, hitting multiple times.

Focus Strike: Vital Stab

Long press L2 to enter Focus Mode, then press R1 to deal a Focus Strike. When the first attack of the Focus Strike hits a Wound or a Weak Spot, it will deal a combo attack.

Faster Movement When Using Items with Weapon Drawn

The movement speed while using items while having sword in hands has been increased. Unlike previous entries, where movement speed would slow down and limit its use, this could now become one of the strengths of the Sword and Shield.

Dual Blades Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, Dual Blades are weapons specialized for continuous attacks. They are further strengthened through the Demon Mode, which boosts their attack power. Additionally, while in Demon Mode, certain actions are enhanced.

Blade Dance Changes

In this version, the Blade Dance has been modified to chain up to the third stage (Blade Dance III) with additional inputs. Additionally, you can now also chain into a combo with Demon Flurry by pressing R2.

Perfect Evade Gives Buffs

Demon Dodge, available in both Demon Mode and Archdemon Mode, activates when a dodge becomes a perfect evade when timed with the enemy's attack. If successful, you counterattack during the evasion and also enter a buff state called Demon Dodge state for a limited time.

Focus Strike: Turning Tide

While holding L2 to activate Focus Mode, you can perform a Focus Strike with R1. If the first hit lands on the wound, the combo will automatically continue.

Hammer Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Hammer is a striking weapon that combines destructive power with mobility. By charging up, it can unleash powerful attacks. When aimed at the monster's head, it has the potential to cause a stun.

Accumulate Maximum Charge

The Hammer's main action, the charge attack, can now combo into a "Full Charge" and further into a 'Mighty Charge' in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Charged Step

While charging, use the Charged Step to evade. As long as you have stamina, you can use it repeatedly, allowing you to maintain your charge level while dodging attacks.

Focus Blow: Earthquake

This is the Hammer's Focus Strike. When the first hit lands on a wound or weak spot, it triggers a spinning combo attack. Additionally, holding R2 during the spin allows you to charge while attacking.

Can Offset with an Upswing

The Hammer's Upswing has an Offset Attacks effect. However, since the Upswing is the third hit in the △ button combo, it can be a bit tricky to land. Once you're comfortable with the controls, you can try aiming for it.

Hunting Horn Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Hunting Horn is a striking weapon that enhances the user through music. By placing 'Echo Bubbles' within a certain range, special effects can be activated, and the performance benefits can be shared with teammates as well.

Echo Bubble Gives Buffs & Deals Damage

When you place Echo Bubbles, you'll receive special effects while staying within the range, based on the type of Hunting Horn you're equipped with. Additionally, while Performing with an Echo Bubble placed, reverb attacks will be emitted from the echo bubble, damaging nearby monsters. Therefore, fight within the range to maximize its benefits.

Focus Strike: Reverb

Focus Strike: Reverb is the focused weakness attack of the Hunting Horn. During the attack, you can stock up to 5 notes by pressing ◯ or △ or ◯+△. If activated at the right timing, the damage will increase.

Special Performance

Special Performances trigger the unique melody effects set for the Hunting Horn. In the Beta version, the Hunting Horn is equipped with the melody 'Offset Melody,' enabling counterattacks. Additionally, once stocked, there is no need to perform the melody; pressing R2+△+◯ allows you to unleash it at any time.

Lance Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Lance is a weapon with top-tier Guard capabilities. It excels in thrust attacks with minimal openings. Utilize various Guard actions to master its playstyle.

Can Sidestep While Attacking

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Lance can now perform thrust attacks while stepping not only forward and backward, but also sideways.

Triple Thrust

The Triple Thrust can be performed after the Mid Thrust III or High Thrust III. You can also guard with R2 during an attack, allowing you to respond to sudden enemy moves.

Return Thrust / Payback Thrust

Return Thrust and Payback Thrust are actions that can be performed after a successful guard. The Payback Thrust has longer motion, so use it strategically depending on the situation.

Focus Strike: Victory Thrust

The Focus Strike: Victory Thrust is the Lance's focus attack. While performing a thrust attack, you can execute a Finishing Thrust at any desired moment by pressing R1.

Chance of Power Clash

If you guard a monster's specific attacks multiple times, a 'Power Clash' may occur.

Can Shield Attacks Have Elemental Attributes?

If you closely watch the official introduction video, it seems that elemental effects appear even during shield attacks. While it could also be interpreted as saliva or hit effects, it seems highly likely that shield attacks can also have elemental attributes

Gunlance Features & New Moves

Monster Hunter Wilds' Gunlance is a weapon that combines long-reaching thrusts and shelling. It allows for agile movement, such as stepping, and has high guard capabilities. Its versatile shelling is extremely powerful.

Evade While Firing

You can shell while evading to the side with a step. From there, you can perform a wide sweep and then follow up with a rising slash while continuing to shell.

Powerful Wyrmstake Full Blast Combo

During moments like when a monster is down, the 'Wyrmstake Full Blast,' which consumes all Wyrmstake Shots and Shells, is highly effective. Additionally, after using the 'Wyrmstake Full Blast,' pressing △or◯ will trigger the Multi Wyrmstake Full Blast, dealing even more damage.

Focus Strike: Drake Auger

Focus Strike: Drake Auger is Gunlance's focused weak point attack. After loading the Wyrmstake Shots, you perform a drill attack, finishing with a Wyvern's Fire. By pressing R1 during the drill, you can fire the Wyvern's Fire anytime.

Wyvern Gauge Added for Wyvern's Fire

Wyvern's Fire consumes the Wyvern Gauge, which can be found in the top-left corner of the screen and can be fired up to twice consecutively. It has a long range and can be more easily aimed at monsters using direction adjustments in Focus Mode. However, be cautious, as it can cause teammates to knock back.

When Shield Lights Up, a Guard Point Occurs

In Monster Hunter Wilds, both Reload and Quick Reload have a guard point at the start of the action (when the shield glows white.) This will automatically block attacks immediately. You can replenish ammo during the reload and after the guard point, transition into combos or shelling.

Switch Axe Features & New Moves

Monster Hunter Wilds' Switch Axe is a weapon that switches between two modes. The 'Axe Mode' excels in reach, while the 'Sword Mode' allows for quick attacks.

Counter Rising Slash

Counter Rising Slash is a counter action that can be performed in Sword Mode. If you are attacked while in this stance, you can perform a counter attack and If successful, you can do a follow-up.

Offset Rising Slash

The Offset Counter Slash is a counter action that can be performed in Axe Mode. If you can successfully hit the enemy's attack with the slash, it will be successful.

Compressed Slash & Full Release Slash

Compressed Slash & Full Release Slash have similar motions, but if you are in Amped State, you can perform Full Release Slash. Be mindful when using these attacks as Slash Gauge reduces significantly.

Forward Overhead Slash & Forward Slash

The Overhead Slash propels you forward significantly, while the Forward Slash moves you forward slightly while attacking. Choose between them based on your distance from the enemy.

Focus Assault: Morph Combination

Focus Assault: Morph Combination is Switch Axe's focus strike. It ends with an Axe Slam, strengthening the Axe mode and finishing the attack.

Spiral Burst Slash

Spiral Burst Slash can be performed in Axe Mode by pressing △3 times and is mostly known for its large Switch Gauge recovery.

Charge Blade Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Charge Blade is a weapon that switches between two modes. In the "Sword Mode," you can charge up files, and in the "Axe Mode," you can deal high damage. You can use the charged phials to enhance the shield, sword, and axe.

Charge Indicators at the Top-Left Have Been Revamped

The charge indicators at the top-left of the screen have been revamped, with new displays for the sword, shield, and axe upgrades. It's now much easier to see the current status of each enhancement.

Sword: Shield Boost (Shield: Elemental Boost)

'Shield Boost' is an action that allows you to enhance your shield immediately after charging the phial. When Shield Boost is activated, it provides benefits such as increased Guard Up and increased damage in Axe Mode, and it also enables the use of Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED).

Focus Slash: Double Rend

'Focus Slash: Double Rend' is a Focus Weakness Attack that can be performed from both Sword Mode and Axe Mode. When it hits a wound, it activates Power Axe Mode (or extends the duration if already enhanced).

Axe: Savage Axe Slash

It is an action that transforms Sword into Axe and is executed after a Perfect Guard in Sword Mode. At the same time as the attack, the axe can be enhanced to Power Axe Mode. Power Axe Mode reduces the phial consumption required for attacks for 2 minutes. Additionally, the Power Axe Mode state will remain active even when sheathing the weapon or using Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED).

Axe: Lateral Fade Slash

This is an action where you attack while moving left and right in Axe Mode. It can be used to make fine position adjustments during combos.

Axe: Amped Element Discharge (AED)

'Axe: Amped Element Discharge' is an attack performed in Axe Mode that consumes phial to unleash powerful strikes. Unlike the regular Elemental Discharge, it delivers greater damage with three follow-up hits triggered by the consumed phials, making it a more potent offensive option.

Insect Glaive Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Insect Glaive is a weapon that allows you to control the "Kinsect" while hunting. You can enhance yourself using the Extracts gathered by the Kinsect. By jumping, you can also perform attacks from the air.

Holds Extracts of 2 or More Colors

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Kinsect can gather up to three different Extracts at once. Maintaining the three-color enhancement state is crucial for effective combat, so you'll need to collect them efficiently to maximize your performance.

Extract Color Displays When Targeting a Monster's Body Part

The color of the extracts you can harvest varies depending on the monster's body part. By holding the R2 button to aim, the available extract colors from each body part will be displayed, making it easier for beginners to harvest the extracts.

Attack with Your Kinsect in Focus Mode

When you attack while activating Focus Mode, your Kinsect will attack alongside you and collect extracts. Therefore, it's important to always focus on attacking in Focus Mode during combat.

Focus Thrust: Leaping Strike

Insect Glaive's Focus Thrust: Leaping Strike is a highly effective move. When it hits a monster's weak point, the Kinsect will destroy the wound and gather all three extracts (red, white, orange) at once. Be sure to use this technique proactively when your extract buffs have worn off.

Rising Spiral Slash

Rising Spiral Slash is a high-damage technique that can only be used when all 3 color extracts (red, white, and orange) are active. It can be performed by following up with Strong Descending Slash. After using it, the enhancement state is removed, but you can gather Extracts from the hit parts of the monster.

Bow Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Bow is a versatile mid-range weapon capable of various shooting techniques. By charging arrows, their power increases, and the weapon also boasts high mobility. When you land a Guiding Arrow, it will track the target. The Guiding Arrow explodes after a set time or upon dealing damage.

Discerning Dodge

Dodging an attack at the right time with Charging Sidestep triggers a Discerning Dodge. This makes you immune to damage while also recovering stamina and restoring Trick Arrow Gauge. This evasion also restores stamina and the Trick Arrow Gauge, with stamina nearly refilling completely. Since it's a follow-up from the Charge Step, it also increases and maintains your charge level.

Flying Swallow Shot

Allows you to jump sidewards and shoot arrows in the air. A flexible attack that allows you to attack while repositioning to a safer location.

Arc Shot

Arc Shot is an attack that fires multiple Fuse Arrows. You can charge this attack up to three times, increasing both its range and the number of arrows fired. Fuse Arrows can be triggered by hitting an enemy with Dragon Piercer, Instant Dragon Piercer, or Thousand Dragons.

Dragon Piercer

Instant Dragon Piercer is an attack that can be used during a combo. It can be used to trigger Fuse Arrows by hitting the monster.

Load Tracer

You can load Tracer Arrows by consuming the Trick Arrow Gauge. While active, arrows will automatically home in on the enemy for 10 seconds and explode when it expires. Additionally, all arrows will be critical hits and fired at maximum charge level.

Focus Fire: Hailstorm

Focus Fire: Hailstorm is a Focus Strike attack that targets all wounds within the circular area of effect displayed on the screen. Once the animation begins, you will be unable to move, leaving you vulnerable to attacks.

Light Bowgun Features & New Moves

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Light Bowgun is a mid-range shooting weapon known for its high mobility, excelling in quick shots and evasions. By consuming Rapid Fire Energy, it allows for multiple shots in quick succession. The Rapid Fire Energy regenerates over time or when shots hit, providing flexibility during combat.

Rapid Fire Mode

The Light Bowgun features a 'Rapid Fire Mode' that consumes the Rapid Fire Gauge in the lower-right corner of the screen. While this mode increases recoil, it allows for more shots with compatible ammo, enabling you to deal more damage efficiently during hunts. Use it strategically to maximize your damage output.

Chaser Shot

After firing a shot, a quick follow-up shot is launched. This shot has higher damage than usual, and the rapid fire gauge regenerates more easily.

Rapid Fire Chaser Shot

Chaser Shot can be used during Rapid Fire mode. Like in regular mode, the shot has high damage, but it also comes with significant recoil.

Burst Step (Sidestep Reload)

The Burst Step during Rapid Fire Mode allows you to shoot while stepping in any direction. If there is no ammo loaded, the action transitions into a Sidestep Reload, enabling you to quickly prepare for the next shot. This combination of mobility and offense allows for efficient handling during battle, particularly when avoiding attacks or repositioning.

Focus Blast: Eagle Strike Shot

Focus Blast: Eagle Strike Shot uses high-damage ammo for breaking monster wounds. It can be fired up to 3 times, with increased power and range when holding the R1 button. The ammo can be reused after some time, so always keep an eye on the icon above the Rapid Fire Gauge in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Heavy Bowgun Features & New Moves

The Heavy Bowgun in Monster Hunter Wilds is a weapon that attacks by firing projectiles from long distances. While its mobility is low, it offers both Guard during operation and Auto Guard. During "Ignition Mode," it consumes energy to fire Special Ammo, and the consumed energy can be replenished over time or when the shots hit.

Ignition Mode

Press the ◯ button to switch to Ignition Mode. A blue gauge will appear at the bottom right of the screen, which is consumed when firing special ammo types: Wyvernheart Ignition and Wyverncounter Ignition.

Ignition Mode: Wyvernheart

Wyvernheart deals a high amount of damage within a short time frame, making it a powerful option during burst windows. While in Ignition Mode, you can shoot it by holding R2. Its damage increases the more the monster is hit, so you should continue firing until the gauge is depleted or the monster recovers.

Wyverncounter Ignition

During Ignition Mode, you can fire Wyverncounter bullets by pressing △ button, If timed correctly, you can counter the enemy's attack. Wyverncounter bullets consume the gauge, and you won’t be able to fire if it is empty.

Perfect Guard

You can also Guard at any time by pressing △ + ◯. If you at the right moment, a Perfect Guard will activate, reducing both HP and stamina consumption when blocking attacks. However, keep in mind that Perfect Guard will not trigger when using Auto Guard.