Bow Controls Guide for Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). MH Wilds Bow Guide includes how to use bow, attacks, moves, combos, hailstorm, arc shot, and balance adjustments.
Bow Related Articles | ||
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Best Build for Bow | Bow Controls Guide | Bow List |

Table of Contents
Bow Balancing Adjustments
First Major Update Adjustment Details
April 3 Free Title Update 1 |
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- Dragon Piercer damage has been decreased. - Power Volley elemental values have been increased. ◆- Thousand Dragons damage has been increased. ┗ This includes when using Close-range Coating and Power Coating. - Power Shot and Power Volley are now affected by the skill Charge Master in Bow. - Fixed an issue where sneak attacks could not be canceled when using light bowgun, heavy bowgun, or bow. |
Bow - How to Use
1 | ▼Shoot from Critical Distance |
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2 | ▼ Charge and Shoot |
3 | ▼ Increase & Maintain Charge Level with Charging Sidestep |
4 | ▼ Consume Trick Arrow Gauge for Attack Boost - Fight while keeping Tracer active at all times - Apply Coatings to Arrows for added effects |
Shoot From Critical Distance
Too Close Or Far | Critical Distance | Out of Range |
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The key to using the Bow effectively in Monster Hunter Wilds is to shoot from the Critical Distance. When shooting from this range, your attack power increases, while shooting outside of it significantly reduces the damage. You can determine the Critical Distance by the Aim icon when you have the Bow drawn, so always stay aware and adjust your positioning accordingly.
Applying Close-Range Coating Reduces Critical Distance
The Bow allows you to apply coatings that enhance arrow attack or inflict status effects. One such coating, Close-range Coating, significantly reduces the Critical Distance when applied, so be cautious.
Charge and Shoot
How to Charge/Shoot |
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Hold Then Release |
The Bow allows up to three charge levels when shooting arrows. Charging before shooting increases the damage, so it's best to charge before firing. Additionally, by continuously shooting, the next shot will be fired with one higher charge level.
Increase and Maintain Charge Level
How to Do Charging Sidestep |
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Hold + |
If you perform a Charging Sidestep after shooting a charged shot, the Charge Level for the next shot will increase by one stage. Additionally, if you perform a Charging Sidestep while at the maximum Charge Level (Stage 3), the next shot will maintain the maximum Charge.
Timed Charging Sidestep for Discerning Dodge
When you time an enemy's attack with a Charging Sidestep, a special evade action called Discerning Dodge will trigger. This powerful action grants invincibility, allowing you to avoid attacks while recovering both Stamina and Trick Arrow Gauge. Once you're comfortable with Charging Sidestep, try to focus on activating Discerning Dodge as well.
Consume Trick Arrow Gauge

Trick Arrow Gauge Details |
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- Trick Arrow Gauge increases when landing an attack or successfully executing a Discerning Dodge - You can apply both Tracer and coating by consuming 1 gauge each - Hold up to Max of 3 Gauges |
By consuming the Trick Arrow Gauge displayed at the bottom right of the screen, you can shoot a special arrow called "Tracer" and apply coatings to your arrows. The Trick Arrow Gauge fills up by landing attacks or successfully performing Discerning Dodges.
Always Fight With Tracer Active
How to Ready Tracer |
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Hold + |
Tracer Details |
- Remains on the target area for around 10 seconds L It explodes when hit by a Dragon Piercer after 10 seconds - All arrows track the area you hit - Shoot with maximum charge even with 1 charge |
The tracer stays on the struck area for 10 seconds, causing all arrow attacks during that period to automatically track to that location. Also, all arrows are fired at full charge, even at 1 Charge.
Apply Coatings to Add Effects to Your Arrows
How to Apply Coatings |
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Hold +or Select CoatingApply Coating |
The Bow allows you to apply specific coatings to increase attack power or apply status effects to arrows, depending on the weapon. These Coatings offer a range of effects, from increasing damage to inflicting abnormal statuses like Poison or Sleep. By consuming Trick Arrow Gauge, you can apply coatings multiple times, so make sure to reapply them as needed throughout the fight when the coating runs out.
▼ Coating Types & Effects
Coatings | Effects |
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Power Coating | Increases arrow damage |
Close-range Coating | Reduces arrow range but increases damage |
Piercing Coating | Allows arrows to Pierce |
Poison Coating | Arrows inflict Poison |
Paralysis Coating | Arrows inflict Paralysis |
Sleep Coating | Arrows inflict Sleep |
Blast Coating | Arrows inflict Blast |
Exhaust Coating | Arrows inflict Stun/Exhaust |
Bow - Attacks and Moves
Basic Controls
Power Shot/Power Volley
How to Power Shot/Power Volley |
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During Combo |
- A powerful attack that consumes a large amount of stamina - The arrows spread horizontally |
Power Shot and Power Volley are attacks that can be performed as a combo, consuming a large amount of stamina to deliver powerful strikes. Since the arrows spread horizontally, you’ll need to get close to the monster to land the attack.
Discerning Dodge
How to Discerning Dodge |
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Hold + |
- Becomes invincible and can evade attacks - Restores Stamina and Trick Arrow Gauge - Increases or maintains Charge Level |
Discerning Dodge occurs when you perform a Perfect Evade using Charging Sidestep, allowing you to avoid an enemy's attack while in an invincible state. It also recovers Stamina and Trick Arrow Gauge, with Stamina being almost fully restored. Since it is triggered by Charging Sidestep, it also increases and maintains the Charge Level.
Flying Swallow Shot
How to Do |
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Hold + Charging Sidestep ➡ Flying Swallow Shot |
Jump to the side and fire in midair. It's a nimble attack that lets you adjust your position while attacking, so use it according to the enemy's movements.
Arc Shot (Fuse Arrows)
How to Do |
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Hold +Hold + |
- Fire multiple Fuse Arrows - Charging increases both the range and the number of arrows - Can be exploded with various Dragon Piercers |
Arc Shot is an attack that fires multiple arrows called Fuse Arrows. In the first half of the video above, you can see the part where arrows are shot into the air. It can be charged up to three levels, with higher charge levels increasing both the area of effect and the number of arrows fired. Fuse Arrows can be detonated using Dragon Piercer, Thousand Dragons, Instant Dragon Piercer, and other similar attacks.
Instant Dragon Piercer
How to Do |
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During Combo + |
- Can be used during mid-combo - Can explode Arc Shot's Fuse Arrows and Tracer |
Instant Dragon Piercer is an attack that can be smoothly executed as a follow-up in combos. If it hits Arc Shot's Fuse Arrows or Tracer, it will explode them.
Ready Tracer
How to Do |
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Hold + |
- Stays on the targeted area for about 10 seconds L After about 10 seconds, it will explode if you hit it with Dragon Piercer - Arrows will track in on the targeted part - Even at Charge Level 1, arrows will be fired at maximum Charge Level |
Using Tracer Shot consumes the Trick Arrow Gauge. Arrows will automatically track to the struck area for about 10 seconds, after which the tracer will explode and deal damage, or it will detonate upon receiving a certain amount of damage. Additionally, all arrows will be fired at maximum charge, even at Charge Level 1.
Focus Fire: Hailstorm (Focus Strike)
How to Do |
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Hold + |
- In Aim mode, lock onto each wound one by one and attack them all - The attack motion takes longer |
Focus Fire: Hailstorm is a move performed during the Focus Strike. It attacks all Wounds within the large Aim area at the center of the screen. Once the move is initiated, you are unable to move, and since it shoots twice, the attack time is relatively long. Be sure to time it carefully when using it.
Bow - Recommended Combos
Combos | Recommendation Rating |
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▼Tracer Attack Combo | ★★★ |
▼Charging Sidestep → Power Shot Loop | ★★・ |
▼Arc Shot → Dragon Piercer | ★・・ |
Tracer Attack Combo
How to Do |
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Hold +Hold + |
This is a simple but powerful combo where you hit with Tracer and then press R2 to fire arrows. If Tracer lands, all arrows will be fired at maximum charge, even at Charge Level 1, allowing you to deal a burst of damage. The Tracer lasts for about 10 seconds, so try hitting it again once it disappears.
Charging Sidestep → Power Shot Loop
How to Do |
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Hold+ Hold + Hold ++ Then Repeat |
This combo follows a specific attack sequence: Shoot → Power Shot → Charging Sidestep → and then continue the loop. If you successfully evade an enemy's attack during Charging Sidestep, you will trigger a Discerning Dodge, enabling you to continue the combo while avoiding attacks and recovering stamina.
Arc Shot → Dragon Piercer
How to Do |
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Hold +Hold + Hold ++ |
This is a combo where you hit with Fuse Arrows using Arc Shot, then trigger an explosion with Dragon Piercer. Since the animation is long, it's recommended to use it when the enemy is down or in a vulnerable state..
Bow - New Attacks
Moves | Inputs |
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▼ Discerning Dodge | Hold + |
▼ Flying Swallow Shot | Hold + |
▼Arc Shot (Fuse Arrows) | Hold ++ |
▼ Instant Dragon Piercer | During Combo+ |
▼ Tracer | Hold + |
▼ Focus Fire: Hailstorm (Focus Strike) | Hold + |
Discerning Dodge
How to Do |
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Hold + |
- Becomes invincible and can evades attacks - Restores Stamina and Trick Arrow Gauge - Increases or maintains Charge Level |
A Discerning Dodge is triggered when you perfectly evade an enemy attack using Charging Sidestep. When successfully triggered, it restores stamina and the Trick Arrow Gauge while also maintaining or increasing your charge level.
Flying Swallow Shot
How to Do |
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Hold + Charging Sidestep ➡ Flying Swallow Shot |
Allows you to dodge with Charging Sidestep and shoot arrows in the air with Flying Swallow Shot. A flexible attack that allows you to attack while repositioning to a safer location.
Arc Shot (Fuse Arrows)
How to Do |
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Hold +Hold + |
- Fires multiple residual Fuse Arrows - Each Charge Level increases the range and the number of arrows - Can explode with various Dragon Piercer attacks |
Arc Shot is an attack that fires multiple arrows called Fuse Arrows. In the first half of the video above, you can see the part where arrows are shot into the air. It can be charged up to three levels, with higher charge levels increasing both the area of effect and the number of arrows fired. Fuse Arrows can be detonated using Dragon Piercer, Thousand Dragons, Instant Dragon Piercer, and other similar attacks.
Instant Dragon Piercer
How to Do |
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During Combo+ |
- Can be used during mid-combo - Can explode Arc Shot's Fuse Arrows and Tracer |
Instant Dragon Piercer is an attack that can be smoothly executed as a follow-up in combos. If it hits Arc Shot's Fuse Arrows or Tracer, it will explode them.
Tracer
How to Do |
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Hold + |
- Remains on the hit area for approximately 10 seconds L It explodes either after approximately 10 seconds or when hit by a Dragon Piercer - All arrows will track the target area - Even at Charge Level 1, arrows will be fired at max Charge Level |
You can use Tracer Shot by consuming the Trick Arrow Gauge. The arrow will automatically track the area it hits for about 10 seconds, then explode and deal a certain amount of damage. Additionally, all arrows will be fired at maximum charge, even when using Charge Level 1.
Focus Fire: Hailstorm (Focus Strike)
How to Do |
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Hold + |
- Attacks all wounds within the aim area - Long attack animation |
Focus Fire: Hailstorm is a move performed during the Focus Strike. It attacks all Wounds within the large Aim area at the center of the screen. Once the move is initiated, you are unable to move, and since it shoots twice, the attack time is relatively long. Be sure to time it carefully when using it.
Coating Types and Effects
List of Coating (Bow)
Coating | Effect |
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![]() | A coating that increases the attack power of arrows. |
![]() | A coating designed to deal more damage to nearby targets, at the cost of a reduced maximum range. |
![]() | A coating that increases piercing ability. Depending on the monster, it can deal multiple hits. |
![]() | A coating that applies poison effects to arrows. |
![]() | A coating that applies paralysis effects to arrows. |
![]() | A coating that applies sleep effects to arrows. |
![]() | A coating that applies explosive powder to arrows. |
![]() | A coating that applies a fatigue-inducing fluid to arrows. |
The types of Coating included in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds) are the Power, Close-range, and Piercing, which increase damage, and the Poison, Paralysis, Sleep, Blast, and Exhaust which apply status effects.
Status Effects and BlightsClose-Range Coating is Strongest
Specifically in Monster Hunter Wilds, Close-range Coating is thought of as the best type of coating, and whether or not a Bow can use Close-range Coating is a factor when it comes to evaluating weapons. By using Close-range Coating, you will need to stay within melee range of the Monster, however, the 1.4x damage multiplier exceeds that of the Power Coating's 1.3x damage multiplier.
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles

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Weapon Trees and Best Builds
Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield |
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Dual Blades | Hammer | Hunting Horn |
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Lance | Gunlance | Switch Axe |
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Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
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Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | |
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Other Recommended Weapon Builds
Melee Weapons | ||
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Paralysis Long Sword | Paralysis Dual Blades | |
Ranged Weapons | ||
Paralysis Bow | Pierce Light Bowgun | Pierce Heavy Bowgun |
Water Heavy Bowgun |
Weapon Guide by Monster
Useful Weapon Information
▶ How To Switch or Change Weapons | ▶ Sharpness Modifier and Recovery |
▶ Weapon Adjustments | ▶ Immortal Equipment |