Heavy Bowgun guide for Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Guide includes how to play Heavy Bowgun, Ignition Mode, counter moves, recommended combos, attacks, controls, tips and more!
| Heavy Bowgun Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Build for HBG | High Rank Builds | Artian Builds |
| Heavy Bowgun Controls | Weapon Adjustments | |
Heavy Bowgun - How to Use
Fire While Maintaining Ammo's Critical Distance
| How to Shoot and Aim |
|---|
Hold + |
The most important thing when using the Heavy Bowgun in Monster Hunter Wilds is to shoot ammo while maintaining Critical Distance. Shooting beyond this range lowers the damage output, so make sure to remain within the Critical Distance while firing.
▼ How to Check Critical Distance
| Too Far or Close | Critical Distance | Out Of Range |
|---|---|---|
  |  |  |
Aiming for Weak Points to Deal More Damage
Monsters have hit zones for each body part and targeting the weak spot when shooting with ammo makes it easier to deal damage. There are also ammo types, such as Sticky Ammo and Cluster Bomb, that deal fixed damage regardless of the body part. The key strategy mainly revolves around aiming ammo at the enemy's weak spot to maximize damage.
Use Ammo Properly to Fight to Your Advantage
There are various types of Bowgun Ammo. The number of Ammo is infinite for Normal Ammo, Pierce Ammo, and Spread Ammo, so switch between them. For example, use Normal Ammo and Spread Ammo for small monsters, and Pierce Ammo for large monsters. If you want to use other types of ammo, you will need to bring them with you as items.
You can use 4 types of Special Ammo in Ignition Mode
| How to Use Ignition Mode |
|---|
Pressing the ◯ button allows you to switch to Ignition Mode. A blue gauge will appear on the bottom right of the screen, and by consuming this gauge, you will be able to fire Special Ammo such as Wyvernheart Ignition, Wyvernpiercer Ignition, Wyverncounter Ignition, and Wyvernblast Ignition will become available. You can choose to use either Wyvernheart Ignition or Wyvernpiercer Ignition, and similarly, either Wyverncounter Ignition or Wyvernblast Ignition, by selecting them in "Bowgun Customization" at a camp or the Smithy.
"Wyvernheart Ignition" and "Wyvernpiercer Ignition"
| How to Shoot Wyvernheart |
|---|
During Ignition Mode Hold |
Wyvernheart Ignition is a powerful attack that can deal massive damage in a short time. You can fire it by holding R2, and the damage increases as you keep hitting. So, use it when a monster is downed. You can keep firing as long as you have the blue gauge in the bottom right of the screen, so the trick is to use it when the gauge is full.
▼ Wyvernheart Ignition Features
| Details |
|---|
| - Consumes the blue gauge at the bottom right of the screen - Hold R2 to fire - Damage increases if you keep hitting the monster |
| How to Fire Wyvernpiercer Ignition |
|---|
During Ignition Mode |
Wyvernpiercer Ignition is a Special Ammo like Pierce Ammo that attacks while slowly penetrating. The more hits it lands, the higher its power, so try to fire it so that it penetrates as much as possible.
▼Features of Wyvernpiercer Ignition
| Features |
|---|
| - Consumes the blue gauge in the bottom right of the screen - Fire with R2 - The more hits, the higher the power |
"Wyverncounter Ignition" and "Wyvernblast Ignition"
| How to Shoot Wyverncounter Ignition |
|---|
During Ignition Mode Hold |
During Ignition Mode, you can fire Wyverncounter bullets by pressing △ button, If timed correctly, you can counter the enemy's attack. Firing Wyverncounter bullets consumes the blue gauge in the bottom right corner of the screen. However, take note that If the gauge is insufficient, you won’t be able to fire which may leave you vulnerable.
▼ Wyverncounter Ignition Features
| Details |
|---|
| - Consumes Gauge - Press △ to fire - Press △ and hold to increase damage - Counters occur when timed correctly with a monster's attack |
| How to Fire Wyvernblast Ignition |
|---|
During Ignition Mode |
Wyvernblast Ignition is an attack that fires ammo, which splits into two and explodes forward. Its range is short, and its power isn't particularly high, so it's generally safer to stick with Wyverncounter Ignition.
▼Features of Wyvernblast Ignition
| Features |
|---|
| ・Consumes the blue gauge at the bottom right of the screen ・Fire with △ ・Fires forward, splitting into two |
Use Auto Guard to Withstand Enemy Attacks
Heavy Bowgun is slow when Drawn, and is not good at Evading enemy attacks. However, if you are facing the enemy's attack when Guarding is possible, it will Auto Guard the attack for you. Attacks from the sides or rear cannot be Guarded, so be sure to face the direction of the attack.
Perform Perfect Guard Manually
| How to Perfect Guard |
|---|
Time with enemy attack press + |
It is also possible to Guard at any time by pressing △ + ◯. If you Guard an attack with good timing, a Perfect Guard will occur, and HP reduction and Stamina decrease during Guard will be mitigated, and if successful several times, a Power Clash will also occur. Be aware that Perfect Guard does not occur with Auto Guard.
How to do Perfect Guard and TipsAlso Works as a Secondary Weapon
Boost Firepower With Demon Ammo
The Heavy Bowgun is a strong secondary weapon that shoots Demon Ammo on the ground and increases damage by touching the smoke. This can increase the damage of not only your main weapon but also buff your allies in multiplayer mode.
Secondary Weapon GuideInflict Status Effects During Hunts
As a secondary weapon, the Heavy Bowgun can utilize status-inflicting ammo such as Sleep Ammo, allowing you to incapacitate monsters during hunts. We recommend equipping the Heavy Bowgun as a sub-weapon, as it will give you more flexibility when hunting.
Be Aware of Reload Speed and Recoil
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | The number of ammo that can be Reloaded into the Bowgun |
| Reload Speed | The speed when Reloading |
| Recoil | Weapon kickback when firing a shot |
When using the Heavy Bowgun, you should also be aware of essential knowledge when using a Bowgun, such as Reload Speed and Recoil.
Recoil is fixed for each Ammo type
In previous Monster Hunter series, the Recoil of Bowgun Ammo was set individually for each Bowgun, and could be mitigated with the skill "Recoil Down". However, in Monster Hunter Wilds, recoil is fixed for each Ammo type, and since the skill "Recoil Down" does not exist, it is also impossible to mitigate it.
Heavy Bowgun - Attacks & Moves
List Of Controls
Basic Controls
Ignition Mode
Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl (Focus Strike)
| Inputs |
|---|
Hold + |
| - Consumes the blue gauge found at the bottom right of the screen - Bullets recover over time - Damage increases during Ignition Mode |
Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl is the Heavy Bowgun’s Focus Strike attack. It can be executed during Ignition Mode by pressing or holding R1 to increases its damage output.
Ignition Mode
| Inputs |
|---|
| - Switch mode by pressing the ◯ button - Consume Ignition gauge to shoot 4 types of Special Ammo - Gauge recovers either over time or when a bullet hits an enemy |
You can switch back to Normal Mode by pressing ◯. By consuming the gauge at the bottom right of the screen, you can shoot a Special Ammo determined for each weapon, and the gauge will recover either after the normal time passes or when the Ammo hits.
Wyverncounter
| Inputs |
|---|
During Ignition Mode press |
| - Counter that can be used in Ignition Mode - Consumes Gauge - Press △ to fire - Press △ and hold to increase damage - Counters occur when timed correctly with a monster's attack |
When in Ignition Mode, press △ to perform a Wyverncounter. Alternatively, you can press and hold △ to increase its damage, which also allows you to delay the counter to time it with the monster's attack
Wyvernpiercer Ignition
| Controls |
|---|
During Ignition Mode |
| - Consumes the blue gauge at the bottom right of the screen - Fire with R2 - The more hits, the higher the damage. |
Wyvernpiercer Ignition is a Special Ammo like Pierce Ammo that attacks while slowly piercing. Since the damage increases with more hits, try to fire it so it pierces as much as possible.
Wyvernblast Ignition
| Controls |
|---|
During Ignition Mode |
| - Consumes the blue gauge at the bottom right of the screen - Fire with △ - Fires forward, splitting into two. |
Wyvernblast Ignition is an attack that fires ammo that splits into two and explodes forward. The range is short, and its power isn't that high, so it's generally safer to stick with Wyverncounter Ignition.
Guard (Perfect Guard)
| Inputs |
|---|
+ |
| - Guard can be used at any time - Perfect Guard can be activated when timed correctly - Auto Guard can be turned on - Guards attacks in front of you |
The Heavy Bowgun can now guard at any time by pressing ◯ + △ to activate Perfect Guard. Auto Guard can also be enabled, but it will prevent Perfect Guard from being activated.
Heavy Bowgun - New Attacks
| Action | Button Input |
|---|---|
| ▼Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl (Focus Strike) | + |
| ▼Ignition Mode | |
| ▼Wyverncounter Ignition | In Ignition Mode |
| ▼Wyvernblast Ignition | In Ignition Mode |
| ▼Wyvernpiercer Ignition | In Ignition Mode |
| ▼Guard (Perfect Guard) | + |
Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl (Focus Strike)
| Inputs |
|---|
Hold + |
| - Consumes the blue gauge found at the bottom right of the screen - Bullets recover over time - Damage increases during Ignition Mode |
Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl is the Heavy Bowgun’s Focus Strike attack. It can be executed during Ignition Mode by pressing or holding R1 to increases its damage output.
Ignition Mode
| Inputs |
|---|
| - Switch mode by pressing the ◯ button - Special Ammo consumes gauge - Gauge recovers either overtime or when a bullet hits an enemy |
Ignition Mode can be switched to Standard Mode using the ◯ button. By consuming the gauge at the bottom right of the screen, you can fire the Special Ammo assigned to each weapon. The gauge recovers over time in Standard Mode or when ammo successfully hits a target.
Wyverncounter Ignition
| Inputs |
|---|
During Ignition Mode press |
| - Counter that can be used in Ignition Mode - Consumes Gauge - Press △ to fire - Press △ and hold to increase damage - Counters occur when timed correctly with a monster's attack |
When in Ignition Mode, press △ to perform a Wyverncounter. Alternatively, you can press and hold △ to increase its damage, which also allows you to delay the counter to time it with the monster's attack.
Wyvernblast Ignition
| Controls |
|---|
During Ignition Mode |
| - Consumes the blue gauge at the bottom right of the screen - Fire with △ - Fires forward, splitting into two. |
Wyvernblast Ignition is an attack that fires ammo that splits into two and explodes forward. The range is short, and its power isn't that high, so it's generally safer to stick with Wyverncounter Ignition.
Wyvernpiercer Ignition
| Controls |
|---|
During Ignition Mode |
| - Consumes the blue gauge at the bottom right of the screen - Fire with R2 - The more hits, the higher the damage. |
Wyvernpiercer Ignition is a Special Ammo like Pierce Ammo that attacks while slowly piercing. Since the damage increases with more hits, try to fire it so it pierces as much as possible.
Guard (Perfect Guard)
| Inputs |
|---|
+ |
| - Guard can be used at any time - Perfect Guard can be activated when timed correctly - Auto Guard can be turned on - Guards attacks in front of you |
The Heavy Bowgun can now guard at any time by pressing ◯ + △ to activate Perfect Guard. Auto Guard can also be enabled, but it will prevent Perfect Guard from being activated.
Heavy Bowgun Mods Specifications
Adjust Weapon Performance with Mods
All Heavy Bowguns have 2 "Mod Slots", and you can adjust weapon performance to your liking from the "Bowgun Customization" menu at the Camp or Smithy. Note that you must choose from the Mods designated for each weapon, and not all Mods can be selected.
Types and Effects of Mods
| Normal Ammo Powder | Enhances Normal Ammo Level |
|---|---|
| Pierce Ammo Powder | Enhances Pierce Ammo Level |
| Spread Ammo Powder | Enhances Spread Ammo Level |
| Element Ammo Powder | Enhances Fire, Water, Thunder, Freeze Ammo Level |
| Normal Ammo Magazine | Increases Normal Ammo Capacity |
| Pierce Ammo Magazine | Increases Pierce Ammo Capacity |
| Spread Ammo Magazine | Increases Spread Ammo Capacity |
| Augment Parts/Standard Mode | Changes Bowgun performance to Standard Mode ST. If already the same type, enhances Level. |
| Augment Parts/Ignition Mode | Changes Bowgun performance to Ignition Mode ST. If already the same type, enhances Level. |
| Ignition Recover Mods | Enhances Ignition Gauge Recovery Speed. |
Equip Mods that Match the Main Ammo you Shoot
When equipping Mods, first of all, it's important to consider which Ammo you will mainly shoot with the Bowgun you want to use. For example, if you mainly shoot Pierce Ammo, equip Mods that match the Ammo you shoot, such as "Pierce Ammo Powder" or "Pierce Ammo Magazine".
Types and Effects of Ammo
| Ammo | Effect |
|---|---|
| Normal Ammo | - Standard Ammo - Critical Distance is short to medium range - Unlimited ammo |
| Pierce Ammo | - Armor-piercing Ammo. - Critical Distance is medium to long range - Unlimited ammo |
| Spread Ammo | - Ammo made for close combat that shoots like a shotgun. - Critical Distance is short range - Unlimited ammo |
| Slicing Ammo | - Ammo that ejects sharp blades on impact. - Has Severing Element (damage calculation is also Severing) |
| Sticky Ammo | - Powerful ammo that lodges in a target and explodes. - Fixed damage dependent on Attack - Can Stun if the explosion hits the head |
| Cluster Bomb | - Ammo that splits into multiple shells upon impact. - Fixed damage dependent on Attack - Has an effect that sends allies flying |
| Wyvern Ammo | - Causes an explosion at close range. |
| Poison Ammo | - Ammo that inflicts poison. |
| Paralysis Ammo | - Ammo that causes paralysis. |
| Sleep Ammo | - Ammo that induces sleep. |
| 5 Element Ammo | - Ammo with each element. |
| Recover Ammo | - Ammo that produces a healing cloud in the impact zone of where it lands. |
| Demon Ammo | - Ammo that produces a cloud that temporarily strengthens attacks in the impact zone of where it lands. |
| Armor Ammo | - Ammo that produces a cloud that temporarily strengthens defense in the impact zone of where it lands. |
| Exhaust Ammo | - Ammo that drains a monster's stamina. - Can stun if it hits the head |
| Tranq Ammo | - Can Capture monsters caught in Traps |
In Monster Hunter Wilds, Heavy Bowgun Ammo types include Physical Ammo, such as Normal Ammo, Pierce Ammo, Spread Ammo, Slicing Ammo, as well as 5 Element Ammo, Various Status Aliment Ammo, Wyvern Ammo, and more. Only Heavy Bowguns can fire Wyvern Ammo; Light Bowguns cannot.
Unlimited Ammo for Normal, Pierce, and Spread Ammo
Monster Hunter Wilds' Normal Ammo, Pierce Ammo, and Spread Ammo are no longer consumable items, and now can be used infinitely. Other Ammo exists as items, so you must purchase or synthesize them to replenish them.
Ammo’s Level Is Fixed for Each Weapon
Bowgun Ammo's level is fixed for each weapon. However, it is possible to raise the Ammo's level by customizing your weapon.
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles
Recommended Weapon Guides
Weapon Trees and Best Builds
| Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Dual Blades | Hammer | Hunting Horn |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Lance | Gunlance | Switch Axe |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
Other Recommended Weapon Builds
| Melee Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Great Sword
Long Sword
Sword and Shield
Dual Blades
Hammer
Hunting Horn
Lance
Gunlance
Switch Axe
Charge Blade
Insect Glaive
Bow
Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun