Read this Monster Hunter World: Iceborne guide to know more about critical distance for bows & ranged weapons. Including effects of critical distance & more!!!
Table of Contents
Currently Updating ICEBORNE Info!
| MHW: ICEBORNE Feature Articles | |
|---|---|
 Staring MR - Tips | MR Break Guide |
| All Monster List | Recommended MR Build |
What Is Critical Distance?
Ranged Weapon Distance That Deals Most Damage
Critical Distance is the distance between the Hunter & monster that deals the most damage when using bows & bowguns. Depending on the weapons & ammo type, the critical distance will differ.
Check Out The Ranged Weapons Guide!How To Identify Critical Distance
Check Aiming Reticle To Identify Critical Distance
| Reticle | Effect |
|---|---|
| | Critical Distance |
| | Normal Distance |
| | Out of Range (Will not reach) |
| | No Target |
Always Check Reticle When Aiming
Whenever you aim, always check your reticle before shooting. Be sure that you're in Critical Distance, meaning there's a 2nd orange ring in your reticle, before shooting for maximum damage.
Avoid Shooting If Not Critical Distance
If you're not within Critical Distance, you won't do as much damage so avoid letting your ammo loose at this point. Always aim to get within Critical Distance for best damage output.
Use Ballistics Skill To Elongate Critical Distance
The skill "Mind's Eye/Ballistics" will help elongate the Critical Distance range. This will let you reach Critical Distance further away from the monster, even while you're standing around.
Critical Distance Per Ammo Type List
Critical Distance List For Bowgun Ammo
| Ammo | Critical Distance |
|---|---|
| Normal Ammo | Short-Mid Range |
| Pierce Ammo | Mid-Long Range |
| Spread Ammo | Short Range |
| Elemental Ammo | Mid Range |
| Sticky Ammo | Explodes after sticking to monster |
| Cluster Bomb | Shoots into sky & scatters |
| Wyvern Ammo | Short Range |
| Recover Ammo | Support ammo |
| Demon Ammo / Armor Ammo | Support ammo |
| Tranq Ammo | Capture ammo |
| Wyvernblast | Placed on ground |
LBG Can Be Out Of Critical Distance When Monster Moves
It's possible for the Light Bowgun to go out of range of Critical Distance when the monster moves, especially since it fires its ammo rapidly. If you use rapid fire, make sure that the monster is immobile to do more damage.
Shoot Sticky Ammo & Cluster Bombs Freely
If you've equipped Sticky Ammo & Cluster Bombs, you don't have to worry too much about Critical Distance. These ammo types explode after hitting the target and don't need Critical Distance to do damage.
Critical Distance List For Bow
| Type | Critical Distance |
|---|---|
| Charged Shot 1 | Short-Mid Range |
| Charged Shot 2 | Short-Mid Range |
| Charged Shot 3 | Mid-Long Range |
| Charged Shot 4 | Mid-Long Range |
| Dragon Piercer | Short-Long Range |
Dragon Piercer Can Move Out Of Critical Distance
Since the Dragon Pierce has many shots, not all of them will hit the target at Critical Distance. If you want to make sure all arrows hit at Critical Distance, equip "Mind's Eye/Ballistics".
