MHW: ICEBORNE
MHW: Iceborne - Walkthrough & Guide
Light Bowgun - Best Loadout Build & Skill Guide

MHW: ICEBORNE | Light Bowgun - Best Loadout Build & Skill Guide

Last Updated:
MHW: ICEBORNE | Light Bowgun - Best Loadout Build & Skill Guide - GameWith
Hot Topic
Check Out How To Beat New Frostfang Barioth!

Read this Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Light Bowgun guide on the best loadout & armor build for this weapon. Includes recommended equipment, elements, decorations, skills, & more!!!

Safijiiva Weapon Builds

Iceborne: Recommended Builds

Top Best Elemental Builds

Recommended Skills

Related Light Bowgun Articles

Check Out All Weapon Types Here!

Light Bowgun Safi Crested Build

Safi'Jiiva Water Light Bowgun & Crested Armor Build

Safi
WeaponAugment
Decorations
Safi's Aquashot
Recoil Suppressor x 3
Reload Assist x 1
Health Regen 1
Element/Status Effect Up 2
Release/Vitality Jewel 4
ArmorDecorations
Safi Crested Crown β + Stream Jewel 4
Stream Jewel 1
Stream Jewel 1
Safi Crested Chest α +Release Jewel 3
Furor Jewel 2
Safi Crested Vambraces β +Stream Jewel 4
Furor Jewel 2
Furor Jewel 2
Safi Crested Belt β +Furor Jewel 4
Vitality Jewel 1
Safi Crested Boots α +Release Jewel 3
Mind's Eye Jewel 2
Vitality Jewel 1
Razor Sharp Charm-
Skills
Water Attack Lvl 6Resentment Lvl 5
Evade Window Lvl 3Blight Resistance Lvl 3
Free Elem/Ammo Up Lvl 3Health Boost Lvl 3
Critical Boost Lvl 3Mind's Eye/Ballistics Lvl 1
Maximum Might Lvl 1Razor Sharp/Spare Shot Lvl 1
Dragonvein Awakening (Set Bonus)True Dragonvein Awakening (Set Bonus)

Recommended Weapon Skill Awakening

Skill No. Of Frames
Elemental Capacity III 1
Recoil Suppressor 1
Attack Increase V 3

Points of Recommendations

  • True Dragonvein Awakening bonus adds additional firepower to elemental damage
  • This build focuses more on elemental damage than raw damage

Light Bowgun Rapid Fire Sticky Ammo Build

Safi'jiiva Aquashot LBG Sticky Ammo Build

This set is inspired by the armor build originally shared by Arekkz Gaming on Youtube.

LBG Sticky Ammo Build Details

WeaponDecorations
Safi's Aquashot
Recoil Suppressor x 1
Evading Reload x 2
Wyvernblast Mod x 1
Satiated/Evasion Jewel 4
ArmorDecorations
Nargacuga Helm α + Vitality Jewel 1
Attack Jewel 1
Zorah Hide α +Release Jewel 3
Artillery Jewel 1
Zorah Claws β +Attack Jewel 4
Pierce Jewel 3
Zorah Spine β +Artillery Jewel 4
Pierce Jewel 3
Nargacuga Greaves α +Trueshot Jewel 1
Trueshot Jewel 1
Awakening Charm 2-
Skills
Artillery Lvl 5Attack Boost Lvl 4
Free Elem/Ammo Up Lvl 3Peak Performance Lvl 3
Piercing Shots Lvl 2Special Ammo Boost Lvl 2
Evade Window Lvl 2Flinch Free Lvl 2
Health Boost Lvl 1Free Meal Lvl 1
True Razor Sharp/Spare Shot (Set Bonus)Artillery Secret (Set Bonus)

Recommended Weapon Skill Awakening

Skill No. Of Frames
Nargacuga Essence 1
Recoil Suppressor 1
Attack Increase VI 1
Attack Increase V 2

Points of Recommendations

  • Good continuous damage with Sticky Ammo
  • Skills allow for lesser use of coatings, allowing for more shots
  • Artillery & Artillery Secret empower Sticky Ammo for good explosive damage

Iceborne Starter Build

Recommended Iceborne Starting Builds

For the starting phase of Iceborne, your fully skill-optimized loadout will be easier & more effective to use. There is no need to craft new gear for Iceborne if your build is solid.

Iceborne Middle Phase (MR~70) Recommended Build

Sticky Ammo Rapid Fire Build

Weapon
Parts
Augmentation
Decoration
Brachydios Shot II
Evading Reload x3
Wyvernblast Type 2×1
Attack Jewel [1]
ArmorDecoration
Zorah Headgear α +KO Jewel [2]
KO Jewel [2]
Zorah Hide α +KO Jewel [2]
Vitality Jewel [1]
Artian Vambraces α +Vitality Jewel [1]
Vitality Jewel [1]
Zorah Spine α +Release Jewel [3]
Flawless Jewel [2]
Artian Greaves α +Maintenance Jewel [1]
Maintenance Jewel [1]
Razor Sharp Charm Ⅲ-
Skills
Artillery Lv5Slugger Lv3
Peak Performance Lv3Tool Specialist Lv3
Free Elem/Ammo Up Lv3Health Boost Lv3
Tremor Resistance Lv3Slinger Capacity Up Lv 1
Flinch FreeAttack Boost Lv1
Razor Sharp/Spare Shot LvArtillery Secret
(Set Bonus)
Critical Status
(Set Bonus)
-

Activates The Minimum Amount of Skills

This build will activate several of the most necessary skills, such as Artillery 5, Ammo Up 3, Peak Performance 3, & KO 3. It will also take battles in the Guiding Lands into consideration & offers some defensive options with Health Boost & Maintenance.

Endgame Recommended Sticky Ammo Rapid Fire Build

Weapon
Parts
Augmentation
Decoration
Diregun "Dementia"
Evading Reload x3
Wyvernblast Type 2×1
-
ArmorDecoration
Zorah Headgear α +Attack Jewel [1]
Attack Jewel [1]
Zorah Hide α +KO Jewel [2]
Attack Jewel [2]
Rex Roar Braces α +Release Jewel [3]
Zora Spine α +/Release Jewel [3]
KO Jewel [2]
Shara Ishvalda Greaves β +Attack Jewel [4]
KO Jewel [2]
Special Shot Jewel [1]
Razor Sharp Charm-
Mantle
Impact MantleDestroyer Jewel
Destroyer Jewel
Rocksteady MantleTrue Shot Jewel [1]
Slot 1: Free
Skills
Attack Boost Lv7Artillery Lv5
Tremor Resistance Lv3Health Boost Lv3
Slugger Lv3Free Elem/Ammo Up Lv2
Flinch Free Lv1Partbreaker Lv1
※Lv3 with Impact Mantle
Special Ammo Boost Lv1
※Lv2 with Rocksteady Mantle
Defense Boost Lv1
Razor Sharp/Spare ShotArtillery Secret
(Set Bonus)

Stuns Monsters Over & Over!

The Dark Demented Crossbow is capable of rapid fire with Sticky Ammo Lv2, so your main goal should be to stun the enemy over & over. It is possible to stun 5-6 times in the span of one quest!

Reload by Dodging!

The Dark Demented Crossbow's Lv2 Sticky Ammo has a rather slow reload, so it's risky to try reloading normally. Instead, try to add 3 Evade Reload Parts & dodge when you see you've used up your last shot. If you are interrupted by a roar during this time, you'll need to reload manually, so be careful!

Non-γ Equipment Build For Light Bowgun

WeaponDecorations
Empress Shell "Styx"Tenderizer Jewel 2
Expert Jewel 1
ArmorDecorations
Dragonking Eyepatch αFlawless Jewel 3
Drachen Mail αCritical Jewel 2
Drachen Vambraces αCrtiical Jewel 2
Mighty Jewel 2
Kirin Hoop α-
Kirin Leg Guards βExpert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Unscathed Charm II-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 7Free Elem/Ammo Up Lvl 3
Critical Boost Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Peak Performance Lvl 3Attack Boost Lvl 1
Maximum Might Lvl 1Razor Sharp/Spare Shot
Blight Resistance Lvl 1Light Bowgun Charge Plus
Critical ElementElemental Airborne
(Set Skill)

End-Game Build That's Accessible To Crafting

This build does not have any γ equipment as part of the set, allowing it to be easily made & accessible to those looking to farm monsters with higher difficulty. The Empress Shell "Styx" is an LBG that performs exceptionally well with this set.

Lunastra Weapon Build For Light Bowgun

Lunastra Weapon Build For Light Bowgun
Weapon /
Mod Types
Augmentation /
Decorations
Empress Shell "Styx"
Recoil Suppressor x 1
Reload Assist x 2
Affinity Increase
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Expert Jewel 1
ArmorDecorations
Kaiser Crown γTenderizer Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Kirin Jacket γExpert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Drachen Vambraces αCritical Jewel 2
Critical Jewel 2
Xeno'jiiva Spine γRelease Jewel 3
Trueshot Jewel 1
Nergigante Greaves γTrueshot Jewel 1
Mind's Eye Jewel 1
Attack Charm III-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 7Attack Boost Lvl 7
Free Elem/Ammo Up Lvl 3Critical Boost Lvl 3
Weakness Exploit Lvl 3Special Ammo Boost Lvl 2
Mind's Eye/BallisticsRazor Sharp/Spare Shot
(Weapon Skill)

Recommended Build For Wyvernblast

This build focuses on the Light Bowgun's Wyvernblast move, making it more powerful as it hits the monster. Expert & Critical Jewels can be switched out for decorations with elemental attack if you're facing a monster prone to elemental damage.

Taroth Blitz Support Build For Light Bowgun

Taroth Blitz Support Build For Light Bowgun
Weapon /
Mod Types
Augmentation /
Decorations
Taroth Blitz Support
Recoil Suppressor x 2
Close Range Up
► How To Get This Weapon
Health Increase
Forceshot Jewel 3
ArmorDecorations
Kaiser Crown γExpert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Empress Mail βAttack Jewel 1
Attack Jewel 1
Attack Jewel 1
Drachen Vambraces αFlawless Jewel 2
Mighty Jewel 2
Kulve Taroth's Malice γMind's Eye Jewel 2
Nergigante Greaves γTenderizer Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Mighty Charm II-
Skills
Attack Boost Lvl 7Critical Eye Lvl 4
Critical Boost Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Peak Performance Lvl 3Maximum Might Lvl 3
Normal ShotsMind's Eye/Ballistics

Can Load Up To 6 Lvl 2 Normal Ammo

This build focuses on the Taroth Blitz Support weapon & allows it to load up to 6 normal Lvl 2 bullets. You can fire more rounds to deal more damage to your targeted monster.

Have 1 Free Mod Type Frame

In this recommended set, you're already require to fill up 2 Mod Type slots with Recoil Suppressors, leaving you with one free frame. You can equip Close Range Up for more firepower when hitting close-range targets.

Augment LBG With Health Increase

To enhance the Peak Performance skill in this set, it's best to augment your Light Bowgun with Health Increase. Avoid taking damage & your attack bonuses will stack, letting you hit the monster harder.

Paralysis & Sleep Focused Support Build For Light Bowgun

Paralysis & Sleep Focused Support Build For Light Bowgun
Weapon /
Mod Types
Augmentation /
Decorations
Taroth Blitz “Support”
Recoil Suppressor x 3
Forceshot Jewel 3
ArmorDecorations
Empress Crown βVitality Jewel 1
Vitality Jewel 1
Vitality Jewel 1
Kirin Jacket γFungiform Jewel 1
Fungiform Jewel 1
Xeno'jiiva Claws γJumping Jewel 2
Jumping Jewel 2
Gobbler Jewel 1
KKulve Taroth's Malice βMind's Eye Jewel 2
Kulve Taroth's Wrath βFlawless Jewel 2
Friendship Jewel 1
Immobilize Charm Ⅲ-
Skills
Wide-Range Lv5Health Boost Lv3
Paralysis Attack Lv3Free Elem/Ammo Up Lv3
Peak Performance Lv3Evade Extender Lv3
Speed Eating Lv1Mushroomancer Lv3
Normal Shots Power Prolonger Lv3
Handicraft Lv1Special Ammo Boost Lv1

Support With Paralysis, Sleep & Sticky Ammo

This build can use a wide range of status-effect ammos, like Poison Lv1~2, Paralysis 1~2, Sticky Ammo Lv2~3. For damage, Rapid Fire Normal Ammo 2 is the main choice.

Recover Allies With Wide Range

While not as efficient as Sword & Shield, you can support with Light Blowguns since it sheaths quickly. Focus on stable support skills like Mushroomancer and Wide-Range, then pick up Speed Eating and such.

Build Leans More To Support

This build leans toward support, so damage wise will be less than offensive builds. If you want more damage, swap Evade Extender for Weakness Exploit or Critical Boost.

Best Skills For Light Bowgun

Recommended Skills For Attacking

Skill Recommendation / Overview
(Element) Attack
★★★

Increases attack damage with specific element
Normal Shots
★★★

Attack power of normal ammunition is increased
Spread/Power Shots
★★★

Attack power of spread ammo & power shot arrows is increased
Piercing Shots
★★★

Attack power of piercing ammo is increased
Maximum Might
★★★

Affinity increases when stamina bar is full
Critical Element
★★★

Increases elemental damage when dealing critical hits
Weakness Exploit
★★★

Hitting monster weak spots can do critical hits & increased damage
Peak Performance
★★・

Attack increases when HP is full
Critical Eye
★★・

Increases you affinity rate
Attack Boost
★★・

Increases attack power plus affinity rate at higher levels
Critical Boost
★★・

Strengthens damage of critical hits
Special Ammo Boost
★・・

Attack power of bowgun special ammo is increased

Recommended Supporting Skills

Skill Recommendation / Overview
Free Elem/Ammo Up
★★★

Increases the loading capacity of your bowgun
Razor Sharp/Spare Shot
★★★

Can save ammo or coatings when attacking
Mind's Eye/Ballistics
★・・

Shortens critical distance for ammo and arrows
Have some feedback? Click here

Your feedbacks will be checked by our staffs and will be attended to accordingly. Please be advised that we may not reply to every individual feedbacks.


Article Written by
MHW: ICEBORNE Strategy Team

MHW: ICEBORNE Strategy Team

Reader Comments
Max. 300 Characters

By clicking Submit you are agreeing to the Terms of Use.
*Offensive, insulting or inappropriate use of forum may lead to ban/restriction.
To avoid griefing, you will not be able to post or report for the first %d hours upon visiting this forum for the first time.

Close
Anonymous 10

Free element/ammo up maxed out is necessary for most bowgun builds.If you're somewhere at the start or middle of the game u can get away with ammo up2 but endgame you'll want 3 it's pretty much mandatory except u use fulgur shot/normal 2, which is fine with ammo up2 (but it won't be the strongest)

Anonymous 9

The **** where is release gem 2 or 3 whatever the fuck its called?

Anonymous 8

I have 8 lbg builds and one of my safi aqua builds is: safi aqua: ko/vit, narg helm a+ art x2, Zora a+ ko,atk, Zorah claw b+ ko/vit, vit, Zora spine a+ destroyer x2, narg grea a+ trueshot x2

Anonymous 7

Why 3 Release for Water Elemental Aquashot? One Release level already brings you to 7 water ammo which is the max, no? (when I add 2 more Release the number does not change)

Green Domo 6

For sticky build, Zorah Claws B+ has a 4 slot and a 1 slot. It is not possible to equip a pierce jewel 3 in that armor

Copyright Notice

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2018, 2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Its licensors have not otherwise endorsed and are not responsible for the operation of or content on this site.
MONSTER HUNTER WORLD: ICEBORNE Official Website

Article Menu
Iceborne Latest News
Master Rank Quests
Optional Quests
vs. Iceborne Monster Guide
Weapon Tips & Builds
Recommended Build & Loadout
Play Tips Per Weapon
Iceborne Farming Tips
Iceborne Features
Beginner Guide
Advanced Tips & Farming
Useful Information
Monster Data & Information
Maps & Locations
Related Guide