The best secondary weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds ranked

As with previous Monster Hunter games, Wilds lets you equip a secondary weapon, giving players even more combat versatility. With so many options, picking the right one can be overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our ranking of the best secondary weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds.

MH Wilds secondary weapons tier list

Since everyone has their own unique playstyle, there’s not necessarily a wrong choice for a secondary weapon. However, some tools will work much better than others, especially if your primary centers around up-close-and-personal attacks. We’ll start this list with the best MH Wilds secondary weapons, then dive into the ones that fit better for your primary slot.

S Tier

• Bow
  • The Bow has been my go-to secondary weapon to pinpoint those mid-range shots. It pairs nicely with melee-heavy tools like the Dual Blades and Long Sword. The Bow can even be just as mobile as these weapons, allowing you to dodge numerous enemy attacks.
• Light Bowgun
  • If you’re seeking a dynamic alternative to the Bow, the Light Bowgun could be your perfect match. With its lightning-fast firing rate, it unleashes a flurry of shots in rapid succession, delivering high-speed attacks.
• Heavy Bowgun
  • For those with close to mid-range primaries, it’s best to use the Heavy Bowgun as a secondary. With this tool, you’ll reach greater distances and deal devastating damage through its special ammo. However, if you’re on the defense, you’ll likely need to switch to your primary, as the Heavy Bowgun doesn’t excel in mobility.
• Great Sword
  • While the Bow class is great for ranged attacks, the Great Sword is more suited for players looking for high damage rates. Use it to bring down the enemy’s health bar considerably or block attacks with its guard. Remember that this sword is relatively slow in movement, so you can change to a more mobile primary when things start to heat up in battle.
• Hammer
  • Like the Great Sword, the Hammer boasts high-damaging attacks but with a little more mobility. Its charged strikes can be brutal and may even stun the enemy when you target their heads.
• Hunting Horn
  • The Hunter Horn differs from many weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds due to its unique support abilities. Swing this tool around to gain buffs from Melodies or Echo Bubbles. It’s also great for those who play in multiplayer mode, giving allies an extra boost.
• Lance
  • If you primarily focus on offense, the Lance will be your weapon for defense. This tool will work wonders when the monsters are on the attack, possibly saving you from being downed. You can also use the Lance for counterattacks to catch the enemy off guard.

A Tier

• Dual Blades
  • Although the Dual Blades can be a primary weapon, they also have the potential to be a secondary. It’s mainly in the A tier for those who use slow-moving tools, quickening up the pace of a fight. I would say it’s better for a battle’s mid-stages than the beginning since it won’t do much damage initially (monsters are more well-protected at first).
• Insect Glaive
  • The Insect Glaive earns its spot in the A tier for the same reason as the Dual Blades: It’s an excellent secondary weapon that prompts fast-paced attacks. The Kinsects (bugs from the Smithy) are top-notch for buffs, helping you last longer in Monster Hunter Wilds‘ many grueling showdowns.

B Tier

• Sword and Shield
  • The Sword and Shield lands in the B Tier mainly because it shines brightest as a primary weapon. Some players who use it as their main don’t even use a secondary at all due to its well-balanced features. Nevertheless, the Sword and Sheild still has the potential as an alternate tool—especially for those with heavy hitters in their primary.
• Long Sword
  • Compared to the Great Sword, the Long Sword has more variety with combos and mobility. With its Spirit Gauge, you’ll deliver forceful blows that can send monsters flying. But since it doesn’t have a guard maneuver, you’ll likely need to switch to your main weapon to defend yourself.
• Gunlance
  • The Gunlance is another balanced weapon that gives you offense and defense. The only downside is that it isn’t the greatest with mobility, letting you alternate to tools like the Insect Glaive or Dual Blades.

C Tier

• Switch Axe
  • The Switch Axe is a powerhouse that excels in nearly every aspect, making it more likely to be your primary weapon than a secondary one. With its dual modes, you can seamlessly switch between the Axe’s long-reaching, powerful strikes and the Sword’s nimble, fast-paced attacks.
• Charge Blade
  • The Charge Blade functions relatively like the Switch Axe, where you can alternate between its Sword and Axe modes. On the other hand, it does include a guard through Sword if you want better protection.

Before you head out with your secondary weapons, it’s essential to experiment with them in the Training Area. This will give you a clear understanding of which combos are most effective for your playstyle. For a comprehensive list of the best tools in Monster Hunter Wilds, both primary and secondary, be sure to check out our ultimate weapon tier list.