The weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds (MHW) have gone through serious shifts post-launch. With multiple betas and now the full release, we finally have enough data to rank them from worst to best based on their highest damage potential. This list is based on speedrun clear times against the Tempered Arkveld, the hardest monster in the game at launch, while keeping the playing field fair (no Heroics abuse!). Let’s get started with our Ranking of MHW (Monster Hunter Wilds) Best Highest Damage (DMG) Weapons.
Ranking the Best High-Damage Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds
14. Hunting Horn (4:27 Clear Time)
Hunting Horn is lagging behind when it comes to ranking highest DMG weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, mostly because it struggles to optimize Corrupted Mantle procs.
Despite getting buffs in the full release, it’s still not hitting the same speeds as other weapons.
Expect improvements as players refine their strategies.
- Hunting Horn got buffed post-launch, but it’s still struggling to compete.
- Might not be triggering Corrupted Mantle bonuses as effectively as other weapons.
- Expect better results once players optimize new strategies.
13. Hammer (3:45 Clear Time)
Hammer, usually a powerhouse, seems to be suffering from the Corrupted Mantle not benefiting it as much as other weapons.
The triple upswing is good, but the weapon’s raw strength isn’t carrying it into top-tier speeds yet.
- Lacks consistent Corrupted Mantle procs, which lowers its burst damage.
- Can still KO monsters easily but falls behind in speedrun times.
- Needs better combos to keep up with the top-tier weapons.
12. Bow (3:04 Clear Time)
Without Heroics, Bow took a hit, especially after the nerfs to Tracer Arrow and Focus Mode aiming.
While still powerful, it’s no longer the dominant force it was in the betas.
With Heroics, the timing of Bow drops to around 2 minutes and 5 seconds, which is impressive.
- Bow was top-tier in the betas, but post-launch nerfs hit it hard.
- Tracer Arrow and Focus Mode aiming got nerfed, reducing its effectiveness.
- Still strong, but needs Heroics to reach top performance.
11. Dual Blades (2:47 Clear Time)
With insane speed and rapid procs of the Corrupted Mantle, Dual Blades still struggle due to Arkveld’s poor elemental hit zones.
In a better matchup, this weapon could rank higher in our list of Monster Hunter Wilds Best DMG Weapons.
- Great synergy with Corrupted Mantle but lacks elemental effectiveness against Arkveld.
- Triple Triangle spam builds gauge but isn’t the most efficient DPS-wise.
- Could rank higher against different monsters.
10. Light Bowgun (2:45 Clear Time)
Tight competition here! Light Bowgun shines with multi-proc dash shots, keeping damage output high.
It’s close to overtaking Dual Blades and could climb the ranks with optimized setups.
- Dash-shot spam keeps damage high.
- Multi-hit procs with Corrupted Mantle make it deadly.
- Barely edged out Dual Blades, proving how tight these rankings are.
9. Heavy Bowgun (2:44 Clear Time)
Almost tied with Light Bowgun, Wyvernheart’s machine-gun fire and piercing shots maximize Corrupted Mantle procs.
The difference between these two is razor-thin.
- Wyvernheart machine-gun mode shines with big, consistent damage.
- The difference between HBG and LBG is razor-thin.
- Expect more competition as speedrunners refine their techniques.
8. Switch Axe (2:36 Clear Time)
One of the biggest winners from beta to launch, Switch Axe went from miserable to massively improved, and here in our Top 10 Best Highest Damage Weapons list for Monster Hunter Wilds.
Speedruns show full release spam with occasional Saw Counters is the way to go.
- One of the most improved weapons from beta to launch of Monster Hunter Wilds.
- Full release spam is key—ignore fancy moves, just go for raw power.
- Saw Counter mix-ins help maintain ridiculous DPS.
7. Gunlance (2:24 Clear Time)
Gunlance is a monster with Heroics, clocking in an insane 1:50 clear time when allowed.
Even without Heroics, it’s still one of the best damage weapons in MHW (Wilds) and could push even further.
- Without Heroics, Gunlance is still incredibly strong.
- Explosive shelling is fantastic, but the playstyle is riskier.
- If we allowed Heroics, Gunlance would be top-tier with a 1:50 clear.
6. Sword & Shield (2:24 Clear Time)
With perfect guard spam, offensive guard procs, and rapid Corrupted Mantle hits, SnS is in an amazing spot.
Smooth movement lets it stay on weak points for massive DPS.
- Perfect Guard spam triggers Offensive Guard, boosting DPS.
- Triangle combo cycles + shield bashes = consistent Corrupted Mantle procs.
- Surprisingly strong, given how simple the gameplay loop is.
5. Lance (2:20 Clear Time)
We are officially in our Top 5 Best Highest Damage (DMG) Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds Ranking.
Lance dominates with poke spam, perfect guarding into non-stop offense.
Thanks to Corrupted Mantle procs, it’s doing far better than expected.
- Perfect Guards into Poke Spam = near-permanent uptime.
- Corrupted Mantle buffs its relentless attack style.
- Biggest winner from beta to launch, proving how strong well-timed counters are.
4. Greatsword (2:06 Clear Time)
Technically Greatsword gets first place with Heroics when it comes to DMG, but without it, still a top-tier weapon.
True Charge Slash procs triple Corrupted Mantle hits, making it an absolute damage dealer.
- Without Heroics, Greatsword still delivers insane burst damage.
- True Charge Slash + Corrupted Mantle = huge triple-hit procs.
- With Heroics, this weapon would rank #1 at a 1:40 clear time.
With that we are entering the Top 3 List of Best DMG Weapons in MHW.
3. Longsword (1:57.67 Clear Time)
A shift from Helmbreaker to Crimson Slash combo spam has made Longsword one of the best weapons.
It takes full advantage of Corrupted Mantle’s extra hits for crazy DPS.
- Forget Helmbreaker, the new meta is Crimson Slash spam.
- Insane synergy with Corrupted Mantle, leading to rapid-fire damage.
- Close to Insect Glaive in time, proving its high damage ceiling.
2. Insect Glaive (1:57.05 Clear Time)
Barely edging out Longsword, Insect Glaive is thriving with high uptime and brutal Corrupted Mantle synergy.
This weapon went from controversial to top-tier dominance.
- Despite community complaints, Insect Glaive is thriving.
- Triangle spam, Corrupted Mantle procs, and new air moves make it a DPS monster.
- Only milliseconds away from Longsword, so this could change soon.
1. Charge Blade (1:55.13 Clear Time) – Best High-Damage Weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds
Charge Blade’s Power Axe chainsaw mode is crushing everything.
With optimized ED1/ED2 resets and a devastating Amped Element Discharge, this weapon currently holds the top spot.
The gameplay is a perfect blend of raw power and technical precision.
But it is quite troublesome to play with, especially if you are new to the franchise.
Here’s how to correctly use and play with Charge Blade in Monster Hunter Wilds.
- Power Axe chainsaw mode is insane.
- ED1/ED2 combos + Amped Element Discharge melt enemies.
- Maximized paralysis and Corrupted Mantle procs push it ahead of everything else.
Final Thoughts: Will These Ranks Change?
This MHW Highest DMG Weapons Ranking is based on current speedruns with fair conditions (no Heroics abuse). With patches, skill optimizations, and new strategies, we might see shifts in the top ranks. But for now, Charge Blade reigns supreme.
Which weapon are you maining in Monster Hunter Wilds? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!
