In Monster Hunter Wilds, crafting effective weapon builds can vary significantly in complexity, especially when it comes to the Bow. Unlike many other weapon types, the Bow features an array of unique mechanics and moves that can complicate your build choices. This is largely due to the distinctive gear required for an optimal Bow setup, which includes various Coatings and specialized armor Skills. To master this weapon, you’ll need to consider multiple elements that will define your Bow build and enhance your hunting performance.
Each Bow in the game is equipped with specific Coatings that can be applied to arrows, creating a unique playstyle for each weapon. As you engage in hunts, you can only utilize the Coatings that are linked to the Bow you are wielding. Some Coatings are designed to inflict various Status effects on monsters, while others focus on dealing increased damage. Understanding the optimal timing and strategy for applying these Coatings can significantly expedite your monster takedowns, making you a more effective hunter.
Optimize Your Bow Build for Maximum Hunting Success
Maximize Damage by Exploiting Monster Weaknesses and Creating Open Wounds
The primary objective of any Bow build is to efficiently manage your Stamina while creating Open Wounds on monsters to exploit for sustained high damage per second (DPS). When wielded skillfully, the Bow can become one of the most potent weapons against monsters. This is especially true if your build incorporates multiple Skills that complement an aggressive offensive strategy. However, since every shot you fire depletes your Stamina, it’s essential to strike a balance between dealing damage and maintaining your mobility during battle.
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The Trick Arrow Gauge is a unique feature of the Bow in Monster Hunter Wilds, acting as a resource you can use with Tracer arrows to hunt monsters.
Your Bow’s overall damage output hinges on the type of weapon you select, as most Bows deal either Elemental or Non-Elemental Damage. The Affinity of your Bow directly influences your likelihood of landing critical hits, making high Affinity a vital consideration for optimizing your Bow builds. By effectively chaining Bow combos in Monster Hunter Wilds, you can achieve critical hits more frequently, unleashing the full potential of your weapon’s damage capabilities.
When utilizing any Bow build, entering Focus Mode while aiming allows you to easily target Wounds inflicted on monsters, providing extra damage and the potential to destroy those injuries, thus staggering your opponent.
As you continue your adventure with a Bow build, keep these essential techniques in mind to fully harness the unique strengths of this weapon:
|
Bow Move |
Input (PlayStation) |
Input (Xbox) |
Input (PC) |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arc Shot |
L2 + R2 + Circle |
L2 + R2 + B |
Left Click + Right Click + F |
Creates an AoE aura where multiple arrows rain from the sky, generating Open Wounds on any monsters caught within. |
|
Dragon Piercer |
Triangle + Circle |
Y + B |
R + F |
Assume a kneeling stance to charge a single, powerful arrow that inflicts a significant amount of damage. |
|
Thousand Dragons |
R2 + Triangle + Circle |
R2 + Y + B |
Left Click + R + F |
Load multiple arrows into your Bow and fire them simultaneously in a powerful, short-range attack. |
|
Select/Apply Coating |
L1 + Triangle, X |
L1 + Y, A |
Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow, R |
Navigate through the various Coatings specific to your Bow, loading them for your next several shots. You can track the number of coated shots remaining under your reticle via phials. |
|
Ready Tracer |
R2 + Square |
R2 + X |
Left Click + E |
Load a special arrow that detonates after a brief period when embedded in a target. While a Tracer is active, all subsequent arrows will home in on its location, ensuring precision targeting. |
|
Focus Strike: Hailstorm |
L2 + R1 |
L2 + R1 |
Left Click + Shift |
A Focus mode attack in Monster Hunter Wilds where a new reticle appears, specifically targeting Open Wounds on a monster. As you charge this move, additional points are targeted, releasing a barrage of arrows that seek out Wounds to destroy them upon release. |
Regardless of the Bow build you choose, it’s crucial to fill up the Trick Arrow Gauge to effectively use Tracers and Coatings during hunts. The Trick Arrow Gauge fills when you successfully land attacks on a monster or execute a Charging Sidestep to dodge incoming attacks. Most actions consume a third of the Gauge, so certain builds excel by providing additional means to accumulate this valuable resource.
Top Bow Gear to Enhance Your Hunting Capabilities
Align the Best Skills with Your Weapon Upgrades
The ideal gear for Bow builds focuses on reducing Stamina depletion, whether through specific Skills or weapon/armor Decorations. This requires collecting certain gear pieces or unlocking appropriate weapon upgrades in Monster Hunter Wilds that bestow the necessary skills. As you progress through both Low-Rank and High-Rank levels, certain Bow gear options will become increasingly attractive, providing you with the strength and efficiency needed for more challenging hunts.
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Regardless of your current Rank, incorporating certain Skills is nearly essential for building a successful Bow setup. In general, Skills that enhance your Affinity and boost damage when targeting monster weaknesses are invaluable, particularly when fully maxed out. The following Skills are recommended for any gear you choose to enhance your Bow build:
- Constitution – Reduces fixed Stamina depletion.
- Critical Boost – Increases damage from critical hits.
- Stamina Surge – Accelerates Stamina recovery.
- Spread/Power Shots – Amplifies the attack power of your Bow’s Power and Quick Shots.
- Burst –
