Bow, the powerhouse of burst damage and massive DPS while maintaining rapid movement in Monster Hunter Wilds. This weapon is significantly better in Wilds than in previous titles, and having the right build will further maximize its already strong potential. Let's take a look at the best Bow builds and progression in Monster Hunter Wilds.
This guide will be updated regularly along with future content!
Bow Gameplay and Combo
The same as in the previous titles, the Bow in MH Wilds consumes a lot of stamina for practically all attacks. So, stamina management is the first thing you need to consider while playing with a Bow. Constitution and Stamina Surge are the two most important skills when using a Bow.
The new Discerning Dodge move is what makes the Bow such a fun and incredible weapon to use. Perfectly timing a Side Step when you get hit or when the monster roars will activate Discerning Dodge, which regenerates your stamina and coating meter. This is an essential skill to use for a more aggressive playstyle and to further increase your DPS.
The best way to play Bow comes down to two main combos:
Power Shot Combo
This is your bread-and-butter and the most optimal way to play. First, apply your coating and charge to max, then follow up with Power Shot into Power Volley. Then do Sidestep and repeat Power Shot and Power Volley. Keep repeating this sequence until you're low on stamina.
When your stamina gets low, use Focus Strike to regain stamina and target a wound at the same time. Then start the process again.
When you get good at timing, try to dodge right when monsters attack (Discerning Dodge) to gain extra stamina. For advanced players, you can speed up Power Shot by pressing Circle immediately after an R2 that follows a dodge. Just be careful with the timing - pressing Circle too fast will result in the wrong move.
Dragon Piercer (DP) Spam
This alternative approach is great for certain situations. Use the fast DP (Triangle + Circle) after shots or dodges during regular combat. When the monster is knocked down, switch to the slow DP for maximum damage.
For back-to-back damage, try using the Hailstorm Shot (R1 in Focus Mode) without locking onto wounds, then immediately go into a full DP. Use Flying Swallow Shot to reposition yourself and stay in range.
For best results, aim across wings or through the entire monster from head to tail. Since DP leaves you vulnerable, it helps to bring your Palico, play with others, or use Flash Bombs as distractions.
The Power Shot combo is generally more consistent, but both approaches are valid depending on the situation and your playstyle!
Bow Low Rank Build and Progression
In Low Rank, Bow users need to be patient, as the essential skills aren’t available early on. However, after defeating Rey Dau and G. Rathalos, you can craft their armor set to gain Constitution and Weakness Exploit.
For weapons, start with Quematrice Arco I as your first upgrade since its materials are accessible early on. Then, upgrade to Scylla Fist I for better affinity. This setup will carry you through early to mid High Rank.
Best Bows for Low Rank
- Scylla Fist I
- Rey Perkonis I
- Nihil Bow I
Bow High Rank Build and Progression
Entering High Rank is where Wilds starts giving Bow users some breathing room. You'll face Yian Kut-Ku early on, and its armor is excellent for Bow progression. Immediately craft the Helm, Braces, and Greaves to gain Constitution skills.
As you progress further, you'll encounter Gypceros, whose armor provides Stamina Surge, a perfect skill for Bow users. Craft the Mail and Coil, and you’ll be set until late High Rank.
For weapons, upgrading Scylla Fist to Level II is a solid choice for early to mid High Rank. After that, you can switch to Prominence Bow I, Windbrace Bow II, Rey Perkonis II, or Nihil Bow II for elemental options.
Best Bows for High Rank
- Scylla Fist II
- Prominence Bow I
- Windbrace Bow II
- Rey Perkonis II
- Nihil Bow II
Bow Best Endgame Builds
The best endgame Bow build really depends on your playstyle. Whether you prefer elemental, raw, or Dragon Piercer playstyles, these are the best current meta builds for the Bow in MH Wilds:
Bow Endgame Elemental Burst Build
This set consists of 2-piece Ebony and 2-piece Gore, allowing you to utilize Burst Boost and Black Eclipse. Burst has a significant impact, especially when hunting with an elemental matchup. Black Eclipse and Antivirus are essentially the current meta in any build, boosting both affinity and damage.
You can always swap out Refresh Jewels if you’re confident in executing Discerning Dodge flawlessly. Other than that, all other jewels are crucial for this build. One level of Adrenaline Rush provides a decent damage bonus for Discerning Dodge.
For the Angelbein, it's preferable to have all Attack Infusion and all Attack Reinforcement. However, obtaining five Attack Reinforcements may be nearly impossible, so at least three should suffice.
Blangonga’s Singha Sharanga is a solid alternative if you want an Ice element build.
Bow Endgame 4-Gore Meta Build
This is the current meta in Monster Hunter Wilds—a 4-piece Gore set, granting Black Eclipse II to boost affinity and damage. This build is perfect for playing the Bow with the basic Power Shot combo.
Discerning Dodge is a skill you need to use frequently with this build to trigger the Adrenaline Rush bonus. You will need to stay in close-range combat to fully utilize this setup. Brace is just a bonus skill.
You can switch Bandolier with Crit Boost II if you prefer higher critical numbers.
For the Angelbein, you can choose any element or status, but it's preferable to have all Attack Infusion and all Attack Reinforcement.
Bow Endgame Dragon Piercer Build
This final build is perfect for the Dragon Piercer playstyle. You can always swap Flawless Jewels for Refresh (Stamina Surge), depending on your preference.
Agitator in this build significantly boosts your Dragon Piercer attack damage and critical hits, as you'll be spamming the skill, especially when the monster is enraged.
The best weapon for this build is the Griefbringer Urstox, the highest raw damage Bow. However, using Angelbein is also a solid option.
Best Bows for Endgame
- Griefbringer Urstox (Raw)
- Angelbein (Elemental)
- Singha Sharanga (Ice)
Those are all the best Bow builds in Monster Hunter Wilds right now. I’ll make sure to update everything if new content drops or if I discover a new meta. Have fun, Legolas!
