Insect Glaive, the unique weapon that grants the ability to jump and fly like an angel in Monster Hunter Wilds. While it is fun to use, it requires the right build to maximize its potential. In this guide, I will provide the best Insect Glaive build in Monster Hunter Wilds, from early to endgame.
This guide will be updated regularly along with future content!
Insect Glaive Gameplay and Combo in MH Wilds
Of course, the main unique aspect of the Insect Glaive is the Kinsect, which provides you with power, speed, and various buffs. The difference in Wilds compared to previous titles is that, thanks to Focus Mode, you can quickly gather all the extracts without having to manually aim and shoot. With Focus Mode, your attacks will automatically trigger your Kinsect to gather extracts.
Now, as always, you can start dealing massive damage and executing perfect combos after collecting all the extracts—red, white, and orange. By gathering the extracts, you gain an extra damage boost, increased attack speed, higher jump height, flinch resistance, and even a health boost. Make sure to always use Focus Mode to maximize the Insect Glaive's potential in Wilds.
While you might be tempted to keep flying like a helicopter, the best combo is performed on the ground instead. Once you've gathered all the extracts, the best opening combo is the Tornado Slash combo, executed by pressing Triangle-Triangle-Triangle-Circle. This is the bread and butter of the Insect Glaive—the highest DPS combo—because you can continuously loop it until your buffs expire.
If you prefer a simpler combo, you can always use Triangle-Circle and loop it. Don't forget to use Focus Mode.
The next best combo is the Rising Spiral Slash loop, a new move introduced in Wilds that looks ridiculously cool—making you feel like you're in a Final Fantasy game. You can execute this by holding Circle until the red charge appears (while having full extracts), releasing it, and immediately following up with L2 + Circle, which will perform the Rising Spiral Slash.
Executing this move will consume all of your Kinsect extracts, which is why proper extract management is crucial for this combo. It's best to perform this while the monster has an open wound, allowing you to immediately use Focus Strike on that wound to regain all the extracts you just lost.
Another mechanic you need to constantly use is Offset Attacks, which you can trigger by perfectly timing your Strong Descending Slash (Forward + Circle) on the ground or in the air. This is a great addition that helps you stay on the offensive.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the best builds and progression.
Insect Glaive Low Rank Build and Progression
At the start of the game, you should stick to the default Hope set because it provides three levels of Divine Blessing, which is extremely helpful for progressing through the story.
To boost your damage and make hunts smoother, craft the Barina Perche, Lala Barina's weapon. It has Paralysis, an excellent status effect in Wilds, and decent sharpness for the early game.
After defeating G. Rathalos, you can craft its full armor set, which grants three levels of Weakness Exploit, a crucial skill for dealing critical damage. This set will carry you through early and mid High Rank.
Other good weapon alternatives include the Ajara Trident I, which offers Blast status and the Power Prolonger skill, or the G. Veldian Trudis I, which boasts higher raw damage.
For the Kinsect, the Arkmaiden is currently the best choice, as it comes with Harvest Extract Boost, allowing you to gather three extracts in a single use of Charged Harvest Extract (R2 + Triangle).
Best Insect Glaives for Low Rank
- Barina Perche II
- Ajara Trident I
- G. Veldian Trudis I
- Arkmaiden (Kinsect)
- Fiddlebrix (Kinsect)
Insect Glaive High Rank Build and Progression
Once you reach mid High Rank, especially after defeating High Rank Guardian Rathalos, Guardian Fulgur Anjanath, and Guardian Ebony Odogaron, you can craft their armor to boost your defense and enhance your skills.
At this point, you can gain more levels of Weakness Exploit, Maximum Might, Agitator, and Evade Extender, all of which are excellent for the Insect Glaive. Constitution is also a useful bonus skill if you have five Physique Jewels.
Crafting Exploiter Charm II should be a priority before the endgame, as it benefits not only the Insect Glaive but almost every other weapon as well.
For the weapon, Barina Perche IV is a great choice, as it provides a smooth progression through the main story up to the endgame. However, weapon selection changes once you unlock the Artian Rarity 8 weapons.
Best Insect Glaives for High Rank
- Barina Perche IV
- Ajara Trident II
- G. Veldian Trudis II
- Rising Fulgur I
- Princess Regalia II
- Rathmaul I
Best Insect Glaive Endgame Builds
The best endgame build depends on your playstyle. However, these are the current best Insect Glaive builds that truly maximize its potential:
IG Endgame 4-Gore Meta Build
The 4-Gore set is the current meta build, granting access to Black Eclipse II. This skill, combined with Level 3 Antivirus, provides an extra 25% Affinity, which is a massive boost for any playstyle. When paired with Weakness Exploit, Maximum Might, and Critical Boost, you will consistently land critical hits.
For Artian weapons, Razor Sharp or Master's Touch is highly recommended, as these weapons have relatively short white sharpness. However, the biggest advantage of this weapon is its three Level 3 jewel slots.
For the Diprielcha, prioritize Paralysis status and aim to get all Attack Infusion. Later, reinforce it with 3 Attack + 2 Sharpness, creating the most optimized version of the weapon.
Flayer, Burst, and Counterstrike are bonus skills that further enhance damage output and hunting efficiency.
Currently, this is the highest-damage Insect Glaive build, provided you consistently use the Tornado Slash combo and maintain full extracts.
IG Endgame Elemental Burst Build
This build focuses on elemental attacks and elemental matchups, with the best skill for this playstyle being Burst. With Burst Boost and Burst 5, you gain a huge raw and elemental attack boost on every first and fifth hit, making it perfect for the fast-hitting Insect Glaive.
For the weapon slots, it's up to you whether to choose Critical Element or maximize Critical Boost. What’s really important is having a Razor Sharp or Master's Touch jewel to maintain white sharpness.
For the weapon, Diprielcha remains the best option, also with all Attack Infusion and 3 Attack + 2 Sharpness reinforcement. The difference is that you should pick your desired element. Good elemental alternatives include:
- Firedance Rathmaul (Fire)
- Fulgurglaive Guardiana (Thunder)
- Precipice Geumgel (Ice)
- Sandsea Uchaltiya (Water)
- Leumundsgift (Dragon)
IG Endgame Helicopter Build
This build is called Helicopter because it is perfect for players who love to constantly jump and attack from above. With this setup, you will be spinning non-stop and frequently mounting your target.
The Second Wind skill from the Fulgur Anjanath armor set provides an extra stamina bar, which is essential for sustained aerial combat. Evade Extender further enhances your jump distance, while Constitution is the key skill for stamina management.
Counterstrike is preferred over Max Might since you will never have full stamina and will be constantly launching Offset Attacks while airborne.
For the weapon jewel, Airborne is the key skill that sets this build apart from others. However, Critical Boost and sharpness management remain crucial to maximize this build’s potential.
IG Endgame Comfy Build
This final build is perfect for a casual and comfortable playstyle rather than a sweaty, speed-running meta. It features Decimator and Hasten Recovery, allowing you to heal constantly as you repeatedly attack the monster and its wounds.
Despite being a comfort-focused build, you still get Weakness Exploit, Agitator, and Critical Boost, ensuring you deal decent damage. However, due to the lack of Antivirus and Burst, your damage output will be lower than the other builds.
Recovery Up is crucial for increasing the healing effect from your lifesteal abilities. Counterstrike is a perfect addition, granting a free +25 Attack whenever you get hit. Divine Blessing further enhances your survivability, making hunts even safer.
For the weapon, Lala Stromatopelm is ideal for constantly paralyzing your target, allowing you to freely attack without pressure.
Overall, this build is perfect for relaxed, fun hunts with friends, letting you enjoy the game without stressing over damage optimization.
Best Insect Glaives for Endgame
- Diprielcha (All Attack infusion & 3 Attack + 2 Sharpness reinforcement)
- Firedance Rathmaul
- Fulgurglaive Guardiana
- Precipice Geumgel
- Sandsea Uchaltiya
- Leumundsgift
- Lala Stromatopelm
- Arkmaiden (Kinsect)
- Fiddlebrix (Kinsect)
There you have it—the best Insect Glaive builds in Monster Hunter Wilds. Whether you aim to deal massive damage and speedrun hunts or prefer to soar through the air like a helicopter and have fun with your friends, these meta builds will help you maximize the IG’s potential. Now go out there, master your Kinsect, and have fun mounting monsters!
