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While various weapon builds in Monster Hunter Wilds tend to be straightforward, the Bow is notably more intricate due to its diverse features. The decision-making process for creating an effective Bow build can be more challenging than one might anticipate, mainly because of the wealth of moves and exclusive mechanics associated with this weapon. A well-constructed Bow build combines a variety of elements like distinct Coatings and specialized armor Skills.
Each Bow weapon has its own Coatings that can be applied to arrows, which adds individuality based on different upgrade paths. In Monster Hunter Wilds, players can only equip the specific Coatings associated with the Bow during a hunt. Some Coatings deliver Status effects, while others simply enhance damage output. Mastering the timing and usage of these Coatings can significantly expedite monster takedowns.
How to Master a Bow Build
Inflict Damage by Targeting Weak Points and Causing Wounds
The core aim of any Bow build is to manage your Stamina and inflict Open Wounds on monsters to maximize sustained, high damage per second (DPS). In capable hands, the Bow can deliver one of the highest damage outputs against monsters, particularly if your build features multiple Skills that bolster an aggressive playstyle. Nonetheless, as each shot from your Bow consumes Stamina, players must carefully balance offensive moves with mobility.
The damage output of your Bow varies depending on its type, with most Bows focusing on either Elemental or Non-Elemental Damage. The Affinity of any Bow plays a critical role in determining your chances of landing critical hits, making enhanced Affinity vital for certain Bow builds. Executing Bow combos effectively in Monster Hunter Wilds allows you to quickly score critical hits on targets, unleashing the weapon’s full damage potential.
When using a Bow build, you enter Focus Mode while aiming, which helps you easily target Wounds on monsters for increased damage. As you employ your bow, keep these essential techniques in mind to leverage its unique strengths effectively.
| Bow Move | Input (PlayStation) | Input (Xbox) | Input (PC) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc Shot | L2 + R2 + Circle | L2 + R2 + B | Left Click + Right Click + F | Generates an AoE that rains multiple arrows on the area, creating Open Wounds on monsters caught within. |
| Dragon Piercer | Triangle + Circle | Y + B | R + F | Assumes a kneeling position to charge and release one powerful arrow for substantial damage. |
| Thousand Dragons | R2 + Triangle + Circle | R2 + Y + B | Left Click + R + F | Loads several arrows into the Bow before firing them all at once as a strong short-range attack. |
| Select/Apply Coating | L1 + Triangle, X | L1 + Y, A | Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow, R | Cycles through the Coatings unique to your Bow and loads them for the next few shots. |
| Ready Tracer | R2 + Square | R2 + X | Left Click + E | Loads a special arrow set to explode after a short time, with all subsequent arrows homing in on the target. |
| Focus Strike: Hailstorm | L2 + R1 | L2 + R1 | Left Click + Shift | A Focus mode attack that generates a new reticle to target Open Wounds on a monster, culminating in a volley of arrows. |
Regardless of the Bow build you favor, it’s crucial to charge the Trick Arrow Gauge for using Tracers and Coatings during a hunt. This Gauge fills when you land hits on monsters or execute a perfect dodge via Charging Sidestep. Actions typically consume one-third of the Gauge, making certain builds advantageous in providing more avenues to accumulate this resource.
Best Bow Gear and How to Obtain It
Align Skills with Weapon Upgrades
The optimal gear for Bow builds minimizes Stamina usage, whether through inherent Skills or weapon/armor Decorations. To attain this, players must gather specific equipment or unlock weapon upgrades in Monster Hunter Wilds that provide necessary Skills. As you progress through both Low-Rank and High-Rank quests, you will find certain Bow gear increasingly valuable for augmenting your build.
High-Rank gear often features Decoration slots, ensuring you can enhance your Skills with additional ones from monster hunts. The following Skill recommendations can help craft a formidable Bow build:
- Constitution – Reduces fixed Stamina depletion.
- Critical Boost – Increases the damage dealt by critical hits.
- Stamina Surge – Accelerates Stamina recovery.
- Spread/Power Shots – Amplifies damage from the Bow’s Power and Quick Shots.
- Burst – Grants additional elemental and raw damage after consecutive hits.
- Weakness Exploit – Enhances Affinity when striking monster weak points or Wounds.
The table below lists the best Low-Rank Bow gear, detailing skills and recommended Decorations for each piece.
| Gear | How To Get/Craft | Slots + Recommended Deco | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albirath Bow I | 3x G. Rathalos Scales; 2x G. Rathalos Webbing; 1x Flame Sac; 2,600 Zenny | 1 – Blaze Jewel (Fire Attack) | N/A |
| G. Ebony Helm | 1x G. Ebony Claw; 1x G. Ebony Fang; 1x G. Ebony Tail; 800 Zenny | 1 – Physique Jewel (Constitution) | Burst (1) |
| G. Ebony Mail | 1x G. Ebony Fang; 2x G. Ebony Sinew; 800 Zenny | 1 – Physique Jewel (Constitution) | Bleeding Resistance (1) |
| G. Ebony Braces | 1x G. Ebony Fang; 2x G. Ebony Sinew; 2x G. Ebony Scale; 800 Zenny | 1 – Physique Jewel (Constitution) | Burst (1) |
| G. Ebony Coil | 1x G. Ebony Claw; 1x G. Ebony Tail; 1x G. Ebony Odogaron Certificate; 1x G. Ebony Plate; 800 Zenny | 0 | Burst (1), Bleeding Resistance (1) |
This Low-Rank build takes advantage of several pieces from the Guardian Ebony Odogaron armor set. Equipping four pieces of G. Ebony armor activates the Burst Boost (4) Skill, extending the duration and effect of Burst, which significantly enhances your attack power when active.
With the right gear, you can create a Bow build that becomes a force to be reckoned with on your future hunts in Monster Hunter Wilds.
