Monster Hunter Wilds – Bow Meta Guide

MH Wilds Bow Meta

Ву Lautus Pluma.

Standard Elemental Sets

This set will always be the same, no matter which weapon you use.

Click to enlarge…

The Artian bow is the best choice for most elements. The only exception is ice, where it’s better to use the Hirabami bow instead because it has pierce coatings.

For the Artian bow stats, you want to aim for one with 25% affinity. This lets you reach 100% affinity when you’re attacking a wounded weakspot and have Frenzy/Antivirus active. All other bonus slots should give Attack boost, as this gives slightly better damage than boosting elemental damage.

Raw Pierce Set (Mainly for Arkveld)

This isn’t a general-purpose set, but rather one that works especially well against Arkveld. This is because pierce coatings work effectively against his chains when he’s enraged, and because his elemental weak points aren’t very good.

For the weapon, you’ll want a Paralysis Artian bow that has 25% affinity. This lets you reach 100% affinity when attacking a wounded weak spot while the Frenzy/Antivirus effect is active. All other bonuses should increase Attack.

Since this bow doesn’t have an element that needs boosting, just add enough critical decorations to maximize critical boost, and include a spread jewel.

FAQ

What’s the deal with the coatings this time around?

Coatings are infinite; however, in order to apply them to your bow, you have to consume a third of your gauge (which can be built by performing perfect dodges, landing attacks, using your focus attack, holding charge…). Each application will give you up to 10 coatings.

What’s the difference between the types of coatings?

• Power Coatings: +30% raw and extended maximum range, but with damage penalty at point blank.
  • Close Range Coatings: +40% raw and no damage penalty at point blank, but reduced maximum range.
    • Pierce Coatings: Adds piercing properties to the arrows, but reduces the damage dealt.
    • Status Coatings: Self-explanatory.

Should I be using the tracer?

Coat application takes priority when it comes to gauge usage, but if there is sufficient gauge and the specific matchup/situation allows/calls for it, it can be beneficial.

What is the damage rotation for bow?

• As per usual, the goal is to spam Dash > Rapid > Power > Volley as much as possible, cutting it short if the window of opportunity isn’t big enough.
  • After a Perfect Dodge, you can go straight into Rapid > Power > Volley.
  • Make sure to always attack with coatings on. If you’re forced to reset your charge level, you can ramp up with the likes of Coating > Rapid/Quick > Power > Volley, for example.