Best Early Game Weapons in Monster Hunter: Wilds – A Detailed Guide for New Hunters

The opening hours of Monster Hunter: Wilds can be as overwhelming as they are thrilling. You're dropped into an untamed ecosystem where creatures rule the food chain, and survival means more than just dodging claws and fangs.

It means choosing the right tool for the job. And in Monster Hunter, your weapon isn't just a tool—it’s your entire identity.

So, what’s the best early game weapon in Monster Hunter: Wilds?

That depends on your playstyle, your patience, and your learning curve. This guide will explore the top choices for new and returning players, breaking down what makes each weapon ideal during the critical early stages of the game.

Why Early Game Weapons Matter

Before diving into the list, let’s be clear about why this topic matters. Early hunts in Monster Hunter: Wilds aren’t just tutorials—they’re your proving ground.

They teach movement, stamina control, monster behavior, and crafting basics. Choose a clunky or complex weapon too early, and your progress stalls. Pick something intuitive yet powerful, and suddenly, the game clicks.

1. Long Sword – Grace Meets Power

Why It Works

The Long Sword has long been a fan-favorite, and for good reason. It blends reach, speed, and escalating power through its Spirit Gauge system. In Wilds, early monsters are highly mobile, often punishing slower weapons. The Long Sword’s generous hitbox and fluid combos make it easier to land consistent hits, even on agile foes.

What Makes It Shine Early

• Wide Sweeps: Great for crowd control in group hunts or when dealing with packs of small monsters.
• Spirit Slash Combos: Reward timing and rhythm, which builds skill early on without punishing experimentation.
• Counter Moves: Let you remain offensive even during enemy attacks—a crucial edge during early boss fights.

If you're someone who likes cinematic flair with a moderate learning curve, this is your go-to.

2. Sword & Shield – The Underdog’s Weapon

Why It Works

Don’t let the small size fool you. The Sword & Shield is deceptively powerful in the early game. It's fast, agile, and—most importantly—allows the use of items without sheathing your weapon.

That means more healing, more traps, and more utility mid-fight.

What Makes It Shine Early

• Fast Attacks: Easy to learn and forgiving for new players.
• Item Access: Critical in longer hunts where healing windows are tight.
• Combo Potential: Strong chaining options with elemental effects or status damage, which many early monsters are weak to.

It doesn’t always get the spotlight, but those who pick it often find themselves sticking with it well into the mid-game.

3. Great Sword – For the Patient Powerhouse

Why It Works

If you’re willing to learn timing and positioning, few early weapons hit harder than the Great Sword. Every swing is a commitment, but that commitment pays off in staggering damage.

Monster Hunter: Wilds introduces new stagger mechanics and breakable monster armor early on—something the Great Sword is uniquely suited to exploit.

What Makes It Shine Early

• Massive Damage: One well-timed hit can stagger early monsters instantly.
• Charged Attacks: Teach timing and placement, rewarding patient players.
• Defensive Utility: Can be used to block in a pinch, which offsets its slower speed.

It’s not for everyone. But if you like big hits and don’t mind trading agility for power, it can feel like you’re bringing a tank to a knife fight.

4. Dual Blades – Aggression Unleashed

Why It Works

For those who favor offense above all else, the Dual Blades are a whirlwind of slicing chaos. In Wilds, early monsters often leave small attack windows. Dual Blades capitalize on every one of them with flurries that rack up elemental damage fast.

What Makes It Shine Early

• Demon Mode: Increases mobility and attack speed, ideal for early evasive enemies.
• Elemental Scaling: Early access to elemental upgrades makes them potent against low-resistance targets.
• Combo Frenzy: Great for players who love nonstop action.

They're fast, flashy, and fun—but demand stamina management and aggression. If you’re always moving and love that constant pressure, this might be your best starting point.

5. Hunting Horn – The Team Player’s Secret Weapon

Why It Works

You might be surprised to see this one on the list, but Monster Hunter: Wilds pushes cooperative play more than ever before. The Hunting Horn excels in multiplayer with its team buffs and heavy impact.

In the early game, when everyone’s still learning mechanics, a good Horn player can tilt the balance of a fight.

What Makes It Shine Early

• Support Buffs: Boost attack, defense, and health recovery for the whole team.
• Blunt Damage: Stuns early monsters more reliably than most weapons.
• Combo Changes: Wilds overhauls the combo system to feel less clunky, making the Horn more accessible.

If you’re playing with friends—or even just randoms online—this weapon can make you everyone’s favorite hunter in no time.

Weapon Selection Tips for the Early Game

Choosing a weapon is personal, but a few tips can help streamline your decision:

• Test Before You Hunt: Use the Training Area to experiment with combos and movement.
• Adapt to the Monster: Some weapons are better suited for certain targets. If you're struggling, try switching based on the enemy's size, speed, and element.
• Upgrade Early and Often: A low-tier upgraded weapon often outperforms an unupgraded high-tier one. Don’t hoard materials—use them.

The best early game weapon in Monster Hunter: Wilds isn’t just the strongest one—it’s the one that fits how you think, move, and react. Whether you're slicing through tails with the Long Sword or stunning monsters with the Hunting Horn, your weapon defines your experience.

So take your time, try them all, and don’t be afraid to commit. Because once you find the right fit, Monster Hunter: Wilds doesn’t just get easier—it becomes unforgettable.