While close-range weapons are effective, the bow in *Monster Hunter Wilds* offers a unique and thrilling experience. Mastering the bow can be challenging due to its steep learning curve, but with the right guidance, new players can unlock its full potential.
Recommended Videos Monster Hunter Wilds Bow Weapon Guide
Screenshot via The Escapist
Unlike other weapons in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, using the bow requires careful management of your stamina bar. Every attack you make consumes stamina, with light attacks using less and charged attacks taking a significant toll. To execute a basic attack, you can left-click on your mouse or press the R2/RT button on your controller. For those looking to delve deeper, various combos like Dragon Piercer and Thousand Dragons can enhance your combat strategy. Here are the controls for using the bow effectively:
Combo | PC | PlayStation | Xbox |
---|---|---|---|
Regular Attack | Left-click | R2 | RT |
Charged | Hold left-click | Hold R2 | Hold RT |
Aim / Focus | Hold right-click | Hold L2 | Hold LT |
Quick Shot | F | O | B |
Power Shot | F + F | O + O | B + B |
Arc Shot | Right-click + Left-click + F | L2 + R2 + O | LT + RT + B |
Charging Sidestep | Right-click + R | L2 + X | LT + A |
Dragon Piercer | R + F | Triangle + O | Y + B |
Thousand Dragons | Right-click + R + F | R2 + Triangle + O | RT + Y + B |
Select Coating | Ctrl + arrow up or down | L1 + Triangle or X | LB + Y or A |
Apply Coating | R | Triangle | Y |
Ready Tracer | Left-click + E | L2 + R2 + Square | LT + RT + X |
Focus Fire: Hailstorm | Right-click + Shift | L2 + Hold R1 | LT + Hold RB |
If you're new to the bow, it's wise to visit the training ground in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Here, you can practice combos and familiarize yourself with the controls before facing a monster in battle.
Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)
Attack Monster’s Weak Spots
A key advantage of the bow is its ability to target a monster's weak points with precision. Utilizing Focus Fire: Hailstorm, your arrows will automatically lock onto these vulnerabilities. Once you've focused your sight, red spots will appear on the enemy, indicating where to aim. Simply hold down Shift or R1/RB to lock onto these targets and maximize your damage.
Use Coatings
Screenshot via The Escapist
Coatings are a crucial element of the bow in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. These special mixtures enhance your arrows without requiring you to craft anything; your character generates them as you land regular hits. Keep an eye on the blue bar in the bottom right corner to monitor your coating gauge. Once the gauge is full, press R, Triangle, or Y to apply coatings. Each bow can utilize two types of coatings, and here's a list of available options:
- Power Coating – Increases the overall damage of your arrows.
- Pierce Coating – Allows your arrows to pierce through armor when using the Dragon Piercer ability.
- Close-Range Coating – Enhances your damage at close range.
- Paralysis Coating – Gradually inflicts Paralysis on the target.
- Exhaust Coating – Slowly causes Stun and Exhaustion.
- Sleep Coating – Gradually inflicts Sleep on the target.
- Poison Coating – Slowly inflicts Poison.
- Blast Coating – Gradually inflicts Blast damage.
Use Tracer Arrow
The Tracer Arrow is another valuable tool in your bow arsenal. This arrow sticks to a monster for a limited time, causing all subsequent arrows to home in on it. It's perfect for creating weak spots on a monster. However, remember that using a Tracer Arrow consumes coating points, so use it strategically rather than continuously.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*