Introduction
The bow in Monster Hunter Wilds is a ranged weapon that, while not having the same range as light or heavy bowguns, offers more agile movement. Below are bow setup strategies brought to you by "Dr. W", which we hope will be useful for everyone.
Weapon Insights
Currently, it is confirmed that the melee coating is the most versatile for bows (based on unpacked data, the melee coating multiplier is 1.4, and the power coating multiplier is 1.3). As for the pierce coating, it will reduce the fixed value of 6 points from normal and 8 points from true normal damage values. Essentially, each jump in damage is about 30%-50% of the normal damage value. This coating is only effective against few specific weak points that are large enough and close enough to hit; in most situations, it is not as effective as the melee coating. Therefore, when crafting weapons, try to choose high panel weapons that support the melee coating; of course, pierce coating bows can also be fun to experiment with.
Monster Hunter Wilds Reference Tool
The Monster Hunter Wilds reference tool is now live, providing comprehensive information on equipment, materials, and monsters, along with an automatic setup feature to help you navigate through your hunting adventures!
| 武器類型 | 說明 |
|---|---|
| 近戰瓶 | 目前最泛用的瓶子，倍率1.4。 |
| 強擊瓶 | 倍率1.3。 |
| 貫通瓶 | 減少的固定值，僅能在特定情況下有效。 |
Weapons Overview
Since I have not yet seen the full spectrum of mechanical weapons, I cannot provide a detailed conclusion about the weapons just yet. Additionally, based on unpacked data, the types of bottles for different attribute mechanical bows vary, as shown in the image below.
Armor Section
The armor section mainly revolves around several key skills. If you want to save time, feel free to jump to the end.
Stamina Skills
The core skill for bows is stamina skills. Although this generation allows for significant stamina recovery, I believe it is still essential to equip stamina level 5 to ensure a minimum efficiency threshold (not necessarily from gear alone, as detailed below).
Through personal testing, this version shares similarities with its predecessor, as the upper limit for stamina consumption reduction is 50%. When equipped with stamina level 5, the effects of stamina-enhancing items, such as the Strengthening Potion, Cat Food Stamina, and Stamina Recovery Bugs, will no longer be able to further reduce stamina consumption.
The Strengthening Potion provides a 25% reduction in stamina consumption, and this will be calculated multiplicatively with the stamina skill on the gear (similar to the previous game mechanics).
For example: with stamina level 3, the final stamina consumption would be the initial value of (1-30%)*75% = 52.5%, which is 2.5% away from the upper limit of 50%.
Cat Food Effects on Stamina
The small effect of cat food on stamina adds +2 to the stamina level, while the large effect adds +3 (different from the World's mechanism). However, I currently do not know if mushroom ingredients can be mass-produced. For example, if you only have stamina level 1 and consume large cat food, the stamina consumption will be (1-10%-30%)=60%. If you then drink a stamina-boosting drink, it becomes (1-10%-30%)*75%=45%, but the upper limit is 50%, so the final stamina consumption will be 50% of the initial value.
The stamina thunderbug effect reduces the stamina consumption directly to 50%.
Stamina Recovery
Once you reach stamina level 5, combined with J's stamina recovery, the bow's stamina should be more than sufficient. For stamina recovery, using 2-level slots to achieve 1-2 levels is adequate, and it's not a problem if you don't.
Weakness Exploit
A significant source of critical hits, so aim to max it out.
Frenzy and Abyss Mode
Overcoming Frenzy will provide an additional +15 critical hit. Frenzy II will grant extra +10/15 base attack during the infection/recovery period. Abyss Mode offers +3/6/10 critical hit during recovery and reduces the difficulty of overcoming it, so it's recommended to max this out.
Combos
Utilizing combos effectively can significantly increase your damage output and efficiency in battle.
Hit Benefits and Attack Enhancements
After hitting five times, all bonuses are triggered. Triggering with a bow is very easy; a single charged shot is sufficient. The base attack and attribute values provided for levels 1-5 are:
| Level | Base Attack | Attribute Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 40 |
| 2 | 7 | 60 |
| 3 | 11 | 80 |
| 4 | 12 | 100 |
| 5 | 13 | 120 |
Fortify with Fury
Combining with Frenzy, the unpacked value is 1.05-1.1-1.15 times attribute bonus, which is quite significant.
Skill Shot Advantages
Successful J hits increase base attack, and the effects are quite considerable; it may be more suitable for physical bows.
Blade Lock Attack
This skill might be better suited for Pierce coatings; the additional non-elemental damage value requires testing.
Attribute Bow Build Suggestions
Based on this, my build strategy for attribute bows focuses on combining Frenzy and the skill "Unyielding" level 3 with premium items to maximize critical hit opportunities. Aim for level 5 in Endurance, and then prioritize stacking combos. Fill empty level 2 slots with either Fortify or Stamina recovery.
Debate Points: Armor Choices
There are choices between wearing 2 pieces of Frenzy, 4 pieces of Frenzy, or 2 pieces of Protective Claw.
Build Example
Build 1: Black Calamity (4 pieces) + Blade Lock Chest. This build can achieve level 5 in Endurance, level 5 in Critical Hit, level 3 in Unyielding, level 2 in Combo, and level 3 in Fortify, alongside 1 additional level 1 slot.
Armor Set 2: Black Abyss Set + Lock Hand
You can achieve the following skills: Stamina Surge 5, Weakness Exploit 5, No One 3, Critical Boost 3, and Fortune 2. It includes two Level 1 slots.
Armor Set 3: Black Abyss Chest and Legs + Fierce Claw Head and Waist + Lock Hand
You can achieve the following skills: Stamina Surge 5, Weakness Exploit 5, No One 3, Critical Boost 4, and Fortune 2.
Armor Set 4: Fierce Claw Head + Lock Blade Chest + Lock Hand + Black Abyss Waist and Legs
You can achieve the following skills: Stamina Surge 5, Weakness Exploit 5, No One 3, Critical Boost 5, and Fortune 2. This set includes one additional Level 1 slot.
(To be continued...)
👉 For more information, please see:Monster Hunter Wilds General Strategy