The bow in Monster Hunter Wilds, while potentially devastating, presents a steeper learning curve than other weapons. Mastering it requires understanding its unique mechanics. This guide will help new players get started.
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Unlike other Monster Hunter Wilds weapons, the bow heavily relies on stamina management. Light attacks consume minimal stamina, but charged attacks significantly deplete it. Basic attacks are performed by left-clicking (PC) or pressing R2/RT (console). More advanced techniques, such as Dragon Piercer and Thousand Dragons, unlock further combat potential.
Combo | PC | PlayStation | Xbox |
---|---|---|---|
Regular Attack | Left-click | R2 | RT |
Charged Attack | 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/down | L1 + Triangle/X | LB + Y/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 |
Beginners should familiarize themselves with these controls in the training grounds before engaging monsters. Practicing combos and understanding stamina management is crucial for success.
Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)
Exploiting Weak Points
The bow excels at targeting weak points. Focus Fire: Hailstorm, activated by holding Shift (PC) or R1/RB (console), automatically locks onto these vulnerable areas, indicated by red markers on the monster after aiming.
Utilizing Coatings

Coatings significantly enhance arrow effectiveness. Regular attacks gradually fill a coating gauge (bottom-right corner). Once full, press R, Triangle, or Y to apply coatings. Each bow supports two coating types from the following:
- Power Coating: Increased damage.
- Pierce Coating: Enhanced penetration with Dragon Piercer.
- Close-Range Coating: Increased close-range damage.
- Paralysis Coating: Inflicts Paralysis.
- Exhaust Coating: Inflicts Stun and Exhaustion.
- Sleep Coating: Inflicts Sleep.
- Poison Coating: Inflicts Poison.
- Blast Coating: Inflicts Blast.
Employing Tracer Arrows
Tracer Arrows, while consuming coating points, are invaluable. They attach to the monster, guiding subsequent arrows for increased accuracy and effectiveness, particularly useful for creating weak points.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.