Monster Hunter World Weapon Tier Lists: Co-op vs. Solo

Monster Hunter: World (MHW) offers a diverse array of weapons, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right weapon greatly impacts your success, whether you’re hunting solo or with a team. This guide breaks down weapon tiers for both playstyles.

Co-Op MHW Weapon Tier List

Co-op play in MHW relies on coordinated attacks and strategic support roles. Weapon choices should consider how to maximize your contribution to the group, rather than relying solely on raw damage output.

D-Tier Weapons (Co-op)

• Sword and Shield: While functional, Sword and Shield struggles to keep up with damage output in a co-op environment. Alternatives like Charge Blades or Longswords are preferable.
• Switch Axe: The Switch Axe lacks the synergy and damage output typically sought in a co-op scenario. Other options like Hammer or Greatsword provide more effective support.

C-Tier Weapons (Co-op)

• Insect Glaive: Excellent for aerial attacks and providing crucial support to ground-based hunters.
• Dual Blades: While swift, Dual Blades might not offer enough sustained damage to be optimally effective in a co-op setting.

B-Tier Weapons (Co-op)

• Light Bowgun: While the speed of dodging might be an advantage, the light bowgun lacks the sustained damage output compared to heavier bowguns.
• Longsword: Longsword excels in coordinated attacks where damage output and short combo moves complement other party members’ efforts.

A-Tier Weapons (Co-op)

• Bow / Heavy Bowgun: These weapons allow for powerful ranged attacks, ideal for supporting and tagging monsters in a coordinated manner.
• Gunlance/Lance: A crucial tank weapon in co-op, providing excellent defense and consistent damage for the team, synergizing well with ranged attacks for extra support.
• Charge Blade: Excellent damage potential with a balance of swiftness and effectiveness when utilizing the charge attack system, providing both high damage and flexibility.
• Greatsword: A formidable weapon for tanks, its high damage output and slow-but-devastating attacks make it a reliable team component. However, timing is crucial.

S-Tier Weapons (Co-op)

• Hunting Horn: An exceptional support weapon, offering substantial buffs and providing a significant boost to the team’s combat effectiveness.
• Hammer: Hammer’s devastating charged attacks can cripple monsters and are ideally suited for combined attacks for maximum damage.

Solo Play MHW Weapon Tier List

Solo play necessitates weapons that can handle solo combat, emphasizing individual mobility and damage over support roles.

D-Tier Weapons (Solo)

• Sword and Shield: A decent starting weapon, but Charge Blade offers more impactful results in solo play.
• Hunting Horn: Best suited for co-op hunts due to the necessary timing for songs and the limitations in solo battles. It is not optimal for solo situations.
• Light/Heavy Bowgun: Limited range and exposure from a heavy stance hinder effectiveness in solo fights; a less preferable option.

C-Tier Weapons (Solo)

• Bow: Excellent for solo play, but maintaining a safe distance is critical.
• Gunlance/Lance: The mobility restraints of these weapons make them less advantageous for solo combat.

B-Tier Weapons (Solo)

• Switch Axe: Provides flexibility and damage, similar to Greatsword, but Charge Blade is slightly more suitable.
• Insect Glaive: Versatile, but mastering aerial attacks is a key element of successful solo combat.
• Dual Blades: Agility and quick attacks make it suitable, but less efficient than other options for raw damage output.

A-Tier Weapons (Solo)

• Hammer: Excellent damage and control, but timing and effective use are crucial for solo play.
• Longsword: Offers a balance of swiftness and effectiveness in solo play.

S-Tier Weapons (Solo)

• Charge Blade: Excellent for solo fights; the combination of agile movements and powerful charged attacks is effective.
• Greatsword: A reliable solo weapon; its high damage output and balanced attacks make it excellent for maintaining a consistent assault.