While close-range weapons shine in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the bow emerges as an excellent choice for players willing to master its intricacies. Newcomers should be prepared for a steep learning curve, as understanding the bow's mechanics is crucial for effective gameplay.
Recommended Videos Monster Hunter Wilds Bow Weapon Guide
Screenshot via The Escapist
Unlike other weapons in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, using the bow demands careful monitoring of your stamina bar. Every attack you execute drains stamina, with light attacks consuming less, while charged attacks significantly deplete your stamina reserves.
To execute a simple attack, press the left mouse button or the R2/RT button on your controller. The bow also offers a variety of combos, including the Dragon Piercer and Thousand Dragons. Here's a comprehensive list of 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 |
For beginners, spending time in the training ground is highly recommended. This allows you to practice combos and familiarize yourself with the controls before engaging in combat with monsters.
Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)
Attack Monster’s Weak Spots
One of the key advantages of using the bow is the ability to target a monster's weak points more effectively. By employing the Focus Fire: Hailstorm technique, your arrows will automatically lock onto these vulnerable areas. Once you focus your sight, red markers will appear on the monster. Simply hold down Shift or R1/RB to target these weak spots.
Use Coatings
Screenshot via The Escapist
Coatings play a vital role in enhancing the bow's effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. These special concoctions can be applied to your arrows without the need for crafting, as your character generates them over time by hitting enemies with regular arrows. Monitor the blue bar in the bottom right corner to keep track of your coating gauge.
To use coatings, continue with regular attacks until the gauge is full. Then, press R, Triangle, or Y to apply the coating. Each bow can utilize two types of coatings, and here are the available options:
- Power Coating – Boosts overall arrow damage.
- Pierce Coating – Enhances the Dragon Piercer ability to penetrate armor.
- Close-Range Coating – Increases damage when fighting at close range.
- Paralysis Coating – Gradually inflicts Paralysis.
- Exhaust Coating – Gradually inflicts Stun and Exhaustion.
- Sleep Coating – Gradually inflicts Sleep.
- Poison Coating – Gradually inflicts Poison.
- Blast Coating – Gradually inflicts Blast.
Use Tracer Arrow
The Tracer Arrow is another valuable asset when using the bow in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This arrow sticks to the monster for a short duration, causing subsequent arrows to home in on the tracer. It's particularly effective for exposing weak spots. Keep in mind that using the Tracer Arrow consumes coating points, so use it strategically.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
