Master Bow Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Essential Moves and Combos
- By Allison
- May 17,2025
While close-range weapons excel in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the bow stands out as an exceptional choice, offering a unique blend of precision and power. However, mastering this weapon involves a steep learning curve, making it essential for new players to grasp its mechanics thoroughly.
Recommended Videos Monster Hunter Wilds Bow Weapon Guide
Screenshot via The Escapist
Unlike other weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, the bow demands careful management of your stamina bar. Every attack consumes stamina, with light attacks using less and charged attacks significantly depleting your reserves.
To execute a basic attack, simply left-click on your mouse or press the R2/RT button on your controller. For more advanced techniques, you can explore combos like Dragon Piercer or Thousand Dragons. Below is a comprehensive list of controls for using the bow:
| 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 | B + Y |
| 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 using the bow in Monster Hunter Wilds, it's highly recommended to spend some time in the training ground. Here, you can practice various combos and familiarize yourself with the controls before facing off against any monsters.
Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)
Attack Monster’s Weak Spots
One of the bow's greatest advantages is its ability to precisely target a monster's weak points. By utilizing the Focus Fire: Hailstorm technique, your arrows will automatically lock onto these vulnerable areas. Once you're in focus mode, red indicators will highlight the monster's weak spots. Simply hold down Shift or R1/RB to maintain your lock and maximize damage.
Use Coatings
Screenshot via The Escapist
Another crucial element of bow mastery in Monster Hunter Wilds is the use of coatings. These specialized concoctions enhance your arrows without the need for crafting; your character automatically generates them as you land regular attacks. Keep an eye on the blue gauge in the bottom right corner of your screen.
To utilize coatings, continue with regular attacks until the gauge is full. Then, press R, Triangle, or Y to apply the coating to your arrows. Each bow can equip up to two types of coatings, each with unique effects:
- Power Coating – Enhances overall arrow damage.
- Pierce Coating – Allows penetration through armor with Dragon Piercer.
- Close-Range Coating – Boosts damage 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 bow also features the Tracer Arrow, a valuable tool in Monster Hunter Wilds. When deployed, this arrow adheres to the monster for a limited time, causing all subsequent arrows to hone in on the marked location. It's particularly effective for exposing and exploiting weak spots. Be mindful, though, as using the Tracer Arrow consumes some of your coating points, limiting how often you can use it.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
