While close-range weapons are great, the bow in *Monster Hunter Wilds* offers a unique and thrilling experience. However, mastering it comes with a steep learning curve, so it's crucial for new players to grasp its mechanics.
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Screenshot via The EscapistUnlike other weapons in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the bow demands careful attention to your stamina bar. Every attack you make drains some stamina. Light attacks are more stamina-efficient, but charged attacks significantly deplete your stamina reserves.
To execute a simple attack, use the left mouse click or the R2/RT button on your controller. There are also several combos available, such as Dragon Piercer or Thousand Dragons. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the controls for using a 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 handling the bow in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, it's highly recommended to spend some time in the training ground. There, you can experiment with different combos and familiarize yourself with the controls. It's not advisable to engage in combat with a monster without first understanding the mechanics.
Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)
Attack Monster's Weak Spots
One of the greatest advantages of using the bow is the ability to precisely target a monster's weak points. Utilize the Focus Fire: Hailstorm technique to fire arrows that automatically lock onto these vulnerable areas. After focusing your aim, you'll notice red spots on the enemy, indicating weak points. Simply hold down Shift or R1/RB to lock onto these targets and maximize your damage output.
Use Coatings
Screenshot via The EscapistCoatings are a vital feature of the bow in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. These special coatings can be applied to your arrows to enhance their effects. Your character automatically generates coatings as you land regular attacks, so no crafting is needed. Keep an eye on the blue gauge in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Continue with regular attacks until the coating gauge is full. Once filled, press R, Triangle, or Y to apply the coatings to your arrows. Each bow can utilize two types of coatings, and here's a list of available options:
- Power Coating – Boosts the overall damage of your arrows.
- Pierce Coating – Enhances the Dragon Piercer ability to pierce through armor.
- Close-Range Coating – Increases damage at close range.
- Paralysis Coating – Gradually inflicts Paralysis on the target.
- Exhaust Coating – Slowly causes Stun and Exhaustion.
- Sleep Coating – Gradually induces Sleep.
- Poison Coating – Slowly inflicts Poison.
- Blast Coating – Slowly inflicts Blast.
Use Tracer Arrow
Another valuable tool in your arsenal is the Tracer Arrow. When fired, this arrow sticks to a monster for a limited duration, causing subsequent arrows to home in on the tracer. This technique is particularly effective for targeting and creating weak spots on the monster. However, remember that using a Tracer Arrow consumes coating points, so use it strategically.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*