Mastering Bow Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Essential Moves and Combos

While close-range weapons excel in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the bow stands out as an incredible choice for seasoned players. However, its steep learning curve means new players should take time to master its mechanics.

Recommended Videos Monster Hunter Wilds Bow Weapon Guide

Monster Hunter Wilds Bow Weapon Screenshot via The Escapist

Unlike other weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, the bow demands careful management of your stamina bar. Every attack depletes stamina, with light attacks consuming less and charged attacks taking a significant toll.

To execute a basic attack, simply left-click on your mouse or press the R2/RT button on your controller. For more advanced play, try out combos like 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	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 essential to familiarize yourself with the bow's controls and combos. It's not advisable to confront a monster without a solid grasp of these mechanics.

Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)

Attack Monster’s Weak Spots

One of the bow's greatest advantages is the ability to target a monster's weak points with precision. Utilize Focus Fire: Hailstorm to unleash arrows that automatically seek out these vulnerabilities. After focusing your aim, red spots will highlight the enemy's weak points. Simply hold down Shift or R1/RB to lock onto these targets.

Use Coatings

Coating gauge. Screenshot via The Escapist

Coatings are a crucial element of bow mastery in Monster Hunter Wilds. These special concoctions enhance your arrows without the need for crafting. Your character will generate coatings gradually as you land regular shots, so keep an eye on the blue bar in the bottom right corner.

To maximize your effectiveness, keep attacking until the gauge is full, then press R, Triangle, or Y to apply the coatings. Each bow can use two types of coatings, and here's a rundown of the available options:

Power Coating – Boosts the overall damage of your arrows.
Pierce Coating – Enhances the Dragon Piercer ability to penetrate armor.
Close-Range Coating – Increases damage in close quarters.
Paralysis Coating – Gradually inflicts Paralysis.
Exhaust Coating – Gradually inflicts Stun and Exhaustion.
Sleep Coating – Gradually induces Sleep.
Poison Coating – Gradually inflicts Poison.
Blast Coating – Gradually inflicts Blast.

Use Tracer Arrow

The Tracer Arrow is another valuable tool in your bow's arsenal in Monster Hunter Wilds. When you fire this special arrow, it adheres to the monster for a short duration, allowing subsequent arrows to home in on the marked spot. It's particularly useful for creating and exploiting weak points. However, remember that using the Tracer Arrow consumes coating points, so use it strategically.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.