Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a groundbreaking feature: the ability to carry and switch between two weapons during a hunt. This innovation offers hunters unprecedented flexibility, allowing them to adapt their combat strategies on the fly. However, mastering this mechanic requires understanding how to equip and effectively switch between your primary and secondary weapons.
Before you can switch weapons mid-hunt, you must first equip a secondary weapon. To do this, visit any Smithy in the game and speak with Gemma. Navigate to the ‘Equipment Menu’ and select ‘Change Equipment.’ Here, you’ll see slots for both your primary and secondary weapons. Choose your desired secondary weapon from your available arsenal. If you wish to expand your options, you can craft new weapons or upgrade existing ones at the Smithy.
Switching to Your Secondary Weapon During a Hunt
Once you’ve equipped a secondary weapon, switching between them during a hunt is straightforward but requires attention to detail:
- Mount Your Seikret: Your Seikret, a trusty mount introduced early in the game, carries your secondary weapon. To call and mount your Seikret, press the designated button—’Up’ on the D-Pad for controllers or ‘Tab’ on PC.
- Initiate the Weapon Swap: While mounted, press ‘Right’ on the D-Pad (for controllers) or the ‘X’ key (on PC) to switch to your secondary weapon.
- Dismount and Continue the Hunt: After the swap, dismount your Seikret and resume the battle with your new weapon.
It’s crucial to note that the weapon swap animation can be interrupted if you’re attacked during the process. Therefore, always ensure you’re in a safe spot before attempting to switch weapons.
Strategic Weapon Combinations
The ability to switch weapons mid-hunt opens up a plethora of strategic possibilities. Here are some recommended weapon combinations to enhance your hunting efficiency:
- Melee Weapon + Heavy Bowgun: Pairing a close-range weapon like the Sword and Shield with the Heavy Bowgun allows you to adapt to both melee and ranged combat scenarios. The Heavy Bowgun offers powerful attacks and the ability to inflict status effects, providing utility beyond raw damage.
- Dual Blades + Bow: This combination caters to hunters who value speed and versatility. The Dual Blades offer rapid, close-quarters attacks, while the Bow provides ranged options, allowing you to maintain pressure on monsters regardless of distance.
- Hunting Horn + Great Sword: For those who prefer a more supportive role without sacrificing damage, this duo is ideal. The Hunting Horn can buff the team with various enhancements, and the Great Sword delivers massive damage during openings created by those buffs.
- Insect Glaive + Dual Blades: If aerial combat and agility are your preferences, combining the Insect Glaive’s acrobatics with the swift strikes of the Dual Blades can keep you constantly on the move, dodging attacks and exploiting monster weaknesses.
Benefits of Switching Weapons Mid-Hunt
The primary advantage of carrying a secondary weapon is adaptability. Different monsters have varying weaknesses and behaviors, and being able to switch weapons allows you to tailor your approach accordingly. For instance, if a monster is particularly susceptible to blunt damage, switching to a Hammer or Hunting Horn can expedite part breaks and stuns.
Moreover, some monsters change their elemental weaknesses during a fight. Having weapons with different elemental attributes enables you to maximize damage throughout the encounter. Additionally, certain weapons are better suited for severing specific monster parts, such as tails or horns, which are essential for crafting particular gear.
Tips for Effective Weapon Switching
- Preparation is Key: Before embarking on a hunt, familiarize yourself with the monster’s weaknesses and behaviors. Equip secondary weapons that exploit these vulnerabilities.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Each weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds has a unique playstyle. Spend time in training areas to master both your primary and secondary weapons, ensuring seamless transitions during actual hunts.
- Monitor Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your environment when attempting to switch weapons. Find safe zones or create openings by stunning or distracting the monster before making the swap.
- Manage Resources: Some weapons consume specific resources, like coatings for Bows or ammo for Bowguns. Ensure you have adequate supplies for both weapons to avoid being caught unprepared.
