The Bow in Monster Hunter Wilds has undergone significant upgrades, introducing new mechanics and play styles, giving you a flexible play loop. With enhanced abilities like the Trick Gauge, Tracer Arrows, and revamped combos, the New Bow in Monster Hunter Wilds is worth checking out. Moreover, many other weapons like the Hunting Horn’s gotten their fair share of new moves. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our Monster Hunters Wilds New Bow Guide.
Monster Hunter Wilds New Bow Update
Trick Arrow Gauge
- New core mechanic divided into three sections.
- Earn gauge by attacking, charging, and dodging.
- Use one section of the gauge to apply eight Coatings, making Coatings effectively infinite with good resource management.
Tracer and Tracking Arrows
- Tracer Arrow applied with R2 + Square allows successive shots to home in on a specific area.
- Extends critical distance and boosts damage when targeting weak spots.
- Homing effect works with Spread, Quick, and Power Shots.
Discerning Dodge
- Grants stamina and gauge when timed perfectly to dodge a monster attack.
- Increases gauge and stamina recovery based on timing.
Flying Shallow Shot
- Quick repositioning move by pressing Triangle during a side-step.
- Pairs well with Tracer Arrows but resets charge level.
Arc Shot
- Now launches lingering bomb arrows that can be detonated by attacks like Thousand Dragons or Dragon Piercer.
- Charge up to three levels for increased bomb arrows and burst damage potential.
Instant Dragon Piercer
- Quickly activate with Triangle + Circle during combos.
- Deals fast damage and can detonate lingering bombs, though slightly reduced in power.
Thousand Dragons
- Perform with R2 + Triangle + Circle to unleash a spread arrow volley.
- Pairs well with lingering bombs or Tracer Arrows for high damage output.
Hailstorm (Focus Strike)
- Execute with L2 + R1 for a powerful, charged attack targeting weak points.
- Charge up to three levels for maximum damage on wounded areas.
Charge Level Management
- Most attacks will now reset charge level, unlike previous games.
- Use traditional charging, Rapid Shots, Dash Dancing, and Discerning Dodges to maintain charge level.
- Mounted shots retain Coating use but not Tracer effects.
New Changes to the Bow in Monster Hunter Wilds
The bow has received some of the most exciting changes in Monster Hunter Wilds, making it a versatile and strategic weapon. Here’s a breakdown of the new features and mechanics, along with how to effectively use them in your hunts.
Monster Hunter Wilds New Bow: Trick Arrow Gauge
The Trick Arrow Gauge is a game-changer for the Monster Hunter Wilds Bow. This gauge, displayed on the side of the screen, is divided into three sections and can be filled through various actions such as attacking, charging, and dodging with your bow. Here’s how it works:
- Using the Gauge for Coatings: Once you’ve filled one section of the gauge, you can load a set of eight Coatings by pressing L1 + Triangle and applying it with Triangle. After depleting these eight Coatings, you must recharge the gauge and reapply.
- Resource Management for Infinite Coatings: By carefully managing the Trick Gauge, you can access infinite Coatings, minimizing downtime and eliminating the need to craft Coatings mid-hunt.
Monster Hunter Wilds New Bow: Tracer and Tracking Arrows
The Monster Hunter Wilds Bow introduces Tracer and Tracking Arrows:
Using the Tracer Arrow: Press R2 + Square to use a Tracer Arrow to your bow. When you land a shot, it targets a specific area of the monster, enabling subsequent shots to home in on that point. This is ideal for focusing damage on weak spots.
- Bonus Critical Distance: While the Tracer Arrow is active, your critical distance is extended beyond what’s typically shown, allowing you to stay effective from a longer range.
- All Arrows Homing to Target: Regardless of the shot type—whether it’s Spread, Quick, or Power—all arrows will converge on the targeted area, amplifying damage output.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Discerning Dodge
The Discerning Dodge is a new mechanic that rewards precise timing. When performed at the right moment, it grants a boost in both stamina and Trick Gauge.
- Executing the Discerning Dodge: Time your dodge just as a monster is about to hit you. The earlier you activate the dodge animation, the more gauge and stamina you recover. This move is essential for staying mobile and maintaining your charge level.
Arc Shot
Arc Shot has been revamped, adding lingering bomb arrows that can be detonated by certain attacks. This mechanic makes it a valuable asset in your bow combo rotation.
- Performing the Arc Shot: Press L2 + R2 + Circle to unleash the Arc Shot. You can charge this up to three levels, increasing the number of lingering bombs that remain. These bombs can be detonated with moves like Thousand Dragons, Dragon Piercer, and Focus Strike for burst damage.
Instant Dragon Piercer
The classic Dragon Piercer is back, now faster and more integrated into combos.
- Using Instant Dragon Piercer: Press Triangle + Circle during your combos to execute an instant Dragon Piercer. Though it deals slightly less damage, this faster version is excellent for detonating lingering bombs quickly.
Hailstorm
The Hailstorm, also known as Focus Strike, is a powerful two-part attack designed to exploit monster wounds and lingering bomb arrows.
- Executing the Hailstorm: Hold L2 + R1 to initiate the move, then target specific monster areas. You can charge it up to three levels, marked by small triangle points on the screen. When fully charged, this move delivers devastating damage, especially on weak spots.
Charge Level Management
Charging mechanics have been altered, impacting your charge level retention during combat.
- Traditional Charging: Unlike previous games, you’ll lose your charge level with most attacks outside of basic charging. To retain your charge level, rely on Rapid Shots, Dash Dancing, and Discerning Dodges.
- Mounted Shooting: When mounted on a Palico or other creature, you can perform normal bow shots but without applying Tracers. However, you can still use Coatings, making it an effective way to apply status effects on the move.
