Alright, so you’re looking to really crush it with the Gunlance in Monster Hunter Wilds, huh? This weapon is pretty special, mixing up big melee hits with explosive shelling. It might seem a bit slow or clunky at first, but trust me, with the right setup, it turns into a total powerhouse. We’re going to dig into how to make your gunlance build mh wilds the best it can be, so you can take down any monster that gets in your way.
Key Takeaways
- The Gunlance in Wilds has some new tricks, especially with shelling, so it feels a bit different.
- Picking the right weapon and armor pieces is super important for getting good damage and staying safe.
- You want to balance your normal attacks with your shell blasts to get the most damage possible.
- Learning how to guard and counter-attack can really make a difference in how well you play.
- Skills like Artillery and Load Shells are a big deal for any gunlance build mh wilds, so keep an eye out for them.
Understanding the Gunlance in MH Wilds
The Gunlance is back, and it’s looking meaner than ever in Monster Hunter Wilds! If you’re new to the weapon, or just need a refresher, this section will break down the basics. We’ll cover the core mechanics, the pros and cons, and what’s changed in this latest installment. Get ready to become a walking tank of destruction!
Core Mechanics and Playstyle
The Gunlance is a unique weapon that combines the reach and defense of a lance with the explosive power of a cannon. This means you can poke monsters from a safe distance, block their attacks with a sturdy shield, and then blast them with shells for extra damage. It’s a playstyle that rewards aggression and calculated risk-taking. You’re not just dodging and weaving; you’re standing your ground and dishing out punishment. The Gunlance is a heavy lance with an attached cannon, enabling hunters to inflict damage using both components as a single weapon.
- Melee Attacks: Standard lance attacks like pokes, sweeps, and thrusts.
- Shelling: Firing explosive rounds from the gun portion of the weapon.
- Guarding: Using the shield to block incoming attacks.
- Wyrmstake Cannon: A powerful, sticky projectile that deals massive damage when detonated.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any weapon, the Gunlance has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will help you make the most of its potential.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High damage output potential. | Can feel slow and clunky. |
| Excellent defense with a strong shield. | Shelling requires frequent reloading. |
| Versatile, combining melee and ranged attacks. | Stamina management can be challenging. |
| Can ignore monster armor with shelling. | Not ideal against extremely fast, agile monsters. |
The Gunlance is all about managing your resources and knowing when to attack and when to defend. It’s not the fastest weapon, but it’s incredibly satisfying to land a perfectly timed block and follow it up with a devastating shelling combo.
Key Changes in Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds is bringing some exciting changes to the Gunlance. While we don’t have all the details yet, here’s what we know so far:
- New Shelling Types: Expect new variations of shelling with different ranges, damage, and effects.
- Updated Wyrmstake Cannon: The Wyrmstake is getting a rework, potentially with new ways to detonate it and increased damage.
- Skill Adjustments: Some skills that were essential in previous games might be less important, while new skills could become must-haves. Keep an eye out for changes to skills like Artillery, Load Shells, and Guard Up.
Optimizing Your Gunlance Build for MH Wilds
Weapon Selection and Augmentation
Choosing the right Gunlance is the first step to crafting a powerful build. Look for weapons with high raw attack, good sharpness, and a shelling type that complements your playstyle. Long shelling is great for charged shelling, while wide shelling excels at burst damage. Normal shelling is a good all-rounder. Don’t underestimate the importance of weapon augments; prioritize attack, affinity, and sharpness to maximize your damage output.
Consider these factors when selecting your Gunlance:
- Raw Attack Power
- Shelling Type (Normal, Long, Wide)
- Sharpness Level
- Elemental or Status Effects
Essential Armor Pieces
Armor selection is key to unlocking your Gunlance’s full potential. Focus on armor pieces that provide skills that boost your damage, survivability, and shelling capabilities. Skills like Artillery, Load Shells, and Guard Up are almost mandatory for any serious Gunlance build. Don’t be afraid to mix and match armor sets to get the skills you need.
Here’s a sample armor setup:
| Armor Piece | Skill(s) |
|---|---|
| Head | Artillery, Critical Eye |
| Chest | Guard Up, Evade Window |
| Arms | Load Shells, Attack Boost |
| Waist | Capacity Boost, Weakness Exploit |
| Legs | Guard, Critical Boost |
Crucial Decorations and Talismans
Decorations and talismans allow you to fine-tune your build and fill in any skill gaps. Prioritize decorations that boost your offensive capabilities, such as Attack Jewel, Critical Jewel, and Artillery Jewel. A good talisman can provide a significant boost to a key skill, freeing up armor slots for other useful abilities. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
It’s important to remember that the best Gunlance build is one that suits your individual playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons, armor pieces, decorations, and talismans to find what works best for you. A high rank Gunlance build can be a great starting point.
Unleashing Maximum Damage with Your Gunlance Build
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Balancing Raw and Elemental Damage
Okay, so you want to hit hard with your Gunlance? It’s not just about picking the biggest number weapon. You gotta think about balance. We’re talking about finding that sweet spot between raw attack power and elemental damage. Some monsters are weak to fire, others to water, and some are just tough all around.
Think of it like this:
- Raw damage is your bread and butter, consistent damage no matter what.
- Elemental damage is the spicy sauce that makes certain monsters cry.
- Mix them right, and you’ve got a gourmet meal of monster destruction.
Don’t sleep on elemental damage. A lot of folks focus only on raw, but exploiting a monster’s weakness can seriously cut down your hunt time. Experiment, see what works, and don’t be afraid to switch things up.
Maximizing Shelling Output
Shelling is what makes the Gunlance unique, right? So, let’s make those explosions count. There are a few things to consider here. First, the type of shelling matters. Normal, Wide, and Long all have different ranges and damage profiles. Second, skills like "Load Shells" can increase your magazine size, letting you chain more attacks. For optimal damage, prioritize models featuring Slightly Strong Shelling Power, specifically the Wide Shelling Type.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Shelling Type: Experiment to find what suits your playstyle.
- Load Shells: More shells = more boom.
- Artillery: Boosts shelling damage even further.
Improving Reload Efficiency
Nothing’s worse than being caught with an empty chamber when a monster’s charging at you. Reloading is a necessary evil with the Gunlance, but we can make it less painful. Skills like "Quick Reload" are your friend here. They speed up the process, letting you get back to the action faster. Also, knowing when to reload is key. Don’t just empty your magazine and then reload in the open. Find a safe moment, or use a guard to cover your reload.
| Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Quick Reload | Speeds up reload animation. |
| Evade Extender | Increases distance covered when evading. |
| Guard | Reduces knockback when guarding. |
Here’s the thing: Gunlance is all about rhythm. Melee, shell, reload, repeat. Get that rhythm down, and you’ll be dishing out damage like a machine. Don’t forget to use block for any upcoming attack. Aim to trigger a Power Clash to get the +25 raw attack from Binding Counter I.
Mastering Gunlance Combat in MH Wilds
Opening Engagements and Initial Combos
When you’re starting a fight with a monster, the Gunlance offers a few solid options. You can’t just run in swinging wildly. Think about your approach. A good opener is often a well-timed Wyvern’s Fire, especially if you can catch the monster off guard. Alternatively, use the Sneak Attack with the Ghillie Mantle to get a free hit. After that, focus on establishing your ground with basic combos like the Burst Fire Combo or the Wyrmstake Canon Combo. These let you deal consistent damage while keeping your shield up.
Defensive Maneuvers and Counter-Attacks
Gunlance isn’t about dodging; it’s about standing your ground. Your shield is your best friend. Learn to use Guard properly to block incoming attacks. But don’t just block; aim for Perfect Guards. A Perfect Guard not only negates damage but also opens up opportunities for Power Clashes. Sidesteps can help you evade unblockable ranged attacks. After a successful block or sidestep, immediately transition into a counter-attack. Quick Reloads into pokes or shells can keep the pressure on the monster.
Capitalizing on Monster Vulnerabilities
Knowing when and where to strike is key to maximizing your damage output. Pay attention to the monster’s movements and attack patterns. When it’s toppled or stunned, unleash your strongest combos, like the Multi Wyrmstake Full Blast Combo. Target weak spots to maximize damage. If you see wounds, use Focus Strike to activate Weakness Exploit and Decimator II skills. Don’t forget to use Wyvern’s Fire as often as possible, as it deals significant damage.
Gunlance combat is a dance of aggression and defense. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to hold back. Mastering this balance is what separates a good Gunlancer from a great one. Understanding monster attack patterns is key to success.
Here’s a simple table showing combo priorities based on monster state:
| Monster State | Combo Priority |
|---|---|
| Toppled | Multi Wyrmstake Full Blast Combo |
| Wounded | Focus Strike Combo |
| Recovering | Burst Fire Combo, Wyrmstake Canon Combo |
Key Skills for Your Ultimate Gunlance Build
Offensive Skill Prioritization
When it comes to offense with the Gunlance, you’ve got some choices to make. Artillery is non-negotiable. It boosts your shelling and Wyvern’s Fire damage, which are huge parts of your damage output. After that, it’s about balancing raw attack power with skills that improve your affinity (critical hit chance). Weakness Exploit is great if you can consistently hit monster weak spots. Agitator is also a solid choice, especially in later hunts when monsters are enraged more often. Don’t sleep on skills that boost your sharpness, either; a dull Gunlance is a sad Gunlance.
Defensive and Utility Skill Integration
Gunlance is all about that guard, so skills that improve your guarding are super helpful. Guard Up lets you block unblockable attacks, which is a lifesaver. Guard skill reduces knockback and stamina consumption when guarding. Evade Extender can help with positioning, since the Gunlance isn’t the most mobile weapon. Quick Sheath is also nice for faster item use and repositioning. And don’t forget about quality-of-life skills like Speed Sharpening or Item Prolonger.
Set Bonuses and Their Impact
Set bonuses can really take your build to the next level. Some sets offer bonuses that synergize perfectly with the Gunlance playstyle. For example, a set that boosts shelling damage or provides extra guard skills can be a game-changer. Pay attention to what each set offers and how it complements your overall build. Sometimes, sacrificing a few individual skills for a powerful set bonus is worth it. Here’s a quick look at some potential set bonuses:
| Set Name | Bonus Effect |
|---|---|
| Bazelgeuse Armor | Guard Up + Artillery |
| Uragaan Armor | Guard + Offensive Guard |
| Zorah Magdaros Armor | Artillery Expert + Capacity Boost |
It’s important to remember that the best skills for your Gunlance build will depend on your playstyle and the monsters you’re hunting. Experiment with different skills and sets to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt your build as needed. The low rank gunlance builds are a great starting point.
Statistical Breakdown of the Ultimate Gunlance Build
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Attack and Affinity Projections
Okay, so let’s break down the numbers for our Gunlance build. We’re aiming for a balance between raw attack power, affinity (critical hit chance), and elemental damage. It’s not just about hitting hard; it’s about hitting consistently and exploiting monster weaknesses. Here’s a general idea of what we’re shooting for:
- Raw Attack: 450+
- Affinity: 20%+
- Relevant Elemental Damage: 300+
These numbers can shift depending on the specific Gunlance and decorations you use, but it gives you a solid baseline. Remember to factor in buffs from items and skills, too!
Elemental Damage Output
Elemental damage is super important, especially when you’re fighting monsters weak to certain elements. The Gunlance can deliver some serious elemental hurt with its shells and pokes. Here’s how we’re thinking about it:
- Identify the monster’s elemental weakness. Is it fire, water, ice, thunder, or dragon?
- Choose a Gunlance with that element. Some Gunlances have innate elemental damage, while others can be augmented to add it.
- Use decorations and armor skills to boost that elemental damage even further. Elemental Attack Up skills are your friend.
It’s worth noting that elemental damage has diminishing returns, so don’t go overboard. Focus on getting a good base amount and then prioritize other stats like raw attack or affinity.
Defensive Capabilities and Resistances
Don’t forget about defense! The Gunlance is a tanky weapon, but you still need to be able to take a hit. Here’s what we’re looking at:
- Defense: 300+
- Relevant Elemental Resistances: 10+
- Skills like Guard Up and Guard are essential for blocking those big attacks.
| Resistance | Value |
|---|---|
| Fire | 10 |
| Water | 5 |
| Thunder | -5 |
| Ice | 0 |
| Dragon | -10 |
It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can dish out damage while still staying alive. Consider using decorations like Adapt Jewel to help with resistances. You can also look at High Rank Builds for inspiration.
Advanced Gunlance Strategies for MH Wilds
Perfect Guard and Power Clash Utilization
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down. Now it’s time to really get into the nitty-gritty of Gunlance combat. Mastering the Perfect Guard is absolutely key. It’s not just about blocking; it’s about timing your guard perfectly to negate damage and open up opportunities. Think of it as a parry, but with a giant shield. This is especially important for triggering the Power Clash mechanic.
- Practice the timing against different monster attacks.
- Learn the tells for when an attack is coming.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different guard angles.
Perfect Guarding isn’t just about defense; it’s about creating openings. A well-timed Perfect Guard can stagger a monster, giving you a window to unleash a devastating combo. It’s a game-changer, trust me.
Strategic Wyrmstake and Wyvern’s Fire Usage
Wyrmstake Cannon and Wyvern’s Fire are your big damage dealers, but they’re also slow and leave you vulnerable. You can use the best Gunlance build to optimize your damage output. Don’t just throw them out randomly. Think about when and where to use them.
- Use Wyrmstake when the monster is down or staggered.
- Time Wyvern’s Fire to hit weak points.
- Consider using them as part of a combo for maximum impact.
Mobility and Positioning Techniques
Gunlance isn’t the most mobile weapon, that’s true. But that doesn’t mean you’re a sitting duck. Sidesteps and Guard Advances are your friends. Use them to reposition, dodge attacks, and close the distance.
- Practice using Sidesteps to evade attacks.
- Master the Guard Advance to close gaps quickly.
- Learn to anticipate monster movements to stay in the optimal position.
Positioning is everything. You want to be close enough to land your melee attacks and shells, but far enough to react to incoming attacks. It’s a delicate balance, but with practice, you’ll find your groove.
Wrapping Things Up
So, there you have it. The Gunlance in Monster Hunter Wilds is a total powerhouse, even if it feels a bit slow at first. With the right setup, you’ll be dishing out crazy damage and staying safe. Just remember to guard, use those shells, and hit those big combos when the monster is down. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a monster-hunting machine. Happy hunting, everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Gunlance special in Monster Hunter Wilds?
The Gunlance in Monster Hunter Wilds is a unique weapon that blends close-up attacks with explosive shelling. It’s known for its strong defense and big damage numbers, even if it feels a bit slow.
How does the Gunlance handle defense and movement?
Unlike some weapons, the Gunlance doesn’t rely on dodging as much. Instead, you’ll use strong blocks and quick side-steps to stay safe. Learning when to guard and when to move is key.
Does shelling use up sharpness in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Shelling is a core part of the Gunlance’s damage. In Wilds, it doesn’t use up your weapon’s sharpness, which is a big improvement. You’ll want to use shelling often to boost your overall damage.
What should I look for in a good Gunlance build?
A good Gunlance build focuses on increasing both your regular attack damage and your shelling power. This means picking weapons and armor that boost both, making sure every hit counts.
Are there any monsters the Gunlance struggles against?
While the Gunlance is powerful, it can be tricky against super-fast monsters. Its slower movements mean you might struggle to keep up with very quick enemies.
Is the Gunlance a good weapon for beginners?
The Gunlance is pretty easy to pick up, even for new players. Its straightforward attacks and strong defense make it forgiving, but mastering its advanced moves takes practice.


