Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Sunbreak Heavy Bowgun Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset

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MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Guide Banner

This is a guide to the Heavy Bowgun (HBG), a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Heavy Bowgun (HBG) controls and combos, how to use Heavy Bowgun ammo and mods, Heavy Bowgun vs Light Bowgun comparisons as well as details on Heavy Bowgun Switch Skills.

All Heavy Bowgun Guides
Heavy Bowgun 1Trees & Full List Heavy Bowgun 2How to Use Heavy Bowgun 3Best Builds

Heavy Bowgun Balance Changes

Update 13.0

Heavy Bowgun Balance Changes and Fixes
(Update 13.0)
・Fixed an issue where the skill Intrepid Heart would unintentionally activate after a counter is successfully triggered when taking a hit during the crouching portions of Counter Charger or Counter Shot.

・Crouching Shot: Adjusted as follows: The recovery speed of the overheat gauge has been increased.
・Overheat duration has been decreased.
・Normal Ammo 1–3, Pierce Ammo 1–3, Flaming Ammo, Water Ammo, Freeze Ammo, Thunder Ammo: The interval between rapidfire shots has been decreased, and the total number of shots has been increased.
・Dragon Ammo, Piercing Dragon Ammo, All Status-Effect Ammo Types 1–3: The interval between rapidfire shots has been decreased.

The Heavy Bowgun has received a couple of fixes this update. Crouching Shot has been buffed: the recovery speed of the overheat gauge has been increased. Overheat duration, on the other hand, has been decreased.

Rapidfire shot intervals of the following have been decreased, alongside an increase to a number of shots: Normal Ammo, Pierce Ammo, Flaming Ammo, Water Ammo, Freeze Ammo, and Thunder Ammo.

For Dragon Ammo, Piercing Dragon Ammo, and all Status-Effect Ammo Types, the interval between rapidfire shots has been lessened.

Update 10.0

Heavy Bowgun Balance Changes and Fixes
(Update 10.0)
・ Adjustments were made to the following light bowgun ammo types.
・ Normal Ammo 1: Attack power increased
・ Normal Ammo 2: Attack power slightly increased
・ Pierce Ammo 3: Attack power slightly increased
・ Spread Ammo 1: Attack power slightly increased
・ Shrapnel Ammo 1: Attack power slightly increased
・ Sticky Ammo 2: Attack power slightly decreased; Stun value slightly decreased; Recoil slightly increased
・ Sticky Ammo 3: Attack power slightly decreased; Stun value decreased; Recoil slightly increased
・ Cluster Bomb 3: Attack power slightly decreased
・ Slicing Ammo: Attack power slightly decreased; Recoil slightly increased; Part break endurance multiplier slightly increased

・ Several adjustments have been made to Charged Shots per level (excluding for Wyvern Ammo).
・ Charge Level 1: Attack power increased; Elemental scaling increased
・ Charge Level 2: Attack power increased; Elemental scaling increased
・ Charge Level 3: Attack power increased; Elemental scaling increased

・ The following adjustments have been made to Mech-Wyvernsnipe and Healing Mech-Wyvernsnipe.
・ Impact Explosion (Small): Attack power increased
・ Impact Explosion (Medium): Attack power increased
・ Impact Explosion (Large): Attack power increased

・ Healing Mech-Wyvernsnipe: Wyvernsnipe Gauge recovers more quickly.
・ Counter Charger: Wirebug Gauge recovers more quickly.

Like for LBG, the nerd on Sticky Ammo would hit HBG's performance as one of the top tier damage dealer in the game.

Though the nerf is pretty obvious, it's more of a balance. Sticky Ammo is known to be really overpowered in the base game and the nerf is much needed.

There are new introductions utility-wise though, so players should now explore these options than relying on Sticky Ammos.

Weapon Changes in Sunbreak

Heavy Bowgun New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves

Official Heavy Bowgun Preview Video

Silkbind Attack: Setting Sun

MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Setting Sun

Using Setting Sun lets your Wirebug create a ring that increases the number of hits for ammo fired through it. This makes it especially useful for multi-hit ammo like Pierce Ammo and Piercing Element Ammo, allowing you to rack up a lot of damage!

Switch Skill: Crouching Shot

MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Crouching Shot

Crouching Shot is a new Switch Skill added in Sunbreak. This allows Heavy Bowgun users to crouch and stay in place, allowing rapid, successive shots with lower recoil. This is similar to how Crouching Fire or Siege Mode worked in previous titles.

Firing intervals are shorter as shots are fired while crouching. However, there is a risk of overheating the weapon, and you can't use Crouching Shot again until it cools down.

Detailed Mechanics

MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Crouching Shot Detailed Mechanics

Two identical gauges show how close you are to overheating. One is around your reticle while the other is below the stamina bar. You'll be able to cancel the attack before overheating and let the gauge cool down.

MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Crouching Shot Gauge and Ammo
The ammo used also comes directly from your pouch rather than from what is loaded in your weapon. Your ammo count can be seen below the reticle. This switches with Charged Shot, so the controls are similar.

Silkbind Attack: Rising Moon

MHRise Sunbreak - HBG Rising Moon

This Silkbind attack creates a circular, floating reticle that extends the range of some ammo that passes through, making it possible to shoot from safer places. Since the HBG is known to be really slow to evade, shooting from very far gives players the leeway to react more promptly.

Like Setting Sun, it can also be used by other bowgun users as long as they fire compatible ammo.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Release Date and New Monsters

How Good is the Heavy Bowgun?

Tier List Ranking

MHRise Ranking Sunbreak Ranking
A Rank Icon
(S - A - B)
3 Level Tier
SS Tier Icon
(SS - S - A)
3 Level Tier

The nerf on Sticky, Cluster, and Slicing ammo affected the Heavy Bowgun greatly. Unlike the Light Bowgun though, no new moves to increase mobility was introduced for the Heavy Bowgun.

Like the LBG though, HBG was shadow buffed with the elemental damage meta we have today. It still suffers from mobility and vulnerability problems though, which is why it's still not in the same level as the LBG.

Weapon Tier List

Heavy Bowgun Strengths

Check IconHigh damage

Check IconCan guard

High Damage

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Deals High Damage

Loyal to its name, the Heavy Bowgun boasts high damage output per bullet and can punish, but at the cost of less mobility.

Can Guard

You can add a shield mod for your Heavy Bowgun. This allows your Heavy Bowgun to block incoming attacks and reduce damage taken from them. Partner this with Guard and Guard Up for maximum survivability.

Heavy Bowgun Weaknesses

Check IconLow mobility

Check IconDistance Problems

Low Mobility

Even with the Heavy Bowgun being a powerhouse given the right build, it still suffers from low mobility. As an HBG user, you are usually anchored to one spot and dish out damage. If a monster charges at you, it will take some time for you to sheathe the HBG and dodge - which usually gives the monster a clear shot at you.

To mitigate this use the mobility Silkbind Attack Free Silkbind Glide or counter using Counter Shot / Counter Charger.

Distance Problems

There is a specific set distance for bullets and arrows to hit an enemy monster. You can't be far away and still hit your shots, essentially avoiding a fight and becoming a sniper. That's why for most players it is difficult to figure out the critical distance or the Goldilocks spot, the place just right to hit your shots and keep a safe distance from an enemy monster.

Heavy Bowgun Controls

Controls Action
PC
MH Rise - Right Click
Right Click
PS
PS4 - L2 Button.png
L2
Crosshairs
Switch
NSW - ZL
zL
Xbox
XBOX - Left Trigger.png
LT
PC
MH Rise - Left Click
Left Click
PS
PS4 - R2 Button.png
R2
Fire
Switch
NSW - ZR
zR
Xbox
XBOX - Right Trigger.png
RT
PC
MH Rise - M4 Click
MB4
PS
PS4 - Circle Button.png
Circle
Load Special Ammo
Switch
NSW - A
A
Xbox
XBOX - B Button.png
B
PC
MH Rise - M5 Click
MB5
PS
PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Triangle
Reload
Switch
NSW - X
X
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png
Y
PC
Hold,
MH Rise - Control Button + MH Rise - M4 Click or MH Rise - M5 Click
Ctrl + MB4 or MB5
PS
Hold,
PS4 - L1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - X Button.png
L1 + Triangle or X
Select Ammo
Switch
Hold,
NSW - LNSW - X or NSW - B
L + X or B
Xbox
Hold,
XBOX - Left Bumper + XBOX - Y Button + XBOX - A Button
LB + Y or A
PC
MH Rise - M4 Click + MH Rise - M5 Click
MB4 + MB5
PS
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
Triangle + Circle
Melee Attack
Switch
NSW - X + NSW - A
X + A
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png
Y + B
PC
Hold,
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M5 Click
Shift + MB5
PS
Hold,
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
R1 + Triangle
Counter Shot
Switch
Hold,
NSW - R + NSW - X
R + X
Xbox
Hold,
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
RB + Y
PC
Hold,
MH Rise - Shift Button +MH Rise - M4 Click
Shift + MB4
PS
Hold,
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
R1 + Circle
Free Silkbind Glide
Switch
Hold,
NSW - R + NSW - A
R + A
Xbox
Hold,
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - B Button.png
RB + B

Recommended Control Setups

Auto Sheath Manual Sheathe
Camera Speed Fast
Gunner Reticle Camera Controls Type 1
Gunner Reticle Speed Fast

To easily learn the bowgun, we highly suggest that the player adjust the camera settings first. We suggest changing the camera speed to fast to make the aiming way easier. If the player is not comfortable with this setup, we suggest switching back to default.

Heavy Bowgun Silkbind Attacks

Official Heavy Bowgun Preview Video

Counter Shot

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Counter Shot

Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - X

R + X
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M5 Click

Shift + MB5
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

R1 + Triangle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

RB + Y

With Counter Shot, you plant yourself firmly on the ground with the Wirebug and block incoming attacks. If you block an attack, you can quickly recover and charge up a Counter Shot. While charging, you can change the direction you're aiming at or fire it off early to escape quickly. Note that this Silkbind Attack consumes two Wirebugs but has a fast Wirebug recovery speed.

Free Silkbind Glide

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Free Silkbind Glide

Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - A

R + A
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M4 Click

Shift + MB4
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

R1 + Circle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - B Button.png

RB + B

The Free Silkbind Glide is similar to a tactical slide. It can close the gap between you and the monster. You can follow it up with a melee attack or a quick sheathe with the Y button or (E for PC, Square for PS, or X for Xbox). You can also change the direction while gliding. This can be swapped with Setting Sun and uses one Wirebug and has fast recovery.

Counter Charger

MH Rise - HBG Counter Charger

Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - X

R + X
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M5 Click

Shift + MB5
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

R1 + Triangle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

RB + Y

This Silkbind Attack can be switched out with Counter Shot and costs one Wirebug to use and has a fast Wirebug recovery speed.

A parry-specific move, Counter Charger can absorb an attack from a monster and nullify its damage. This also has the bonus effect of reducing the amount of time needed to fire a Charged Shot.

Setting Sun

MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Setting Sun

Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - A

R + A
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M4 Click

Shift + MB4
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

R1 + Circle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - B Button.png

RB + B

Setting Sun uses one Wirebug to create a ring that slightly slows down ammo and increases the number of hits for multi-hit ammo, such as Pierce Ammo, fired through it. The ring can be used by other Bowgun users as long as they use compatible ammo.

The ring stays up for one minute, but you can use Setting Sun again before then to set up another ring. Note that you can only place one ring at a time. This Silkbind Attack can be swapped with Free Silkbind Glide has fast Wirebug recovery.

Rising Moon

MHRise Sunbreak - HBG Rising Moon

Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - X

R + X
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M5 Click

Shift + MB5
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

R1 + Triangle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

RB + Y

This Silkbind attack creates a circular, floating reticle that extends the range of some ammo that passes through, making it possible to shoot from safer places. Since the HBG is known to be really slow to evade, shooting from very far gives players the leeway to react more promptly.

Like Setting Sun, it can also be used by other Bowgun users as long as they fire compatible ammo.

Heavy Bowgun Switch Skills

Switch Skills are unlocked with different conditions as you progress in the game. Base game MHRise provides Hunters with three (3) slots of Switch Skills, with the Sunbreak expansion adding two (2) more.

Note: Skills in red are exclusive to the Sunbreak expansion.

Skill Slot Switch Skill Choices
1 ・ Melee Attack
・ Tackle
2 ・ Mech-Wyvernsnipe
・ Healing Wyvernsnipe
3 ・ Charged Shot
Crouching Shot
4 ・ Counter Shot
・ Counter Charger
Rising Moon
5 ・ Free Silkbind Glide
Setting Sun

Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills

Tackle

MH Rise - HBG Tackle

Switched With
Melee Attack
Description
A shoulder check by the Hunter. Prevents flinching and knockback, but still allow significant damage. Only use this for weak attacks that may knock you back!
Controls
Switch
NSW - X + NSW - A
X + A
PC
MH Rise - M5 Click + MH Rise - M4 Click
MB5 + MB4
PlayStation
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
Triangle + Circle
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png
Y + B

We suggest using this more than Melee Attack. As a Heavy Bowgunner, you don't need the Melee Attack because you are always far from the monster but having a Tackle ready for when a monster suddenly pounces on you is a great thing to have.

Counter Charger

MH Rise - HBG Counter Charger

Switched With
Counter Shot
Description
A parry skill using Wirebugs. Absorbs an attack from a monster without taking any damage. Will shorten the amount of time for a Charged Shot.
Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast
Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - X
R + X
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M5 Click
Shift + MB5
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
R1 + Triangle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
RB + Y

Though this sounds awesome, we still recommend using Counter Shot over Counter Charger. Unless your build revolves around Charged Shots, there is no reason to sacrifice the quick counterattack capability of Counter Shot.

Healing Mech-Wyvernsnipe

MH Rise - HBG Healing Mech-Wyvernsnipe

Switched With
Mech-Wyvernsnipe
Description
Fires a specialized shot, different depending on the weapon. Has its own gauge, and replenishes over time. Regular Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe deals less damage but can heal the hunter.
Controls
Press
NSW - A or MH Rise - M4 Click or PS4 - Circle Button.png or XBOX - B Button.png
to enter Wyvernsnipe.
(Press A, MB4, Circle, or B again to stop.)

Press
NSW - ZR or MH Rise - Left Click or PS4 - R2 Button.png or XBOX - Right Trigger.png
to fire.
Press A, MB4, Circle, or B (Press A, MB4, Circle or B again to stop.)

Press zR, Left Click, R2, or RT to fire.

With Switch Skill Swap in Sunbreak, we recommend having this on one scroll for cases whenever you need to recover health and when the monster is down.

Crouching Shot

MH Rise Sunbreak - Heavy Bowgun Crouching Shot

Switched With
Charged Shot
Description
Your Hunter crouches down and lets out a barrage of bullets, allowing you to fire in rapid succession. The longer you fire, the shorter the firing interval becomes. This also overheats your HBG so manage it properly, else you won't be able to use this technique for a while. Does not apply to certain ammo types.
Controls
Switch
Hold NSW - ZR to crouch and shoot
zR
PC
Hold MH Rise - Left Click to crouch and shoot
Left Click
PlayStation
Hold PS4 - R2 Button.png to crouch and shoot
R2
Xbox
Hold XBOX - Right Trigger.png to crouch and shoot
RT

Replacing your charge attack shots with a machine-gun like attack, this move deals tons of damage especially to a downed monster. We don't suggest using it haphazardly though, as you're stuck in a spot while crouched. Also, keep a look out for that overheat meter!

Rising Moon

MHRise Sunbreak - HBG Rising Moon

Switched With
Counter Shot
Description
Generates a ring of Ironsilk. When ammo passes through it, it extends the ammo's range extending some ammo's viability from father away.
Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast
Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - X
R + X
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M5 Click
Shift + MB5
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
R1 + Triangle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
RB + Y

This Silkbind attack creates a circular, floating reticle that extends the range of some ammo that passes through, making it possible to shoot from safer places. Since the HBG is known to be really slow to evade, shooting from farther away gives players some leeway to react more promptly.

Like Setting Sun, it can also be used by other bowgun users as long as they have compatible ammo.

Setting Sun

MHRise Sunbreak - HBG Setting Sun

Switched With
Free Silkbind Glide
Description
Generates a ring of Ironsilk. When ammo passes through it, range is decreased but firing pierce / multi-hit ammos will have increased number of hits upon impact.
Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast
Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
Switch
NSW - R + NSW - A
R + A
PC
MH Rise - Shift Button + MH Rise - M4 Click
Shift + MB4
PlayStation
PS4 - R1 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
R1 + Circle
Xbox
XBOX - Right Bumper.png + XBOX - B Button.png
RB + B

Like Rising Moon, this Silkbind attack creates a circular reticle that you need to let ammo pass through. Pierce and Piercing Element Ammo will deal additional hits on impact, increasing your overall DPS. Do note that this doesn't affect other ammo types like Spread.

Ammo Types and Mods Guide

Ammo Guide

The Heavy Bowgun relies on the proper use of ammo types in certain situations. Knowing how to use them is half the work! Here is a quick guide on how each ammo works:

Normal Ammo 1.pngNormal Ammo 1 Normal Ammo fires a single shot that increases in power with level. Normal Ammo 1 has an infinite number of uses.
Pierce Ammo 1.pngPierce Ammo 1 Pierce Ammo penetrates armor and hits multiple times.
Spread Ammo 1.pngSpread Ammo 1 Ammo specialized for short range. When fired close to a monster, it deals multiple hits. The number of hits increases with level.
Shrapnel Ammo 1.pngShrapnel Ammo 1 Explodes after landing on a monster. The number of hits increases with level.
Sticky Ammo 1.pngSticky Ammo 1 Powerful pierce and burst ammo. Headshots may stun.
Cluster Bomb 1.pngCluster Bomb 1 Detonates 3 bombs on impact. Can also hit your allies. The number of bombs increases with level.
Flaming Ammo.pngFlaming Ammo Ammo imbued with Fire Element. Good against monsters weak to Fire.
Water Ammo.pngWater Ammo Ammo imbued with Water Element. Good against monsters weak to Water.
Thunder Ammo.pngThunder Ammo Ammo imbued with Thunder Element. Good against monsters weak to Thunder.
Freeze Ammo.pngFreeze Ammo Ammo imbued with Ice Element. Good against monsters weak to Ice.
Piercing Fire Ammo.pngPiercing Fire Ammo Pierce Ammo imbued with Fire Element. Good against monsters weak to Fire.
Piercing Water Ammo.pngPiercing Water Ammo Pierce Ammo imbued with Water Element. Good against monsters weak to Water.
Piercing Thunder Ammo.pngPiercing Thunder Ammo Pierce Ammo imbued with Thunder Element. Good against monsters weak to Thunder.
Piercing Ice Ammo.pngPiercing Ice Ammo Pierce Ammo imbued with Ice Element. Good against monsters weak to Ice.
Poison Ammo 1.pngPoison Ammo 1 Ammo imbued with Poison. Poisons the monster after a number of hits.
Paralysis Ammo 1.pngParalysis Ammo 1 Ammo imbued with Paralysis. Paralyzes monsters after a number of hits.
Sleep Ammo 1.pngSleep Ammo 1 Ammo imbued with Sleep. Makes the monsters doze off after a certain number of hits.
Exhaust Ammo 1.pngExhaust Ammo 1 Decreases the monster's stamina so it tires more easily. Headshots may stun.
Recover Ammo 1.pngRecover Ammo 1 Reovers health to allies when shot.
Demon Ammo.pngDemon Ammo Provides increased attack on allies when shot.
Armor Ammo.pngArmor Ammo Provides increased defense on allies when shot.
Slicing Ammo.pngSlicing Ammo Ammo that deals cutting damage. Can cut tails.
Dragon Ammo.pngDragon Ammo Ammo imbued with the Dragon Element. Useful against monsters with a weakness to dragon.

Special Ammo

Wyvernsnipe Cooldown Wyvernheart Cooldown

Using the Heavy Bowgun gives you the option to use ammo unique to the HBG. Both ammo types are different from each other, which takes a bit of practice to use.

These special ammo are also included with the HBG and differ from weapon to weapon. They can be used anytime but has cooldowns between uses.

Wyvernheart (Close to Mid-Range)

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Wyvernheart Special Ammo

Controls
Switch
While unsheathed, NSW - A then aim and fire (NSW - ZL+NSW - ZR)

While unsheathed, press A then aim and fire. (zL+ zR)
PC
While unsheathed, MH Rise - M4 Click then aim and fire (MH Rise - Right Click+MH Rise - Left Click)

While unsheathed, press MB4 then aim and fire. (Right Click+ Left Click)
PlayStation
While unsheathed, PS4 - Circle Button.png then aim and fire (PS4 - L2 Button.png+PS4 - R2 Button.png)

While unsheathed, press Circle then aim and fire. (L2+ R2)
Xbox
While unsheathed, XBOX - B Button.png then aim and fire (XBOX - Left Trigger.png+XBOX - Right Trigger.png)

While unsheathed, press B then aim and fire. (LT+ RT)

The Wyvernheart is the closest you get to a hand-held minigun in the game. It has a charge meter but you can choose to use it even if it is not fully charged. Make sure to keep your rapid-fire on the target since straying off from the target decreases your damage but staying on point increases it.

Wyvernsnipe (Long Range)

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Wyvernsnipe Special Ammo

Controls
Switch
While unsheathed, NSW - A then aim and fire (NSW - ZL+NSW - ZR)

While unsheathed, press A then aim and fire. (zL+ zR)
PC
While unsheathed, MH Rise - M4 Click then aim and fire (MH Rise - Right Click+MH Rise - Left Click)

While unsheathed, press MB4 then aim and fire. (Right Click+ Left Click)
PlayStation
While unsheathed, PS4 - Circle Button.png then aim and fire (PS4 - L2 Button.png+PS4 - R2 Button.png)

While unsheathed, press Circle then aim and fire. (L2+ R2)
Xbox
While unsheathed, XBOX - B Button.png then aim and fire (XBOX - Left Trigger.png+XBOX - Right Trigger.png)

While unsheathed, press B then aim and fire. (LT+ RT)

True to its name, the Wyvernsnipe grants an HBG user the ability to pop shots that deal high amounts of damage. Once the shot connects, it hits a monster a few times before finally ending in a big explosion. Like Sticky Ammo and Cluster Bombs, the explosions can also stun a monster.

Heavy Bowgun Mods

If you talk to Hamon the Blacksmith, he can offer you several ways to Mod your Heavy Bowgun. Just talk to him, choose Customize Bowgun, and choose the Bowgun you want to customize. The options are as follows:

Shield Makes it possible to Auto-Guard
Power Barrel Improves Firepower

Block Using Auto-Guard

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Block and Auto Guard

When your Heavy Bowgun is equipped with the shield, you can automatically block attacks! If a monster is too quick for you to react, think about equipping a Shield mod for your Heavy Bowgun!

Use Mods Depending on Your Playstyle!

We recommend using mods depending on your playstyle. These can be enhanced further with the Tune-Up skill in Sunbreak. If you prefer to stay beside monsters and use Spread Shots, use the Shield mod for extra safety from the auto-guard.

Heavy Bowgun Attacks and Moves

Charged Shot

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Charged Shots

Controls
Switch Hold
NSW - ZR

Hold zR
PC Hold
MH Rise - Left Click

Hold Left Click
PlayStation Hold
PS4 - R2 Button.png

Hold R2
Xbox Hold
XBOX - Right Trigger.png

Hold RT

You can fire Charged Shots with a Heavy Bowgun by holding down the fire button. While charging, your Heavy Bowgun will glow like the Hammer, Great Sword, and Bow during their charge attacks. Release at the right time for maximum damage!

Load Special Ammo

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Load Special Ammo

Controls
Switch
While unsheathed, NSW - A

While unsheathed, press A.
PC
While unsheathed, MH Rise - M4 Click

While unsheathed, press MB4.
PlayStation
While unsheathed, PS4 - Circle Button.png

While unsheathed, press Circle.
Xbox
While unsheathed, XBOX - B Button.png

While unsheathed, press B.

The Heavy Bowgun has a different mode that allows it to fire special ammo like Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe. It has a long animation, so only switch ammo when there are no enemies nearby or whenever the monster is downed/unable to act. Press the command again to exit this mode.

Tips on How to Use the Heavy Bowgun







Maintain Critical Distance

Non-Critical Distance Damage MH Rise - Non-Critical Distance
Critical Distance Damage MH Rise - Critical Distance

Critical distance or critical range is achieved by positioning a certain distance away from a monster. This is indicated by an orange reticle with an inner circle. Each ammo type has its own critical distance thresholds and shots within critical distance deal maximum damage.

Maintaining critical distance is the key to efficient hunts with a Heavy Bowgun, and maintaining it for as much as possible is paramount. You can check the critical distance ranges of all ammo types in the Training Area!

Use The Right Ammo Type for the Right Monster

Physical Ammo Types
Normal Ammo 3.pngNormal Ammo 3 Ammo types that are effective against monsters with a singular weakpoint to ammo. Aim properly on the head or the weakspot whenever the monster is down for maximum damage.
Pierce Ammo 3.pngPierce Ammo 3 These are effective against Flying Wyverns and Leviathans. The larger or longer the body, the more hits a Pierce Ammo can do! Use these against large monsters like Tetranadon or Basarios.
Spread Ammo 3.pngSpread Ammo 3 The most difficult one to utilize but also the most devastating, Spread Ammo is used when close to a monster and is effective for all Monster types. Just be sure to avoid getting hit because you are technically in close-range.
Shrapnel Ammo 3.pngShrapnel Ammo 3 Arguably the most difficult ammo type to utilize due to its weird spread pattern, Shrapnel Ammo is best used for extremely large monsters such as a bloated Tetranadon or Diablos. It also doesn't require much aiming as shots tend to specific zones such as Zinogre's head.
Slicing Ammo.pngSlicing Ammo Slicing Ammo is one of the most effective ammo during any hunt due to its ability to focus all of its damage on a single spot. As the name implies, this particular ammo type can sever monster tails as well, allowing you to get that extra carve on certain monsters.
Cluster Bomb 1.pngCluster Bomb 1 Be careful when using Cluster Bombs since you can only carry a few of these into your item pouch. This ammo type is essentially a mortar shell, so timing and positioning are key to using this efficiently. After firing, it leaves you exposed too since the reload time is longer than other ammo types. Cluster Bombs can also knock your allies back.

Elemental Ammo Types

Elemental Ammo Types
Flaming Ammo.pngFlaming Ammo Water Ammo.pngWater Ammo Thunder Ammo.pngThunder Ammo Freeze Ammo.pngFreeze Ammo
Piercing Fire Ammo.pngPiercing Fire Ammo Piercing Water Ammo.pngPiercing Water Ammo Piercing Thunder Ammo.pngPiercing Thunder Ammo Piercing Ice Ammo.pngPiercing Ice Ammo

Elemental ammo can be very powerful against monsters weak to elemental damage. These also have very generous critical distance thresholds, as the elemental damage does not drop with distance. Dragon Ammo is generally not worth using due to its very limited capacity. Check your Hunter's Notes to learn the elemental weaknesses of every monster!

Bring Items for Crafting Ammo and Use the Radial Menu

On longer hunts, you might find yourself running out of ammo before finishing a hunt. To avoid having to return to camp and restock, bring crafting materials to make more ammo. Make sure to assign these to your radial menu or shortcuts so you can combine while shooting!

Ammo Crafting List and How to Craft Items

Don't Forget to Use Status Ammo

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Status Ammo

If your Heavy Bowgun can use Status Ammo, do not forget to use them. They may not have high firepower, but they can create openings for you and your allies!

Use Special Ammo (Wyvernheart / Wyvernsnipe) When a Monster is Down

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe

Using Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe when a monster is downed is ideal since using special ammo leaves you exposed to attacks. Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe become less relevant later on, but they can still find use with large openings.

Know the Ammo Behavior in the Weapon Details

MH Rise - Light Bowgun Moving Shot EnabledMoving Shot Enabled You can shoot while moving.
MH Rise - Light Bowgun Moving Reload EnabledMoving Reload Enabled You can reload while moving.
MH Rise - Light Bowgun Single Fire Auto ReloadSingle Fire Auto Reload If you shoot a single shot, it will reload automatically.
MH Rise - Light Bowgun For Rapid FireFor Rapid Fire Shots can be fired quickly.

In Monster Hunter Rise, the shot type behavior of certain ammo changes per weapon. You can check these out in Equipment Info from the Start Menu then press Y to check the Ammo details. This screen also displays the recoil and reload speed of each ammo in the weapon. This will help you better understand how each ammo behaves with your current Bowgun!

Aim for Low Recoil and Fastest Reload

Bowguns are most effective when recoil and reload time are minimized for your primary ammo. Use skills like Recoil Down and Reload Speed to bring these down to Low and Fastest, respectively, for your desired ammo.

Shield and Counter Shot

MH Rise - heavy Bowgun Shield and Counter Shot

Evading while using a Heavy Bowgun is a slow feat, so it's best to invest in a Shield mod and some levels in Guard or Guard Up if your goal is survivability. It's better to attempt a block than evade, and with the new counter Silkbind Attack Counter Shot / Counter Charger, you can counterattack instead of getting knocked back.

Take note that you can block shots with Counter Shot / Counter Charger without a shield mod as well.

Heavy Bowgun vs. Light Bowgun

The Heavy Bowgun and the Light Bowgun plays almost alike but with a few minor differences. If you are trying to decide on which one to try out, here are some comparisons that we observed:

Light Bowgun Heavy Bowgun
Mobility High Low
Access to All Ammo No Yes
Wyvernblast Yes No
Elemental Reload Yes No
Charged Shots No Yes
Guarding No Yes
Wyvernheart / Wyvernsnipe No Yes

Heavy Bowgun Known Bugs and Fixes

Update 3.5 Bug Fix

MH Rise - Update 3.5 Partial Banner

Update 3.5 fixed a bug related to both the Light Bowgun and the Heavy Bowgun! Specifically, this was about the Steadiness skill. When Bowgun players used this skill, it didn't show up on the screens of the other players in the lobby.

You can also now reliably change ammo through the Radial Menu while riding your Palamute.

Update 3.5: Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection Collaboration, DLC, and Patch Notes

Changes from MHW: Iceborne

Check Icon Elemental and Piercing Elemental Ammo are now separate.

Check Icon Wyvern Ammo has increased range

Check Icon Charging shots are now possible

Elemental and Elemental Pierce Ammo are now Separate

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Has Elemental Pierce Ammo

In Monster Hunter World, Elemental Ammo can penetrate monsters and hit them multiple times. In Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise), Elemental Ammo now hits once, and the ''piercing'' characteristic has been passed to the Piercing Elemental Ammo.

List of All Ammo and Coatings

Heavy Bowgun Can Charge Shots

MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun Can Charge Shots

In Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise), Heavy Bowguns can now charge their shots like Great Swords and Bows by holding down zR.

Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides

MH Rise - Weapons Partial Banner

Weapon Type Guides
MH Rise - Weapons Page BannerWeapons and Weapon Types MH Rise - Weapon Tier ListWeapon Type Tier List MH Rise - Builds for Each WeaponBuilds for Each Weapon Type

Melee Weapon Guides

Melee Weapons
MH Rise - Great Sword IconGreat Sword
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Long Sword Icon Long Sword
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Sword & Shield IconSword and Shield
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Dual Blades IconDual Blades
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Lance IconLance
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Gunlance Icon Gunlance
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Hammer Icon Hammer
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Hunting Horn IconHunting Horn
Guide | Weapon Tree | Melodies
MH Rise - Switch Axe IconSwitch Axe
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Charge Blade IconCharge Blade
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Insect Glaive IconInsect Glaive
Guide | Weapon Tree | Kinsects

Ranged Weapon Guides

Ranged Weapons
MH Rise - Light Bowgun IconLight Bowgun
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun IconHeavy Bowgun
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Bow IconBow
Guide | Weapon Tree

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