Sunbreak Heavy Bowgun Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset | Monster Hunter Rise

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
Trees & Full List	How to Use	Best Builds

Balance Changes (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

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, allowing you to rack up a lot of damage!

Switch Skill: 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

Based on the Twitter preview for the Heavy Bowgun, there are two gauges that both 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.

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. It also appears that this switches with Charged Shot, so the controls should be similar.

Silkbind Attack: Rising Moon

This silkbind attack that 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 HBG users as long as they have compatible ammo.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Release Date and New Monsters

How Good is the Heavy Bowgun?

Tier List Ranking

MHRise Ranking	→	Sunbreak Ranking
(S - A - B) 3 Level Tier		(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

High damage Can guard

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

Low mobility Distance 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

Switch	PC	Action
zL	Right Click	Crosshairs
zR	Left Click	Fire
A	MB4	Load Special Ammo
X	MB5	Reload
Hold, ＋ or L + X or B	Hold, + or Ctrl + MB4 or MB5	Select Ammo
+ X + A	+ MB5 + MB4	Melee Attack
Hold, + Hold, R + X	Hold, + Hold Shift + MB5	Counter Shot
Hold, + Hold, R + A	Hold, + Hold Shift + MB4	Free Silkbind Glide

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

Switch Controls	+ R + X
PC Controls	+ Shift + MB5

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

Switch Controls	+
PC Controls	+ Shift + MB4

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 using X + A (or MB4 + MB5 for PC) or a quick sheathe with the Y button or (E for PC). 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

Switch Controls	+ R + X
PC Controls	+ Shift + MB5

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

Switch Controls	+
PC Controls	+ Shift + MB4

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

Switch Controls	+ R + X
PC Controls	+ Shift + MB5

This silkbind attack that 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 HBG users as long as they have 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

Switched With	Controls
Melee Attack	+ X + A + MB5 + MB4
Description
A shoulder check by the Hunter. This prevents flinching and knockback but can still take significant damage. Only use this for weak attacks that may knock you back!

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

Switched With	Controls
Counter Shot	+ R + X + Shift + MB5
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: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

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

Switched With	Controls
Mech-Wyvernsnipe	Press or to load special ammo. (Press A or MB4 again to stop.) Press or to fire. Press A or MB4 (Press A or MB4 again to stop.) Press zR or Left Click to fire.
Description
Fires a specialized shot, different depending on the weapon. Has its own gauge, and replenishes over time. Regular Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe deal less damage but can heal the hunter.

With this option currently open to Sunbreak users via Skill Swap, we recommend using this whenever you're low on health ONLY when the monster is down.

Crouching Shot

Switched With	Controls
Charged Shot	Switch Hold to crouch and shoot
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 in a long while. Does not apply to certain ammo types.

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

Rising Moon

Switched With	Controls
Counter Shot	+ R + X + Shift + MB5
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

This silkbind attack that 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 HBG users as long as they have compatible ammo.

Setting Sun

Switched With	Controls
Free Silkbind Glide	Switch + R + A PC + Shift + MB4
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

Like Rising Moon, this silkbind attack creates a circular reticle that you need to let ammo pass through. Those that did will deal additional hits on impact, increasing your overall DPS. Do take note though that this doesn't work for all ammos - only for pierce and multi-hit ones.

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	Normal Ammo fires a single shot that increases in power with level. Normal Ammo 1 has an infinite number of uses.
Pierce Ammo 1	Pierce Ammo penetrates armor and hits multiple times.
Spread 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	Explodes after landing on a monster. The number of hits increases with level.
Sticky Ammo 1	Powerful pierce and burst ammo. Headshots may stun.
Cluster Bomb 1	Detonates 3 bombs on impact. Can also hit your allies. The number of bombs increases with level.
Flaming Ammo	Ammo imbued with Fire Element. Good against monsters weak to Fire.
Water Ammo	Ammo imbued with Water Element. Good against monsters weak to Water.
Thunder Ammo	Ammo imbued with Thunder Element. Good against monsters weak to Thunder.
Freeze Ammo	Ammo imbued with Ice Element. Good against monsters weak to Ice.
Piercing Fire Ammo	Pierce Ammo imbued with Fire Element. Good against monsters weak to Fire.
Piercing Water Ammo	Pierce Ammo imbued with Water Element. Good against monsters weak to Water.
Piercing Thunder Ammo	Pierce Ammo imbued with Thunder Element. Good against monsters weak to Thunder.
Piercing Ice Ammo	Pierce Ammo imbued with Ice Element. Good against monsters weak to Ice.
Poison Ammo 1	Ammo imbued with Poison. Poisons the monster after a number of hits.
Paralysis Ammo 1	Ammo imbued with Paralysis. Paralyzes monsters after a number of hits.
Sleep Ammo 1	Ammo imbued with Sleep. Makes the monsters doze off after a certain number of hits.
Exhaust Ammo 1	Decreases the monster's stamina so it tires more easily. Headshots may stun.
Recover Ammo 1	Reovers health to allies when shot.
Demon Ammo	Provides increased attack on allies when shot.
Armor Ammo	Provides increased defense on allies when shot.
Slicing Ammo	Ammo that deals cutting damage. Can cut tails.
Dragon Ammo	Ammo imbued with the Dragon Element. Useful against monsters with a weakness to dragon.

Special Ammo

Wyvernsnipe Cooldown	Wyvernheart Cooldown
Enlarge	Enlarge

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)

Switch Controls	While unsheathed, then aim and fire (+) While unsheathed press A then aim and fire. (zL+ zR)
PC Controls	While unsheathed, then aim and fire ( + ) While unsheathed, MB4 then aim and fire (Right Click + Left Click)

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)

Switch Controls	While unsheathed, then aim and fire (+) While unsheathed press A then aim and fire. (zL+ zR)
PC Controls	While unsheathed, then aim and fire ( + ) While unsheathed, MB4 then aim and fire (Right Click + Left Click)

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.

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

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. If you prefer to stay beside monsters and use Spread Shots, use the Shield mod because of auto-guard.

Heavy Bowgun Attacks and Moves

Charged Shot

Switch Controls	Hold, zR
PC Controls	Hold, Left Click

You can now do Charged Shots by holding zR or Left Click. 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

Switch Controls	While unsheathed, While unsheathed, press A
PC Controls	While unsheathed, While unsheathed, press MB4

The Heavy Bowgun has a different mode that allows it to fire special ammo. 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 A or MB4 again to exit this mode.

Tips on How to Use the Heavy Bowgun

Maintain Critical Distance Use the right ammo type for the right monster Don't forget to use status ammo Use special ammo when a monster is down Know the behavior of ammo in the Weapon Details Know how to shield and counterattack

Maintain Critical Distance

Non-Critical Distance Damage
Critical Distance Damage

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 1	Ammo types that are effective against Fanged Beasts and other enemy types with weakness to ammo. Aim properly on the head whenever the monster is down for maximum damage.
Pierce Ammo 1	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 1	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 1	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.
Slicing 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	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	Water Ammo	Thunder Ammo
Freeze Ammo	Dragon Ammo	-

Each of these ammo types corresponds to a specific element and has very generous critical distance thresholds. Check your Hunter's Notes to learn the elemental weaknesses of every monster!

Don't Forget to Use 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

Using Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe when a monster is downed is ideal since using special ammo leaves you exposed to attacks.

Know the Behavior of Ammo in the Weapon Details

Moving Shot Enabled	You can shoot while moving.
Moving Reload Enabled	You can reload while moving.
Single Fire Auto Reload	If you shoot a single shot, it will reload automatically.
For 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!

▲ Can also be seen from the Ammo Type HUD

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. It's better to attempt a block than evade, and with the new counter Silkbind Attack Counter Shot / Counter Charger, you can give back whatever damage is done to you.

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	Yes	No
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

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

Elemental and Pierce Elemental Ammo are now separate. Wyvern Ammo has increased range Charging shots are now possible

Elemental and Elemental Pierce Ammo are now Separate

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 Pierce Elemental Ammo.

List of All Ammo and Coatings

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 Links

Weapon Type Guides
Weapons and Weapon Types	Weapon Type Tier List	Builds for Each Weapon Type

Melee Weapon Guides

Melee Weapons
Great Sword Guide | Weapon Tree	Long Sword Guide | Weapon Tree	Sword and Shield Guide | Weapon Tree
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Charge Blade Guide | Weapon Tree	Insect Glaive Guide | Weapon Tree | Kinsects

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Ranged Weapons
Light Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree	Heavy Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree	Bow Guide | Weapon Tree