The Heavy Bowgun is a long-range weapon that fires from a long distance and has Ignition Mode to fire continuously in Monster Hunter Wilds. See all the new moves for the Heavy Bowgun, how to use it, as well as the controls.

New Heavy Bowgun Moves and Mechanics

Wyverncounter Ignition

Platform	Combo Input
PC	Ignition Mode →
PS5	Ignition Mode →
Xbox	Ignition Mode →

You can knock a monster off balance when you attack it using Wyverncounter Ignition at the same time it attacks you. You can hold Triangle until you can perfectly time the attack to offset.

What is an Offset Attack?

Hitting a monster with certain attacks as they are attacking will cause the attacks to clash with each other, resulting in the monster getting off-balanced. Offset Attacks can also be followed up with powerful unique attacks.

Ignition Mode

The new Ignition Mode is basically the same as the old gauge used for Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe. However, the difference now is that it's also used for Wyerncounters so you'll need to manage the gauge for both attacks.

Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl

Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl is a new special ammo type that does increased damage to a monster's wound. Similar to the Ignition Gauge, the ammo will replenish over time, but it doesn't replenish faster when you successfully land hits.

Auto-Guard

Instead of having to manually guard against certain attacks, the Heavy Bowgun now has an Auto-Guard feature that will automatically block if the action you're performing allows it. However, if you wish to Perfect Guard, you'll still need to manually guard attacks.

If you Auto-Guard certain attacks, you can also initiate a Power Clash! Make sure to pay attention to the monster's attack pattern so that you won't miss out on this opportunity.

How to Use the Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun Tips and Tricks
Fire Shots From a Distance Use Ignition Mode to Fire Special Ammo Fight Safely with Auto-Guard

Fire Shots From a Distance

The Heavy Bowgun is a long-range weapon that has low mobility but can fire ammo from a distance. Its weakness is that it can be difficult to avoid attacks but this is mitigated by having an option to block.

Ammo Type Dictates Critical Distance

Depending on what ammo you're using, your effective range will change. You can tell if you're close enough when the reticle glows orange, signalling that you're within Critical Distance.

Do note that not all Bowguns can use every ammo type so make sure you inspect the weapon you're crafting in case it doesn't use the ammo type you want or need.

Use Ignition Mode to Fire Special Ammo

Ignition Mode will allow you to fire special ammo by expending the Ignition Energy Gauge. The gauge will fill up over time and when you successfully land attacks.

Learn the Different Special Ammo Types

It's recommended to familiarize yourself with the different special ammo types so you can effectively manage your Ignition Gauge. For example, if you're not threatened by enemy attacks, you can greedily use Wyvernheart Ignition for more damage.

Fight Safely with Auto-Guard

While in the Guard position, attacks from the front will automatically get blocked with the Auto-Guard feature. Unfortunately, this doesn't guard attacks from the side or your back.

Heavy Bowgun Controls

Heavy Bowgun Normal Mode Actions

Action	PC	PS5	Xbox
Fire
Aim / Focus ▼ Focus Blast: Wyvern Howl Shot	(Hold) ▼ +	(Hold) ▼ +	(Hold) ▼ +
Reload
Energy Mode On / Off
Guard	+	+	+
Select Ammo	+ /	+ /	+ /

Monster Hunter Wilds Related Guides

All Weapons and Guides

All Weapon Guides

All Weapon Types
Great Sword		Long Sword		Sword & Shield
Dual Blades		Hammer		Hunting Horn
Lance		Gunlance		Switch Axe
Charge Blade		Insect Glaive		Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun			Bow