Monster Hunter World (MHW)

What Is Critical Distance?

Monster Hunter World Walkthrough Team

Last updated on: January 27, 2021 03:40 AM

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Bows, Light Bow Guns, and Heavy Bow Guns: these ranged weapons have a critical distance that varies from weapon to ammo type. Read on to learn how to deal the most damage when hunting in Monster Hunter World (MHW)!

List of Contents

What Is Critical Distance
Use Reticle To Identify Critical Distance
Importance of Critical Distance
Ballistics Skill
Critical Distance for Bowguns
Rapid Fire
Sticky Ammo and Cluster Bombs
Critical Distance for Bows
Dragon Piercer
Special Scope for Heavy Bow Gun
Monster Hunter World (MHW) Related Guides

What Is Critical Distance

Ranged weapons aren't perfect at every distance. There is an area wherein you can maximize the amount of damage output. This is the critical distance.

The distance between the hunter and the monster wherein the most damage is dealt.

Use Reticle To Identify Critical Distance

Ranged weapons have a reticle that allows a more precise aim. What this reticle also has is a visual queue when the hunter is at a critical distance.

While aiming, there will be a second orange ring to prompt that you are the perfect distance to strike!

Reticle	Effect
	Critical distance
	Close to critical distance
	Normal distance
	Out of range

Importance of Critical Distance

Make sure you are at a critical distance before you fire. This allows you to be more efficient by waiting for the perfect shot instead of depleting your ammo on lower damage output.

Ballistics Skill

The skill Mind's Eye/Ballistics will increase the range of the critical distance. This is acquired by equipping three or more Master Rank Rathalos gear to receive Rathalos Essence.

Critical Distance for Bowguns

Ammo	Critical Distance
Normal Ammo	Short-Mid Range
Pierce Ammo	Mid-Long Range
Spread Ammo	Short Range
Elemental Ammo	Mid Range
Sticky Ammo	Explodes after sticking to target
Cluster Bomb	Shoots into the air then scatters
Wyvern Ammo	Short-Mid Range
Recover Ammo	Short Range
Demon Ammo/Armor Ammo	Support Ammo
Tranq Ammo	Support Ammo
Wyvernblast	Placed on ground

Rapid Fire

You may be at a critical distance at the moment, but keep in mind that the monsters move around. If you are using rapid-fire, you can easily miss your shots.

Utilize rapid-fire when the monster is down to ensure your shots will land!

Sticky Ammo and Cluster Bombs

Sticky Ammo and Cluster Bombs are a type of ammo that does not rely on the critical distance to deal the most damage. These ammo types explode after impact.

Critical Distance for Bows

Ammo	Critical Distance
Charged Shot 1	Short-Mid Range
Charged Shot 2	Short-Mid Range
Charged Shot 3	Mid-Long Range
Charged Shot 4	Mid-Long Range
Dragon Piercer	Short-Mid Range

Special Scope for Heavy Bow Gun

The special scope is available in the Monster Hunter World (MHW) expansion, Iceborne. It is a scope that is attached to the Heavy Bow Gun to make the aim more precise. This requires you to be around five steps away from the monster to be at Critical Distance.

Dragon Piercer

The Dragon Piercer has several shots, therefore it can not be assured that every single one with hit the monster. To increase the chance that all the arrows hit its target, have the Mind's Eye/Critical Distance skill.

Monster Hunter World (MHW) Related Guides

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Beginner's Guide | How to Play MHW

Monster Hunter World Guides

Base Game Guides
Story Walkthrough and How to Unlock Iceborne	Money Farming Guide
Food Guide and All Canteen Ingredients	Best Timing for Well-Done Steak
Best Weapons for Beginners	How to Pause Quests
How Do Quest Rewards Work?	How to Track Monsters
What is Critical Distance?	How to Use Wedge Beetles
How to Use the Chat Functions	Character Creation Guide
How to Use the Training Area	List of Crafting Recipes
List of Poogie Costumes	How to Break Rank Caps
Monster Threat Levels	How to Raise Hunter Rank Fast
Post-Game Content	How to Find ??? Rathian Tracks
Weapon and Armor Augments	Explanation of Each Status Effect
How To Capture Monsters	How To Hunt Monsters
How To Mount Monsters	Monster Parts and Weaknesses Guide
How to Join a Friend's Expedition	Monster Crown Size Guides
How to Get the Dragoon Jump Emote	Tailraider Safari Guide and Best Items to Get
Argosy Guide and Best Choices	How to Aim Cannons
Alpha or Beta Armor	Lucky Voucher Effects
Bowgun Special Ammo Guides	How to Equip Skills
Difference of Cut and Blunt Damage Type	Hunting Horn Notes and Effects
Unchangeable Features	Turf Wars and List of Matchups
List of Trophies and How to Unlock (MHW)	-