Best Weapons Tier List (March 2023)

This tier list presents our picks for the best weapons in Wild Hearts. Read on to learn about the strongest weapons in the game and our rankings for all 8 weapon types, updated as of March 2023!

Wild Hearts Weapon Tier List

Wild Hearts Weapon Tier List
	Bow Karakuri Staff Karakuri Katana
	Cannon Nodachi Claw Blade
	Maul Bladed Wagasa

Wild Hearts Weapon Tier List Criteria

Our team considered the factors below during the creation of this tier list. In addition, please note that this tier list is extremely subjective and based on our experience playing the game.

Weapon Tier List Criteria
1	Balance Between Ease of Use and Power While every weapon in Wild Hearts is viable and powerful given enough practice, some are easier to use than others while maintaining a high damage output. Weapons with a solid balance of ease of use and damage potential take higher spots on this list.
2	Damage Output Another major factor for this tier list is each weapon's overall damage output. Weapons with high DPS and consistent damage output are ranked higher in this tier list.
3	Karakuri Compatibility Building Karakuri is one of Wild Hearts' core aspects, serving as tools to help players navigate the terrain and hunt down Kemono. A weapon's reliance and damage potential with Karakuri affects their ranking on this list.
4	Versatility In Wild Hearts, each Kemono varies in speed, size, and ability to fly. Weapons that can handle a wide variety of Kemono types are rated higher in this tier list.

Which Weapon Do You Think is The Best?

Heads Up!	The following poll has been reset. The voting period for the current poll will run from March 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023.

Do you have your own insights and evaluations of Wild Hearts' weapons? Sound them off in the comments!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Game8's Most Popular Weapons
(as of March 2023)

Game8 ran a poll from February 13, 2023 to February 28, 2023 to determine the most popular weapons used by readers and garnered a total of 579 responses. After the conclusion of the poll, Bow had the lead at 170 votes which constitutes 29.36% of all votes!

1st Bow 170 votes (29.36%)
2nd Claw Blade 122 votes (21.07%)		3rd Karakuri Katana 153 votes (15.03%)

S-Tier Weapons

Bow

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Bow Guides
Bow Weapon Tree	Bow Builds

Incredibly high damage output with Volley, Shockwave, and Karakuri combos Capable of dealing with grounded and aerial Kemono due to being ranged Offers potent grounded and aerial mobility

Incredibly High Damage Output

In Wild Hearts, the Bow provides some of the highest damage output in the game. Stacking Haya arrows using the weapon's Volley and detonating them with a Bolstered vertical shot or Shockwave lets players quickly deal thousands of damage.

In addition, combining these techniques with Glider, Harpoon, and Chain Trap Karakuri makes the Bow's damage output safer and more consistent.

Versatile Ranged Attacks

Being a ranged weapon, the Bow is capable of dealing damage to grounded and flying Kemono with hardly any issues. Furthermore, the Bow also excels at landing precise high-damage shots, making it perfect for targeting weak points and aiming for specific part breaks.

Potent Grounded and Aerial Mobility

The Bow also provides players with excellent grounded and aerial mobility, especially when combined with Glider and Celestial Anchor Karakuri. However, with the Bow's different firing modes and heavy stamina usage, players will have to practice to master its movement.

Karakuri Staff

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Karakuri Staff Guides
Karakuri Staff Weapon Tree	Karakuri Staff Builds

Simple gameplay with high damage output Transformation attacks provide combat versatility Fully-charged Juggernaut Blade deals some of the highest single-target damage in the game

High Ease of Use and Damage Output

The Karakuri Staff has the straightforward game-plan of filling up its Weapon Gauge with transformation attacks, then consuming it to land high-damage Juggernaut Blade combos. The weapon's ease-of-use and solid damage output make it an excellent option for both beginners and veterans.

Versatile Transformation Attacks

The Karakuri Staff's different forms and transformation attacks let players adapt to multiple combat situations. For example, the Giant Shuriken transformation can be used to start combos from afar, while the Twin Fangs excel at closing the gap and dealing multiple hits up close.

Juggernaut Blade Deals Incredible Damage

When fully charged, the Karakuri Staff's Juggernaut Blade deals thousands of damage with each hit, giving the weapon some of the most powerful attacks in the game based on sheer damage output.

Karakuri Katana

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Karakuri Katana Guides
Karakuri Katana Tree	Karakuri Katana Builds

Well-balanced weapon with excellent damage output Unbound State is easy to use and enhances attacks Deals powerful overhead attacks with Crate Karakuri

Well-Balanced Weapon

The Karakuri Katana boasts an excellent balance of power and speed, capable of switching between quick slashes and heavy high-damage strikes to fit the situation. The weapon's versatility and ease of use makes it a solid weapon for both beginners and veterans to pick up.

Unbound State Empowers Attacks

Dealing damage with the Karakuri Katana fills up its weapon gauge, which players can manually toggle to enable the weapon's Unbound State. Attacks in this mode hit multiple times and vastly improves the weapon's damage output.

Crate Karakuri Synergy

The Karakuri Katana also has potent synergy with the Crate Karakuri, a cheap and versatile Basic Karakuri. Activating the weapon's Unbound State and jumping off three Crates lets players use Unbound: Aerial Twist Drop, one of the strongest attacks in the game.

A-Tier Weapons

Cannon

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Cannon Guides
Cannon Weapon Tree	Cannon Builds

Deals consistent, heavy ranged damage from afar Charged Fortified Shot tears through Kemono Requires proper positioning and gauge management

Long-Ranged Powerhouse

The Cannon provides consistent and heavy ranged damage with its regular and Ki Base shots, especially when paired with Glider Karakuri. Players looking for a weighty long-range weapon with flashy attacks will enjoy using the Cannon.

Fortified Shot Deals Massive Damage

The Cannon's Fortified Shot, obtained after charging the weapon up from an empowered Ki Base, fires a massive high-damage laser perfect for taking out Giant Kemono. Players using the Cannon can end a hunt with just a few Fortified Shots due to its sheer damage output.

Requires Practice to Master Gauges and Movement

However, the Cannon's heavy damage output comes at the cost of managing two different gauges and below-average mobility without Karakuri. Players will have to practice proper positioning and learn to handle the weapon's heat and ammo to master the weapon.

Nodachi

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Nodachi Guides
Nodachi Weapon Tree	Nodachi Builds

Provides heavy close-ranged damage with its attacks Has excellent synergy with most Basic Karakuri Requires proper thread and stamina management

Heavy Close-Range Damage

The Nodachi specializes in dealing high-damage close-range strikes with its Iai Stance attacks, capable of hitting thousands of damage with moves like Iai: Soaring Slash Streak and Iai: Bisection.

Excellent Basic Karakuri Synergy

The Nodachi also synergizes well with most of the Basic Karakuri, capable of filling up its weapon gauge rather quickly with its Crate, Torch, and Spring Karakuri attacks. Repeatedly using attacks from these Karakuri on a downed Kemono allows the Nodachi to land multiple high-damage Iai: Bisection swings with ease.

Requires Thread and Stamina Management

However, since the Nodachi's Iai Stance drains stamina over time and often relies on Karakuri for mobility and maximum damage output, players looking to use this weapon will need to practice proper Karakuri thread and stamina management.

Claw Blade

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Claw Blade Guides
Claw Blade Weapon Tree	Claw Blade Builds

Provides consistent and rapid close-ranged damage Offers incredible speed and aerial mobility Requires practicing movement options and combos

Consistent and Rapid Melee Damage

The Claw Blade specializes in sticking close to Kemono to land rapid and consistent melee strikes. These characteristics make it an excellent weapon for building up Ailments and a great option for players looking for aggressive, fast-paced gameplay.

Incredible Speed and Aerial Mobility

Compared to the other weapons in Wild Hearts, the Claw Blades features the greatest grounded and aerial mobility. The weapon allows players to perform fluid hit-and-run attacks on the ground and soar through the skies with high-damage combos using the Claw Plunge's grappling hook.

Requires Movement and Combo Practice

Since the Claw Blade's movement options have varying angles and its attacks have a very short range, players will have to put in plenty of practice to familiarize themselves with the weapon's mobility and maximize its damage potential.

B-Tier Weapons

Maul

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

All Maul Guides
Maul Weapon Tree	Maul Builds

Deals massive Blunt damage up-close Requires proper timing, positioning, and execution Can be reliant on Karakuri to begin and maintain offense

Massive Blunt Damage

The Maul specializes in landing high-damage Blunt strikes to keep Kemono staggered and open for even more high-damage combos. The weapon's unique handle-lengthening combo system allows hunters to pick the right attacks to precisely hit a Kemono's head.

Requires Proper Timing and Positioning

However, the Maul is a tricky weapon due to its incredibly slow attack speed and tight timing on handle extensions. Hunters who want to use this weapon will need to learn proper positioning and know when to use the correct combos at the right time against each Kemono in the game.

Reliance on Karakuri for Offense

In addition, due to its slow speed, the Maul may need to rely heavily on Karakuri to maintain its offense against more agile Kemono. Fusion Karakuri, like the Chain Trap and Harpoon, allow the Maul to begin landing its high-damage combos, while Basic Karakuri, like the Torch and Stake, let it cancel the recovery of its combos.

Bladed Wagasa

February Ranking	→	March Ranking

Provides strong close-ranged multi-hit attacks Only weapon in the game with a parry Reliant on landing parries to fill weapon gauge and maximize damage output

Potent Close-Ranged Damage Output

The Bladed Wagasa provides potent close-range damage output with its multi-hit combos, especially when landing its Plunging Comet and Trey Star attacks with a full weapon gauge. The weapon also has access to aerial combos, letting it avoid certain attacks and reach higher weak spots much easier compared to other weapons.

Only Weapon With a Parry

The Bladed Wagasa is also the only weapon in the game with a parry, letting it negate Kemono attacks and counter with a high-damage thrust that also fills up its weapon gauge. This characteristic gives the Bladed Wagasa a massive defensive advantage against every Kemono.

Reliant on Landing Parries

However, the Bladed Wagasa is also heavily reliant on landing parries to increase its weapon gauge and maximize its damage output. Since basic attacks don't provide a lot of meter gain and the weapon gauge rapidly drains when not attacking, players using the Bladed Wagasa will have to master its parry mechanic to ensure smooth hunts.

Bladed Wagasa Weapon Tree and How to Use

Best Early Game Weapons

Karakuri Katana Balances Power and Speed

The Karakuri Katana is our primary pick for the best early game weapon in Wild Hearts. It boasts an excellent balance of power and speed with its quick normal attacks and high-damage special attacks and features no significant weaknesses. In addition, the Karakuri Katana is easy to pick up and play, having a relatively uncomplicated moveset.

Due to these characteristics, the Karakuri Katana is one of the best weapons for beginners as they play through the game, hunt their first giant kemono, and learn its different systems.

Nodachi Excels Against Slow Early Kemono

For beginners looking for more power, we recommend picking up the Nodachi. This heavy two-handed sword is an excellent weapon against Wild Hearts' slower early game kemono, capable of landing high-damage combos during their openings. In addition, the weapon's Iai stance offers flexible combos while not being difficult to learn.

The Nodachi's main downsides are its slow movement and long recovery animations, which may put off some new players. However, enough practice with the weapon can cover up these weaknesses and make it an excellent weapon for any hunt.

Bow Takes Down Kemono From a Distance

For new players who prefer fighting from a safe distance, we recommend using the Bow. The ranged weapon offers heavy firepower from a distance with its resonating Haya and Otoya arrows and versatile firing modes that fit a variety of combat situations.

While the Bow's relatively large moveset and reliance on proper Karakuri usage to maximize its potential may make it difficult to pick up at first, players willing to learn are rewarded with a potent ranged weapon as they play through the game.

Wild Hearts Related Guides

Tips and Tricks: A Beginner's Guide

All Tips and Tricks Guides

Beginner Guides
How to Use Karakuri	How to Do a Finisher
Character Creation Guide	How to Set Camps
How to Heal and Recover HP	How to Play Co-Op
How to Sever Tails	Best Armor Sets
Best Weapons Tier List	How to Fast Travel
Is Wild Hearts Open World?	How to Pet Kemono
Kemono Weakness Chart	How to Craft and Upgrade Equipment
How to Farm Gold Fast	How to Farm Kemono Orbs
All Elements and Status Ailments	How to Cage Creatures
How to Farm Talismans	How to Upgrade Tsukumo
How to Get Max Karakuri Threads	How to Dye Armor
How to Sell Items	How to Get Flash of Inspiration

All Weapon Build Guides

Best Builds and Armor for Each Weapon

All Weapon Builds
Karakuri Katana	Nodachi
Karakuri Staff	Claw Blade
Bow	Hand Cannon
Maul	Bladed Wagasa