The Light Bowgun in Monster Hunter Wilds is a formidable weapon for ranged combat, known for its impressive maneuverability and versatility. It allows players to customize their playstyle by utilizing a wide array of ammunition types. Unlike heavier weapons, Light Bowgun users prioritize agility and repositioning rather than relying on guard mechanics. This makes it one of the most adaptable weapons in the game, equipped with features such as Rapid Fire Mode and Chaser Shot, appealing to many hunters.
This guide will explore the top builds, skills, and combo strategies for the Light Bowgun, providing you with the tools needed to excel in your hunts.
Optimal Light Bowgun Builds in Monster Hunter Wilds

Top Early-Game Builds
1) G. Veldian Impetum I
Weapon: G. Veldian Impetum I
Armor:
- Xu Wu Helm
- G. Arkveld Mail
- G. Rathalos Vambraces
- Xu Wu Coil
- G. Rathalos Greaves
Charm: Surge Charm I
This Low-Rank build shines with Opening Shot Lv.2 and Rapid Fire Spread Lv.2, providing an effective transition into High Rank gameplay. The addition of Weakness Exploit (WEX) boosts Affinity against monsters’ weak spots, ensuring a reliable damage output.
2) Nu Chobotnice I
Weapon: Nu Chobotnice I
Armor:
- Ajarakan Helm
- Rey Sandmail
- Nerscylla Vambraces
- Hirabami Coil
- Hirabami Greaves
Charm: Leaping Charm I
This build emphasizes Rapid Fire Spread Lv.3 and Opening Shot Lv.2, making it an ideal choice for early-game skirmishes where managing enemy distance is crucial for consistent damage output.
3) Dosha Faithbreaker I
Weapon: Dosha Faithbreaker I
Armor:
- Leather Headgear
- Leather Vest
- Balahara Vambraces
- Balahara Coil
- Balahara Greaves
This build focuses on utilizing Sticky Ammo effectively, enhanced by Opening Shot to deliver explosive damage while maintaining mobility through agile dodges.
Best Mid-Game Builds
1) Rathling Gun I
Weapon: Rathling Gun I
Armor:
- G. Ebony Helm b
- Blango Mail b
- G. Rathalos Vambraces b
- G. Ebony Coil b
- G. Rathalos Greaves b
Charm: Chain Charm I
This mid-game setup maximizes Affinity while employing Pierce Ammo for sustained damage output over time. With Critical Boost and Weakness Exploit included, this build is perfect for dealing significant critical damage from a distance.
2) Valkyrie Fire I
Weapon: Valkyrie Fire I
Armor:
- Gypceros Helm b
- Rathian Mail a
- Balahara Vambraces b
- Rathian Coil b
- Conga Greaves b
Charm: Foray Charm I
This build revolves around Rapid Fire Poison Lv.2, effectively activating Foray to substantially enhance attack power and Affinity when the monster is inflicted with poison, allowing for tactical engagement.
Ultimate Late-Game Build
Szelatya Clairgun
Weapon: Szelatya Clairgun
Armor:
- Gore Helm b
- Gore Mail b
- Gore Vambraces b
- Gore Coil b
- Udra Miregreaves b
Charm: Challenger Charm II
Weapon Stats:
- Attack: 286
- Affinity: 0%
- Defense: 300
Weapon Skills:
- Opening Shot Lv.3
- Ballistics Lv.2
- Piercing Shots Lv.1
- Slugger Lv.1
Armor Skills:
- Agitator Lv.5
- Evade Window Lv.4
- Antivirus Lv.3
- Constitution Lv.3
- Maximum Might Lv.3
- Adrenaline Rush Lv.1
- Burst Lv.1
- Coalescence Lv.1
- Windproof Lv.1
This late-game build transforms the Light Bowgun into a powerhouse, leveraging high raw damage alongside skills that enhance Affinity and speed, making it a formidable option for any hunt.
Essential Skills for the Light Bowgun

- Artillery: Crucial for Sticky Ammo builds, enhancing explosive damage significantly.
- Foray: Provides attack and Affinity boosts when inflicting status ailments, making it ideal for Poison or Paralysis builds.
- Maximum Might: Grants a substantial Affinity spike when stamina is full, a frequent state for Light Bowgun users.
- Ballistics: Increases critical distance, ensuring optimal damage from a safer range.
- Flayer: Accelerates wound application, enhancing the synergy with Weakness Exploit and increasing Focus Shot damage.
- Evade Extender / Evade Window: Improves dodge distance and invincibility frames, facilitating easier repositioning.
- Burst: Works well with Pierce and Elemental Ammo, causing additional damage on multi-hit streams.
- Critical Element: Increases critical damage of Elemental Ammo, essential for Elemental builds.
- Opening Shot: Boosts the damage of the first shot in a magazine, reducing overall reload time.
- Tetrad Shot: Enhances damage on every fourth or sixth shot, ideal for effective reloading strategies.
- Weakness Exploit: Offers increased Affinity on weak spots, maximizing offensive potential.
- Critical Boost: Amplifies critical hit damage, effective when paired with Weakness Exploit and high-Affinity setups.
- Constitution: Mitigates stamina loss from dodging, supporting smoother movement.
- Stamina Surge: Aids in maintaining stamina levels, allowing Maximum Might to remain in effect longer.
- Critical Status: Enhances status effect application with critical hits; useful for builds focusing on Paralysis and Poison damage.
Light Bowgun Combos
Combo Name | PC | PS5 | Xbox |
---|---|---|---|
Chaser Shot | F | Circle (○) | B |
Burst Step | WASD + Space | LS + X | LS + A |
We hope this guide on the best builds, skills, and combos for the Light Bowgun equips you with the knowledge to become a master of this versatile weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds.