The Gunblade is a new addition to Monster Hunter Wilds, combining melee strikes with explosive firepower. This guide covers how to get the most out of this hybrid weapon, including the best skills, combos, and armor choices to maximize your damage output.
Understanding the Gunblade
The Gunblade brings together aspects of traditional melee weapons and ranged firepower. It allows hunters to unleash slashes and thrusts while integrating explosive shots into combos. Managing its heat gauge and ammunition is key to maintaining sustained damage.
Best Gunblade Build
This build focuses on maximizing the Gunblade’s damage through a combination of explosive power and melee proficiency.
Recommended Weapon
- Prototype Gunblade X – Features balanced stats and allows for high burst damage with rapid reloading.
Armor Set
A mix of armor pieces that boost both raw melee damage and explosive output:
– Rathalos Helm – Boosts attack power and affinity.
– Bazelgeuse Mail – Provides Artillery for stronger explosions.
– Diablos Vambraces – Increases stamina efficiency and melee attack power.
– Uragaan Coil – Reduces recoil from explosive shots.
– Garangolm Greaves – Enhances guard strength and resistance.
Essential Skills
- Artillery (Level 3) – Increases explosive damage from Gunblade shots.
- Focus (Level 3) – Reduces charge time for stronger strikes and explosions.
- Load Up (Level 2) – Expands ammo capacity, reducing reload downtime.
- Guard (Level 3) – Improves blocking effectiveness.
- Weakness Exploit (Level 3) – Increases affinity when attacking weak spots.
- Attack Boost (Level 4) – Provides a raw attack increase.
Gunblade Combos and Playstyle
Basic Combos
- Quick Slash into Shot – A basic flow that combines light melee strikes with explosive fire.
- Input: X > A
- Effect: Deals steady damage while keeping mobility.
- Charged Thrust into Blast – A high-damage option when there’s an opening.
- Input: Hold X > Release > A
- Effect: Delivers a powerful stab followed by an explosive finish.
- Guard Counter into Explosion – A defensive maneuver that punishes monster attacks.
- Input: Hold R1 to Block > Press A after blocking
- Effect: Uses the enemy’s attack to trigger a strong counter.
Advanced Techniques
- Heat Gauge Management
The Gunblade has a heat gauge that increases with consecutive attacks. Keeping it in the optimal range ensures boosted damage. - Aerial Strikes
Using Wirebug maneuvers allows for mid-air slashes followed by explosions, useful for hitting weak points on flying monsters. - Wyvern Fire Cannon
A powerful attack that takes time to cool down but deals devastating damage. Best used when a monster is trapped or staggered.
Tactics for Hunts
- Close-Range Combat: Stay near the monster’s weak points and use quick slashes and explosions to keep up pressure.
- Defensive Play: With Guard and counterattacks, the Gunblade can absorb hits while retaliating effectively.
- Mounted Offense: Utilize Wirebug techniques to reposition quickly and sustain damage output.
Final Thoughts
The Gunblade is an adaptable and high-damage weapon that rewards aggressive play while allowing defensive counters. With the right skills and combos, it becomes a powerhouse in Monster Hunter Wilds. Keep an eye on your heat gauge, manage reloads efficiently, and take advantage of openings for devastating explosions.
Hunters who enjoy a mix of melee and explosive damage will find the Gunblade a rewarding choice. Happy hunting!
