Monster Hunter Wilds: Switch Weapons & Dual Loadout Guide

To switch weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, open the Item Pouch menu and select the weapon you want to equip from your loadout. To set up a dual loadout (two different weapon sets you can swap between mid-hunt), you need to register two separate loadouts and switch between them at camp or in the field using the tent or the portable supply cache.

Background: Why Dual Loadouts Matter

Monster Hunter Wilds gives you a full weapon loadout system, but it works differently from past games. In previous titles, you could only change weapons at the base camp before a quest. Wilds introduces a portable camp system and the ability to swap gear mid-hunt, which opens up new strategies. You might want a cutting weapon for severing tails and a blunt weapon for breaking heads, or a fast weapon for early fights and a heavy one for the final phase. The game also encourages you to adapt to monster weaknesses, so being able to switch elements or status effects without abandoning the quest is a major advantage.

How the Loadout System Works

Loadouts are saved sets of equipment, including your weapon, armor, and decorations. In Wilds, you can register up to 20 loadouts. To create one, open the Start Menu, go to Equipment, and choose Loadouts. Select an empty slot, name it, and then equip the gear you want. The game saves your current equipment as that loadout. You can then edit it later if you change your mind.

To switch weapons during a hunt, you have two options:

• At camp: Open the tent or the item box and select “Manage Loadouts.â€� Choose the loadout you want, and your hunter will change into that gear.
• In the field: If you have a portable supply cache (a small box you can place on the map), you can also access loadouts there. This is useful when you’re far from camp and need a quick change.

The key point is that you cannot change weapons in the middle of combat. You need to be out of combat and near a camp or cache. The game pauses the timer when you’re in menus, so you can take your time deciding.

Setting Up a Dual Loadout for Quick Switching

A “dual loadout� isn’t a special game mode—it’s simply two loadouts you prepare in advance. For example, you might have Loadout A with a Great Sword and Loadout B with a Bow. To switch between them mid-hunt, you just open the loadout menu and select the other one. The game doesn’t limit you to two, but having two is a common strategy because it’s easy to remember.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Start Menu and go to Equipment > Loadouts.
2. Create a new loadout, name it “Melee� or “Ranged,� and equip your first weapon and armor set.
3. Create another loadout, name it “Secondary,� and equip your second weapon and armor.
4. During a hunt, when you’re at camp or a cache, open the loadout menu and switch between the two.

You can also use the “Item Loadout� feature to switch your consumables (potions, traps, etc.) along with your gear. This is helpful if you want a different item set for each weapon type.

How to Choose Your Two Weapons

Choosing a dual loadout depends on your playstyle and the monster you’re hunting. Here are some factors to consider:

• Monster weaknesses: Some monsters are weak to ice but resistant to fire. If you have a fire weapon and an ice weapon, you can switch based on the monster’s enrage state or part breaks.
• Combat range: Pair a melee weapon with a ranged weapon. For example, a Sword and Shield for close combat and a Light Bowgun for when the monster flies or you need to apply status effects from a distance.
• Status effects: You might start with a paralysis weapon to immobilize the monster, then switch to a raw damage weapon for the downed phase.
• Part breaking: Use a hammer to break a head, then switch to a cutting weapon to sever a tail.

There’s no “best� combination—it’s about what fits your style. A common recommendation is to have one weapon that’s easy to use (like the Long Sword) and one that’s situational (like the Hunting Horn for buffs).

Common Problems and Solutions

Players often run into a few issues when trying to switch weapons:

• Can’t find the loadout option: Make sure you’re at a camp or a portable supply cache. You can’t access loadouts from the field menu unless you have a cache placed.
• Loadout not saving my weapon: When you save a loadout, it captures everything you have equipped. If you change weapons after saving, you need to update the loadout manually. Go to Loadouts, select the loadout, and press the “Updateâ€� button.
• Weapon not appearing in the field: If you’re trying to switch to a weapon that’s in your item box but not in your loadout, you won’t see it. Ensure the weapon is part of the loadout you’re selecting.
• Can’t switch during combat: The game only allows gear changes when you’re not in combat. If you’re being chased, you’ll need to lose the monster’s aggro first, then find a safe spot to open the menu.

If you’re still stuck, check your item pouch—you might have accidentally unequipped the weapon and put it in your item box instead.

Costs and Requirements

Switching weapons is free—you don’t pay zenny or any materials. However, you need to have the weapon in your inventory. You can carry multiple weapons in your item pouch, but each takes up space. Your pouch has limited slots, so you’ll need to manage your items. You can also store weapons in your item box at camp, but you can’t access the box in the field unless you’re at a camp or cache.

There’s no cooldown on switching, so you can do it as many times as you want. The only real cost is the time it takes to open menus and the risk of being attacked while you’re vulnerable.

Alternatives to Dual Loadouts

If you don’t want to manage two loadouts, there are other ways to adapt mid-hunt:

• Switch skills: Some weapons have switch skills that change your moveset. You can change these at camp, but not in the field.
• Use items: You can use items like Demon Drug or Armorskin to boost your stats instead of changing weapons.
• Rely on your Palico: Your Palico can use a weapon that complements yours, so you don’t need to switch yourself.

But for most players, the dual loadout is the most straightforward way to stay flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch weapons during a hunt in Monster Hunter Wilds? Yes, you can switch weapons at any time during a hunt, as long as you’re not in combat and you’re near a camp or a portable supply cache. You can place a cache on the map to have a mobile switching point.

How do I create a loadout in Monster Hunter Wilds? Open the Start Menu, go to Equipment, then Loadouts. Select an empty slot, name it, and equip the gear you want. The game saves your current equipment as that loadout. You can have up to 20 loadouts.

Do I need to pay to switch weapons? No, switching weapons is completely free. You just need to have the weapon in your inventory or item box, and you need to be at a camp or cache to access the loadout menu.

Can I switch weapons in the middle of a fight? No, you cannot switch weapons while in combat. You must be out of combat and near a camp or cache. If you’re being attacked, you’ll need to escape first.

Why can’t I see my weapon in the loadout menu? Make sure the weapon is equipped and saved as part of the loadout. If you changed weapons after saving, update the loadout. Also, check that the weapon is not in your item box instead of your pouch.

What’s the difference between a loadout and an item loadout? A loadout saves your equipment (weapon, armor, decorations). An item loadout saves your consumables and tools. You can link them so that when you select a loadout, it also equips the corresponding item loadout.

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