Ultimate Monster Hunter Wilds Hammer Build Strategies & Combo Tips

The hammer is a beloved classic among fans of the Monster Hunter franchise. Despite its hefty appearance, this weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds proves to be both surprisingly agile and deceptively complex, allowing players to deliver potent strikes alongside rapid-fire flurries of attacks.

Equipped with an array of elemental capabilities and devastating status effects, the hammer showcases incredible versatility, especially when utilized in a team setting during multiplayer sessions. Players can execute breathtaking combos, creating unforgettable moments of epic gameplay.

To maximize your experience with this formidable weapon, we have compiled an essential guide filled with effective strategies and build suggestions. This guide is particularly helpful for newcomers who are just beginning their monster-hunting journey. As post-game meta strategies continue to evolve, we will incorporate more High Rank builds in future updates.

Ultimate Guide to the Hammer in Monster Hunter Wilds

Mastering Hammer Combos

The hammer may initially appear as one of the simpler weapons, yet truly mastering its mechanics, especially the charge attacks, can present a challenge.

As you grow accustomed to wielding the hammer, you’ll improve at executing charge attacks while deftly evading damage from aggressive monsters. The flow of combat can be summarized in the following steps:

Engage your target by holding R2 to charge, and release when your character flashes a second time for a powerful strike.
Unleash the Big Bang Combo by pressing Circle five consecutive times.
Execute the Basic Combo by pressing Triangle three times; hold the third press to charge for additional damage.
If a monster falls or is stunned, initiate the Mighty Charge by pressing R2 + Triangle + Circle simultaneously, then follow it up with another Triangle attack.
For a series of repeated hits, first press Triangle, then both Triangle and Circle together to commence a spinning attack. Conclude with a charged finisher by holding Triangle during the spin.

Effective Hammer Builds for Your Adventure

While understanding your build is essential for late-game play, some early to mid-game builds can significantly enhance your gameplay experience and demonstrate the potential power of various Skills.

Skills can be somewhat overwhelming, even for seasoned players. Here’s a breakdown of effective builds to consider while wielding the hammer.

Early Game Strategies

During the initial stages of your adventure in Monster Hunter Wilds, selecting a hammer that offers substantial elemental damage or beneficial effects is crucial. The Lala Barina hammer, for example, excels at inflicting paralysis, which complements its ability to stun foes. Additionally, the Balahara variant proves to be a solid choice.

Farming for the Balahara is also advantageous, as its armor pieces provide Quick Sheath and Evade Extender Skills, enhancing your dodging capabilities. The two-piece Alloy set, obtainable early on, grants Quick Sheathe, streamlining your use of items and making it easier to master the weapon’s diverse moves.

Weapon: Lala Barina Jail Hammer/Balahara Hammer
Helm: Alloy
Cuirass: Quematrice/Balahara
Gauntlets: Quematrice/Balahara
Waist: Quematrice/Balahara
Greaves: Alloy
Talisman: Defence Charm

Mid-Game Enhancements

As you approach the conclusion of the main storyline, which serves primarily as an extended tutorial, you will unlock advanced weapons like the Guardian Rathalos tree and gear with more sophisticated Skills.

One such Skill is Latent Power, included in the Rey Dau set, which boosts your critical damage and dodge roll for a specific duration after taking a certain amount of damage. Equipping all four pieces of the Rey Dau set significantly prolongs this power, providing a notable edge in tough encounters.