Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is giving Heavy Bowgun, Lance and Switch Axe several new attacks and mechanical changes as Capcom continues detailing the expansion’s redesigned weapon systems.
All three weapons gain new abilities through the Boost Bracer and Boost Gauge system. The changes range from new counterattacks and faster movement to stronger transformations and entirely new firing options.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is scheduled to launch in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
| Weapon | Major Ascendance changes |
|---|---|
| Heavy Bowgun | Laser attack, Overcharge shot, close range plasma blast |
| Lance | Offset counter, faster charge, rapid thrust combo |
| Switch Axe | Faster access to Sword Mode, stronger Axe Mode options, enhanced Zero Sum Discharge setup |
Heavy Bowgun gains laser and Overcharge attacks
The Heavy Bowgun is receiving some of the most visually dramatic additions.
Its new Boost Driver attack fires a powerful laser beam, giving the weapon another high damage option beyond traditional ammunition.
An Overcharge mechanic will also allow hunters to use an entire magazine in a single enhanced shot. This creates a stronger burst damage option at the cost of consuming more ammunition at once.
Another special firing mode charges the weapon before releasing a close range plasma blast.
While Boost Mode is active, Heavy Bowgun users can also reload while dodging incoming attacks. The dodge can cancel the Boost Driver animation, reducing the risk of becoming trapped during a lengthy attack.
Certain ammunition types will receive reduced recoil during Boost Mode as well.
Capcom is also changing Adhesive Ammo. Instead of firing one projectile that later separates into smaller explosive pellets, the revised version immediately launches multiple sticky explosives.
The adjustment should make the ammunition more reliable at close range.
Lance receives stronger offensive tools
The Lance remains focused on defense, but Ascendance appears to be expanding its offensive potential.
Its Boost Driver is a heavy strike that can also function as an Offset counter, allowing you to interrupt an incoming monster attack while dealing damage.
After filling and activating the Boost Gauge, the Lance gains access to a rapid thrust sequence that can land many hits in quick succession.
That could be particularly useful with status based weapons because each strike provides another opportunity to build poison, paralysis or other effects.
The running charge attack also becomes significantly faster while Boost Gauge is active and gains a stronger finishing hit.
Hunters will also be able to block incoming attacks while charging forward, helping maintain pressure without sacrificing the Lance’s defensive identity.
Another new counter combines a thrust with a powerful shield bash. The shield strike creates a short range shockwave capable of dealing substantial stun damage.
These additions give the Lance more ways to remain aggressive without abandoning the guarding mechanics that define the weapon.
Switch Axe improves both of its forms
Switch Axe receives several changes designed to make the transition between Axe Mode and Sword Mode more efficient.
The new Axe Mode Boost Driver immediately fills the weapon’s Sword Mode resource gauge. That means hunters can move into Sword Mode without spending as much time building the required energy.
Sword Mode receives its own Boost Driver, which fills the Phial resource used to increase damage.
Once Boost Gauge is active, Sword Mode gains a charging stab that lets the hunter attach directly to a monster before performing Zero Sum Discharge.
After the explosion throws the hunter away from the target, the move can be followed with an aerial Axe Mode dive attack.
Boost Gauge activation also unlocks additional combo routes and increases the speed of the Switch Axe counterattack.
These changes are especially important for Axe Mode, which has often been used mainly as a transition or resource building state while Sword Mode delivers most of the weapon’s damage.
Ascendance appears to be giving Axe Mode a more meaningful role while also making it easier to reach Sword Mode when needed.
Capcom continues expanding all 14 weapons
The Heavy Bowgun, Lance and Switch Axe trailers are part of a larger series covering all 14 Monster Hunter Wilds weapon types.
The Boost Bracer serves as the main foundation for these additions, giving each weapon new attacks and temporary enhancements when enough Boost Gauge has been accumulated.
The expansion has already shown substantial changes across multiple weapons, suggesting Capcom is treating Ascendance as more than a simple content addition.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
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