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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNo weapon can yet be called Ascendance’s best aerial damage dealer. Tokyo Game Show preview footage describes aerial actions for Hammer, Dual Blades, Switch Axe, Gunlance and Insect Glaive, but published comparisons do not establish their damage, aerial uptime or overall performance. The most that can be compared now is what each previewed action does in the air.
What “works best in the air” means so far
There are two different questions: which weapons have previewed actions that launch, evade or reconnect with the monster in the air, and which weapon performs best in aerial combat. Preview material can answer the first, but not the second. The September 21, 2026 update to the action roundup says motion values and damage multipliers had not been announced. Its descriptions come from footage and are not damage tests.
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For now, compare the demonstrated roles: access to the air, ability to maintain or regain contact with the monster, and whether footage shows a follow-up. Those observations do not establish a damage ranking or a complete aerial tier list.
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Previewed aerial actions by weapon
| Weapon | Previewed aerial role | What that shows—and does not show |
|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Boosted Soaring Hammer launches the hunter into a plunging smash. | The clearest described launch-into-aerial-attack example. Damage and repeatability have not been compared. |
| Dual Blades | Demon Boost Mode adds the airborne Galeforce Evade. | An aerial evasion option is described; that is not evidence of a sustained aerial damage loop. |
| Switch Axe | Ambush Aerial Slash returns the hunter directly to the monster after an Element Discharge Dash closes onto wounds for Zero Sum Discharge. | A re-engagement tool is described, but comparative contact time and damage are not available. |
| Gunlance | Boosted Assault Dash has a follow-up chain that includes Assault Drake Auger; another preview describes an uppercut leading into a forward aerial divebomb. | Preview footage shows an aerial follow-up in an attack sequence, not proof of an ongoing airborne playstyle. |
| Insect Glaive | Rising Leaping Strike launches the hunter upward after Descending Slash by consuming red extract. | It remains the natural aerial specialist to watch, but the preview emphasized ground combat and did not establish an aerial damage advantage. |
The action descriptions are observations from a September 2026 editorial preview of Capcom’s Tokyo Game Show footage, not measured results. The preview’s discussion of how much Boost Bracer changes each weapon’s combat loop should not be mistaken for a weapon-strength ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Players can also now ride atop the Seikret, an agile new mount enabling hunters to traverse difficult terrain, perform actions like sharpening weapons on the move, and switch between two weapons while out on hunts!
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
How the Boost Bracer affects the comparison
Capcom USA’s PlayStation Blog hands-on preview describes Boost Action as weapon-specific attacks and empowered actions available for a limited time. The Boost gauge fills over time and with landed strikes; Focus Strikes that destroy wounds while Boost is active recharge the draining gauge. This makes gauge use and the ability to keep landing attacks relevant to an eventual aerial comparison, but preview descriptions do not show which weapon sustains Boost most effectively in an aerial loop.
In the same post, Sachie Kobari writes: “The Boost gauge fills gradually over time and with every strike landed. Crucially, destroying wounds with Focus Strike while in the Boost state recharges the draining gauge, enabling high-level tactics such as shattering a wound just before Boost wears off to keep the momentum going.” Treat these mechanics as preview information that could change before launch.
Which weapon should aerial-focused players watch?
- For a direct aerial attack: Hammer has the clearest described launch into a plunge.
- For airborne movement: Dual Blades has a previewed airborne evade.
- For returning to the target: Switch Axe has the described aerial re-engagement move.
- For an attack chain that goes aerial: Gunlance has a previewed follow-up sequence.
- For a weapon already associated with aerial combat: Insect Glaive is worth watching, but this preview does not demonstrate that it outdamages the others.
These are answers about action roles, not recommendations based on measured performance. Other weapons may also interact with elevation; the available descriptions are not enough to judge every weapon as better or worse in the air.
Ascendance release status and requirements
Capcom announced Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance as paid expansion content scheduled for 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. It is not yet available. Capcom USA’s PlayStation Blog says the base game is required. The announced requirements to start the expansion story and enter Master Rank at launch are Hunter Rank 40 and completion of “Awaking From a Dream.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
- Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
Rank #3
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
- Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
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