Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, presents its own trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat, seamlessly blending offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide details how to maximize your Sword and Shield's potential.
Recommended Videos Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters. Its agility, damage output, and defensive guarding capabilities make it effective in diverse combat scenarios.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust positioning mid-combo using the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack (stun damage). Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash while moving forward. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when sliding downhill or towards a ledge. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Chaining it from specific attacks unleashes the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Multiple damage instances occur when hitting a monster's weak point. Power increases after certain attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Bash enemies with your shield, dealing stun damage when targeting the head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Avoid monster attacks during combos. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack easily inflicting elemental damage and ailments). Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | A high jump follows a Charged Slash after a Backstep. Perform aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne. |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks. A Perfect Guard results from well-timed guarding. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a powerful Counter Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | Easily performed attack for quickly closing distance. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use items while your weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | Effective stabbing attack against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos
Master these key combos for evasive yet powerful attacks:
Lateral Slash Combo
Begin with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and finally Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers significant damage without lengthy lock-in periods.
Shield Bash Combo
For stunning opponents, use Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and conclude with Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Target the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.
Perfect Rush Combo
This powerful combo starts with any attack, then initiates Backstep (push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and Falling Bash (Circle/B). Precise timing during Backstep, Leaping Slash, and Perfect Rush (watch for the hunter to flash red) significantly increases damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Sword and Shield Tips
Enhance your Sword and Shield gameplay with these strategies:
Vary Your Attacks
Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (for stunning).
Dodging and Guarding
Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Power Clashes to knock back monsters. Utilize Backstep for evasion and immediate counterattacks.
Focus Strikes
Exploit Focus Strike on wounds, following up with either Falling Slash (for multiple hits) or Upswing Bash (for increased stun damage).
Item Usage
Use items while your weapon is drawn for faster healing or support.
This comprehensive guide covers essential Sword and Shield techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more game assistance, check The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
