Master Monster Hunter Wilds: Sword & Shield Guide

Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, involves strategic trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat, seamlessly blending offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide will help you unlock the full potential of this dependable weapon.

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 guarding capabilities make it effective in diverse combat scenarios. Whether you need to escape danger or launch a swift attack, this weapon is ready for action.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust your position 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 used while sliding downhill or near ledges.
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. Hitting a monster's weak point delivers multiple instances of damage. Power increases after certain attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Bash enemies with your shield, dealing stun damage when hitting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Evade monster attacks during combos. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack inflicting elemental damage and ailments). Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	A Charged Slash after a Backstep allows for a high jump, followed by aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks. A perfectly timed guard results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	A quick attack for closing distance.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use items while your weapon is drawn.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

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Lateral Slash Combo

Maximize damage with this combo: Lateral Slash (Circle/B), Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This efficient combo delivers significant damage without prolonged vulnerability.

Shield Bash Combo

This combo is ideal for stunning monsters: Shield Attack (Forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, culminating in a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Target the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most powerful combo: Begin with any attack, then use Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), 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 red flash) significantly boosts damage.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

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Vary Your Attacks

Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (for stun damage) to maximize efficiency.

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 monster wounds with Focus Strikes, followed by either Falling Slash (for multiple hits) or Upswing Bash (for increased stun damage).

Item Usage

Use items while your weapon is unsheathed to maintain combat pressure and support allies.

This comprehensive guide provides the essential information for mastering the Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more gaming tips and guides, visit The Escapist.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.