Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every weapon, armor piece, and Talisman presents its own set of trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility, seamlessly blending offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide will help you harness its full 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 any hunting scenario.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic four-hit sword combo. Adjust your position mid-combo using the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a stun-inducing Shield Attack. Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash while moving forward. Use this near ledges or slopes for terrain-specific attacks. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Certain attack chains lead to the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's weak point maximizes damage. Damage increases after specific attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Bash enemies with your shield, focusing on the head for maximum stun. |
| 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 that easily inflicts elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase 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 perfectly timed guard results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a powerful 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 a wound or weak point, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos
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 combo delivers significant damage without prolonged commitment.
Shield Bash Combo
Knock down monsters with this stun-focused combo: Shield Attack (Forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Target the monster's head for optimal effect.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most powerful combo: Begin with any attack, then 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) maximizes damage.
Sword and Shield Tips
Vary Your Attacks
Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield bashes (for stun) to efficiently weaken monsters.
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 a Falling Slash (for more hits) or Upswing Bash (for increased stun).
Item Usage
Use items while your weapon is unsheathed for quicker healing or support.
This comprehensive guide should help you dominate Monster Hunter Wilds with the Sword and Shield. Check The Escapist for more helpful guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
