How to use Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

Mar 31,25

Finding the perfect balance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be challenging, with tradeoffs in everything from armor to Talismans. However, when it comes to combat versatility, the Sword and Shield stands out as a reliable choice. Offering both offensive and defensive capabilities, here's how you can maximize your effectiveness with the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is a versatile weapon that can swiftly transition between offense and defense, making it ideal for both novice and experienced hunters. Its combination of mobility, damage output, and the ability to guard against attacks makes it an excellent choice for any combat scenario.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YStandard AttackA basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Use the analog stick mid-combo to adjust your positioning.
Circle/BSpecial AttackUse the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack that deals stun damage. Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/BAdvancing SlashAn upward slash performed while advancing forward. Using Advancing Slash while sliding downhill or towards a ledge allows for a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)RoundslashAn attack that slashes a wide area, allowing quick directional changes. Chaining it from certain attacks results in the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)Charged ChopA powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's soft spot allows multiple damage instances. The attack's power increases if used after certain attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/BShield AttackUse the shield to bash into enemies, dealing stun damage when targeting the enemy’s head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)BackstepBackstep can be used during combos to avoid monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep to perform Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can easily afflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase damage.
Circle/B During BackstepCharged SlashLanding a Charged Slash after a Backstep allows players to jump high in the air. While airborne, follow up with different aerial attacks such as Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or a Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RTGuardGuard against attacks using your shield. Guarding at the right time results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard to perform a quick and powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/YSliding SwipeAn attack that can be performed easily, allowing you to quickly close the distance between you and the target.
R2/RT + Square/XUse ItemYou can use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Strike: Vital StabA stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting the wounds or a weak point, press Triangle/Y to follow up with a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For players aiming to deal significant damage while staying elusive, mastering these key combos is essential.

Lateral Slash Combo

The Lateral Slash combo sets the stage for more damage when incorporating Spinning Reaper and Charged Chop attacks. Start with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), follow with Return Stroke (Circle/B), then Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), and transition into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B).

This combo delivers quick and powerful hits without locking you into a long animation, making it ideal for sustained combat.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down your target, utilize the Shield Attack combo. Initiate by pointing the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more sets of Circle/B, and finish with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B).

This combo is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, capable of knocking down most monsters with just a few repetitions.

Perfect Rush Combo

The Perfect Rush combo is the most potent Sword and Shield combo in the game and should be your go-to strategy. Begin with any attack, then initiate Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by a Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y) into Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), a Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and conclude with a Falling Bash (Circle/B).

Timing is crucial here; watch for the hunter to flash red before executing the next command to maximize damage output. This approach yields higher damage than simply button mashing.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Sword and Shield involves leveraging both its blade and shield components effectively, along with quick movements. Here are some tips to enhance your gameplay:

Vary Your Attacks

To expedite the process of bringing down a target, utilize the Sword and Shield's versatility. Fast sword attacks build up elemental damage, while shield attacks can deal enough stun damage to topple the enemy when the opportunity arises.

Dodging and Guarding

In situations where defense is paramount, utilize Guarding and Backstep. Mastering Perfect Guards with precise timing can negate damage, and Power Clashes offer another chance to knock the monster back. Using Backstep not only removes you from harm but also sets you up for immediate counterattacks. Practice the spacing and timing to make monsters regret their attacks.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, utilize Focus Strike to capitalize on these openings. Unlike other weapons, the Sword and Shield allows for two different follow-up attacks: a Falling Slash for more hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash to increase stun damage.

Item Usage

A unique advantage for Sword and Shield users in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature is invaluable for quickly restoring health and supporting allies, allowing you to maintain pressure on the monster.

That’s all the essential information on using the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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

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