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Mastering Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

Author：Kristen Update：Apr 03,2025

Finding the right balance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be challenging, as every piece of gear from armor to Talismans involves trade-offs. However, when it comes to combat, the Sword and Shield stands out for its versatility, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. Here’s how to 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 excels in both offense and defense, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hunters. Its combination of mobility, damage potential, and guarding ability makes it a reliable choice for any situation.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-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 that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while moving forward. Use it while sliding downhill or towards a ledge for a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash that allows quick directional changes. Chain it from certain attacks to execute the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A leaping attack that can deal multiple hits on a monster's soft spots. Its power increases when used after specific attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Bash enemies with the shield, dealing stun damage, especially when targeting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Use Backstep to evade during combos. Follow with Triangle/Y for Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that inflicts elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes for increased damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	After Backstep, Charged Slash allows a high jump. Follow with Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne.
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks with your shield. A well-timed guard results in a Perfect Guard, followed by a quick Counter Slash with Triangle/Y.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	Quickly close the distance to your target with this easy-to-execute attack.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use certain items without sheathing your weapon.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting a wound or weak point, follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B).

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For those aiming to deal damage while maintaining agility, here are essential combos to master:

Lateral Slash Combo

Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), then transition into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and finish with Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers quick, powerful damage without committing you for too long.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving forward on the analog stick and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B presses, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This is most effective when targeting the monster's head, capable of knocking down most foes after a few repetitions.

Perfect Rush Combo

The Perfect Rush combo is the most potent for the Sword and Shield. Begin with any attack, then execute a Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), into Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and end with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is key; watch for the red flash on your hunter to maximize damage.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Here are some tips to enhance your Sword and Shield gameplay:

Vary Your Attacks

To quickly defeat monsters, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to inflict stun damage. This mix can efficiently bring down your target.

Dodging and Guarding

When defense is crucial, master Guarding and Backstep. Perfect Guards, timed correctly, can negate damage, while Power Clashes can push monsters back. Use Backstep to avoid attacks and prepare for immediate counterattacks. Practice your timing and spacing to outmaneuver monsters.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, use Focus Strikes to capitalize on them. With the Sword and Shield, you can follow up with either a Falling Slash for additional hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash for increased stun damage.

Item Usage

A unique advantage for Sword and Shield users is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick healing and support, keeping you in the fight and maintaining pressure on the enemy.

That’s all the crucial information on using the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, check out The Escapist.

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