Finding balance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be challenging, especially with the trade-offs associated with armor and Talismans. However, the Sword and Shield offers a versatile solution in combat, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Here’s how to maximize the potential of your Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters, offering mobility, damage potential, and the ability to guard. This makes it ideal for a wide range of scenarios, allowing you to both engage enemies effectively and protect yourself when needed.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Use the analog stick during the combo to adjust your positioning. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Press Circle/B with the analog stick for a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B alone for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash performed while advancing. Using this on slopes or near ledges allows for terrain-specific attacks. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | Slashing a wide area, you can quickly change direction. Chain it from certain attacks to perform the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A leaping attack that hits multiple times on a monster's soft spots. Its power increases when used after certain attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Use the shield to bash enemies, dealing stun damage, especially when targeting the head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Use during combos to evade monster attacks. Follow with Triangle/Y for Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can inflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | After a Backstep, jump high with a Charged Slash. Follow up with aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks with your shield. A Perfect Guard at the right time allows for a quick and powerful Counter Slash with Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An easily performed attack to close the distance to your target quickly. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | A stabbing attack effective against wounds. Follow up with Triangle/Y for Falling Slash or Circle/B for Upswing Bash. |
Combos
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with 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 significant damage quickly without prolonged commitment.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B inputs, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This is most effective when targeting the monster's head, often leading to a knockdown after a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush, should be used frequently. Start with any attack, then perform a 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 finish with a Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the hunter to flash red to maximize damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Sword and Shield Tips
Vary Your Attacks
To expedite defeating your target, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to inflict stun damage, potentially toppling the enemy.
Dodging and Guarding
Master the art of Perfect Guards and Backsteps for effective defense. Timing your Perfect Guards can negate damage and set up Power Clashes to push back monsters. Use Backsteps to evade attacks and position yourself for counterattacks.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict wounds on monsters, utilize the Focus Strike to capitalize on these openings. Follow up with either a Falling Slash for additional hits or an Upswing Bash, which can lead into a Falling Bash to increase stun damage.
Item Usage
A unique advantage of the Sword and Shield is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick recovery or support, enabling you to maintain pressure on your target.
These are the essential strategies for using the Sword and Shield effectively in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
