In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, achieving the perfect balance between offense and defense can be challenging, but the Sword and Shield offers a versatile solution. This weapon excels in both attacking and defending, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned hunters. 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 renowned for its ability to swiftly transition from defense to offense, making it a reliable choice for hunters of all skill levels. Its combination of mobility, damage output, and guarding capabilities ensures it's effective in any situation.
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 | Use the analog stick with Circle/B to perform a Shield Attack that deals stun damage. Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash performed while advancing forward. Using Advancing Slash while sliding downhill or towards a ledge will allow a terrain-specific attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | An 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 Chop | A 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/B | Shield Attack | Use the shield to bash into enemies and deal stun damage, especially effective when targeting the enemy's head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Backstep 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 Backstep | Charged Slash | Landing 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/RT | Guard | Guard 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/Y | Sliding Swipe | An attack that can be performed easily, allowing you to quickly close the distance between you and the target. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | You can use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | A 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
For players aiming to maximize damage while staying agile, mastering these key combos is essential.
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by a Return Stroke (Circle/B), then a Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B). Transition into a Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and finish with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers significant damage without locking you into a long animation.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B. Follow with two more Circle/B inputs, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, often leading to a knockdown 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), 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 before each command to maximize damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Sword and Shield Tips
Leverage the Sword and Shield's versatility with these tips to enhance your gameplay.
Vary Your Attacks
To quickly take down monsters, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to deal stun damage. This variety can topple your target more efficiently.
Dodging and Guarding
When defense is paramount, use Guarding and Backstep effectively. Mastering Perfect Guards with precise timing can negate damage, while Power Clashes can push monsters back. Backstep not only evades attacks but also sets up counterattacks. Practice spacing and timing to outmaneuver your foes.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict more wounds on monsters, utilize Focus Strikes to capitalize on these openings. 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 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 allows for quick healing or supporting allies, keeping the pressure on monsters without interruption.
These are the essential strategies for mastering the Sword and Shield 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.*
