Achieving balance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is no small feat, especially when every piece of gear from armor to Talismans involves trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon that excels in both offense and defense. Here's how to maximize your effectiveness with the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
The Sword and Shield is an excellent choice for both novice hunters and seasoned veterans. Its combination of mobility, damage potential, and the ability to guard makes it a versatile tool for any combat situation. Whether you're dodging attacks or striking back, the Sword and Shield can keep you in the fight and out of trouble.
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Use the analog stick mid-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 allows for 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, dealing stun damage when targeting the head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Backstep during combos to avoid monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during 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 | Landing a Charged Slash after a Backstep allows you to jump high. While airborne, follow up with aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks using your shield. A Perfect Guard at the right time leads to a quick and powerful Counter Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An easily performed attack that quickly closes the distance to your target. |
| 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. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
For players aiming to deal significant damage while maintaining agility, here are essential combos to master.
Begin 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 swift and powerful combo hits hard and keeps you mobile.
To knock down your target, start with a Shield Attack (Forward on analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This is most effective when targeting a monster's head, often knocking them down after a few repetitions.
The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush, should be your primary attack strategy. Start with any attack, then Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and finish with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the red flash to maximize damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Utilize both the blade and shield in tandem with quick movements to enhance your effectiveness with the Sword and Shield.
To bring down your target efficiently, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to deal stun damage and potentially topple the enemy.
Master the art of defense with Guarding and Backstep. Perfect Guards, timed correctly, can negate damage and set up Power Clashes to knock monsters back. Use Backstep to evade and position yourself for immediate counterattacks.
As you inflict more wounds on monsters, use Focus Strikes to capitalize on them. The Sword and Shield allows follow-up attacks like Falling Slash for additional hits or Upswing Bash, which can be chained into Falling Bash for increased stun damage.
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 and support, keeping the pressure on your foes.
These are the essential strategies for using 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.*
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