Finding the perfect balance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be challenging, with every piece of gear from armor to Talismans offering its own set of trade-offs. 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 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 an excellent weapon for both beginners and seasoned hunters due to its impressive mobility, damage potential, and defensive capabilities. It's a versatile tool that can get you out of trouble and into the action seamlessly, making it suitable for all kinds of encounters.
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 to execute a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash performed while advancing forward. Using this move while sliding downhill or towards a ledge enables a terrain-specific attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | An attack that slashes a wide area, allowing you to quickly change direction. 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 the soft spot on a monster’s hide allows multiple instances of damage. The attack's power increases if used after certain moves. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Use the shield to bash 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 initiate Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can easily inflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | Landing a Charged Slash after a Backstep allows you to jump high in the air. While airborne, follow up with different aerial attacks such as Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks using your shield. A well-timed Guard 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 easily performed attack that quickly closes 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 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, here are essential combos to master:
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), follow with 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 quick and powerful combo delivers high damage without locking you in for too long.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Circle/B. Follow with two more Circle/B inputs, and end with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is most effective when targeting the monster's head and can knock down most enemies after a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush combo should be your primary attack sequence. Begin with any attack, then execute a Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by a Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), then Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), a Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and conclude with a Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the red flash on your hunter to maximize damage output.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Sword and Shield Tips
Utilize the blade and shield effectively while maintaining quick movement with these tips:
Vary Your Attacks
To expedite defeating a monster, alternate between fast sword attacks to build up elemental damage and shield attacks to deal stun damage, which can knock down the enemy.
Dodging and Guarding
Prioritize defense when necessary using Guarding and Backstep. Mastering Perfect Guards with precise timing can negate incoming damage, and Power Clashes can push monsters back. Use Backstep to dodge out of harm's way while setting up for a counterattack. Practice your spacing and timing to turn the tables on aggressive monsters.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict more wounds on monsters, utilize the Focus Strike. With the Sword and Shield, you have the option to follow up with 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 you to quickly heal or support allies, maintaining constant pressure on the enemy.
These are the key insights 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.*
