In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, achieving a balance between offense and defense is crucial, and the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon that excels in both areas. This weapon is perfect for hunters of all levels, offering mobility, damage, and the ability to guard against attacks. Here’s how you can maximize the potential of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice, capable of swiftly transitioning from defensive maneuvers to aggressive assaults. It's ideal for both beginners and experienced hunters due to its versatility in combat scenarios.
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 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 to execute a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash performed while advancing forward. Use Advancing Slash while sliding downhill or towards a ledge for a terrain-specific attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | An attack that slashes a wide area, allowing quick directional changes. Chain it from certain attacks to unleash the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack that can deal multiple instances of damage if it hits a monster’s soft spot. The 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, particularly effective when targeting the enemy’s head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Use Backstep during combos to evade 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 boost 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 like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks using your shield. A Perfect Guard, timed correctly, can lead to a quick and powerful Counter Slash with Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An attack that quickly closes the distance between you and your 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 for a Falling Slash or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), follow with Return Stroke (Circle/B), then Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), and transition into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) before finishing with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers quick, powerful hits without committing you for too long.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate a Shield Attack combo by pressing forward on the analog stick and 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 monsters after a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield is the Perfect Rush combo. Begin 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 here; look for the hunter to flash red before executing each move to maximize damage.
Sword and Shield Tips
Vary Your Attacks
Mix fast sword attacks to build up elemental damage with shield attacks to deal stun damage and topple the enemy when the opportunity arises.
Dodging and Guarding
Master the timing for Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Backstep to evade attacks while setting up counterattacks. Understanding spacing and timing is key to staying safe and effective in combat.
Focus Strikes
Utilize Focus Strikes on wounded monsters, followed by Falling Slash for multiple hits or Upswing Bash to increase stun damage, which can be chained into Falling Bash.
Item Usage
Take advantage of the ability to use items with your weapon drawn to quickly heal or support allies, maintaining pressure on the monster throughout the fight.
That’s everything you need to know about using the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
