In the intricate world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, finding the perfect balance between armor, Talismans, and combat strategy is essential. The Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon, 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 choice for both beginners and seasoned hunters due to its mobility, damage potential, and ability to guard. Whether you're evading danger or launching an attack, this weapon ensures you're always ready for action.
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 for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash performed while advancing forward. Using it 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 quick direction 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 for 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 you to jump high. 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 timely guard results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a quick and powerful Counter Slash. |
R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An easily executed attack that allows you to quickly close the distance to 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 wounds or a weak point, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos

For players aiming to maximize damage while maintaining agility, mastering these key combos is essential.
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with a 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 is quick and potent, allowing you to deal significant damage without being locked into lengthy animations.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by pointing the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B presses, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is particularly effective when targeting the monster's head, often leading to a knockdown with just a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most powerful combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush combo, should be your go-to move. Begin 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 end with a Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the hunter to flash red before executing the next command to maximize damage.
Sword and Shield Tips

Mastering the Sword and Shield involves using both its offensive and defensive capabilities effectively. Here are some tips to enhance your gameplay:
Vary Your Attacks
Utilize the Sword and Shield's versatility by mixing fast sword attacks to build elemental damage with shield attacks to deal stun damage. This variety can quickly bring down your target.
Dodging and Guarding
Prioritize defense when necessary by mastering Perfect Guards and using Backstep to avoid attacks. Timing is key for Perfect Guards, and Backstep not only evades but sets up counterattacks effectively.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict wounds on monsters, use Focus Strikes to capitalize on these vulnerabilities. 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 for increased 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 healing or supporting allies, maintaining pressure on your target throughout the battle.
These strategies will help you harness the full potential of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*