Home > News > Master Monster Hunter Wilds: Sword & Shield Guide

Master Monster Hunter Wilds: Sword & Shield Guide

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 12,2025

Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of weapon balance. While many weapons prioritize either offense or defense, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility. Its blend of offensive power and defensive capabilities makes it a top choice for both newcomers and experienced hunters. This guide explores how to maximize your Sword and Shield's potential.

Recommended Videos Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield provides a perfect balance of offense and defense, making it ideal for all hunting situations. Its agility and damage output, combined with its guarding capabilities, make it a reliable weapon for hunters of all skill levels.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust your position mid-combo using the analog stick.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack (stun damage). Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash while moving forward. Use this near ledges or slopes for terrain-specific attacks.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Chaining it from specific attacks unleashes the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting weak points maximizes damage. Power increases after specific attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Bash enemies with your shield, focusing on the head for maximum stun.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Evade attacks mid-combo. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack inflicting elemental damage and ailments). Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	A high jump follows a Charged Slash after a Backstep. Perform aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne.
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Block attacks. A perfectly timed guard results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	A quick attack for closing distance.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use items while your weapon is drawn.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stab effective against wounds. After hitting a wound or weak point, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Lateral Slash Combo

Master the Lateral Slash combo (Circle/B, Circle/B, Circle/B) to build momentum. Transition to Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B) for devastating damage. This combo is quick and powerful.

Shield Bash Combo

Utilize the Shield Attack combo (forward analog stick + Circle/B, Circle/B, Circle/B, R2/RT + Circle/B) to topple monsters. Aim for the head for maximum effect.

Perfect Rush Combo

The Perfect Rush combo is your most powerful option. Initiate with any attack, then perform a Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by a Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and Falling Bash (Circle/B). Precise timing during Backstep, Leaping Slash, and Perfect Rush (watch for the red flash) maximizes damage.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Vary Your Attacks

Combine swift sword attacks (building elemental damage) with strategic shield bashes (inflicting stun) to overwhelm monsters.

Dodging and Guarding

Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and counter with Power Clashes. Use Backstep for evasive maneuvers and immediate counterattacks.

Focus Strikes

Exploit monster wounds with Focus Strikes, following up with either Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B) for optimal damage and stun.