Mastering Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide
In the dynamic world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, achieving the perfect balance between offense and defense is crucial, and the Sword and Shield excels in providing versatility. This weapon allows you to swiftly switch between attacking and defending, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned hunters. 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's versatility makes it a go-to weapon for hunters of all levels. Its ability to quickly transition between offensive and defensive maneuvers, combined with its mobility, ensures you're prepared for any scenario. Whether you're dodging, guarding, or striking, the Sword and Shield offers a robust toolkit for success.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Adjust your position with the analog stick mid-combo. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B to execute a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B alone for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | Perform an upward slash while moving forward. Use this on slopes or ledges for terrain-specific attacks. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash that allows quick direction changes. Chain it with certain attacks for the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A leaping attack that can hit multiple times on a monster's weak spots. Its power increases when used after specific attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Bash enemies with your shield to cause stun damage, especially effective when targeting the head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Use Backstep during combos to evade monster attacks. Follow with Triangle/Y for 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 | After a Backstep, execute a Charged Slash to jump high. Follow up with Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne. |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Defend against attacks with your shield. A well-timed guard results in a Perfect Guard, followed by a quick and powerful Counter Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | Quickly close the distance to your target with this easily executable attack. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Utilize certain items without sheathing your weapon. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | Stab at wounds or weak points. Follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B). |
Combos

Mastering combos is essential for dealing significant damage while maintaining mobility. Here are the key combos to enhance your Sword and Shield gameplay:
Lateral Slash Combo
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 combo delivers high damage efficiently, without leaving you vulnerable for long.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate with a Shield Attack (Forward on analog stick + Circle/B), then two more sets of Circle/B, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, capable of knocking down most monsters after a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most potent combo available, the Perfect Rush, should be your primary offensive strategy. Start with any attack, then execute a Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and end with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is key; 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

To harness the full potential of the Sword and Shield, consider these strategic tips:
Vary Your Attacks
Leverage the Sword and Shield's versatility by alternating between fast sword strikes to build elemental damage and shield bashes to inflict stun damage. This mix can significantly accelerate your progress in bringing down monsters.
Dodging and Guarding
Master the art of timing your guards and dodges. Perfect Guards can negate incoming damage, while Power Clashes can push monsters back. Use Backstep to evade attacks and set up counterattacks, mastering the timing and spacing to turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Focus Strikes
Exploit monster wounds with Focus Strikes. With the Sword and Shield, you have the flexibility to follow up with either a Falling Slash for multiple hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash for increased stun damage.
Item Usage
Take advantage of the unique ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for swift recovery or support for allies, keeping you in the fight and maintaining pressure on your targets.
That’s all you need to know about mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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