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How to use Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

by Riley Apr 13,2025

Finding the right balance in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be a challenge, with tradeoffs in every aspect from armor to Talismans. However, the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile choice for combat, offering a blend of offense and defense. 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 a reliable weapon for both newcomers and seasoned hunters in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Its combination of mobility, damage output, and defensive capabilities makes it ideal for any situation. Whether you're looking to evade danger or dive into the fray, the Sword and Shield has you covered.

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 to adjust your positioning mid-combo.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Combine the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while moving forward. Use it while sliding downhill or towards a ledge for terrain-specific attacks.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	Slashing a wide area allows for 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 leaping attack that can deal multiple hits on a monster's soft spot. Its power increases when used after specific attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Use the shield to bash into enemies, causing stun damage, especially effective when targeting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Backstep during combos to evade monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during Backstep for Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that inflicts elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	After a Backstep, Charged Slash lets you jump high. Follow up with aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks with your shield. Time it right for a Perfect Guard, followed by a quick, powerful Counter Slash (Triangle/Y).
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	An easy-to-perform attack that quickly closes the distance to your target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. Follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B) after hitting wounds or weak points.

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For players aiming to deal significant damage while staying agile, mastering these key combos is essential:

Lateral Slash Combo

Start with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), follow with 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 without locking you into a long sequence.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B inputs, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head and can knock 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 execute a Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), into Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and end with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the hunter to flash red before each command to maximize damage.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Here are some tips to enhance your Sword and Shield gameplay:

Vary Your Attacks

To bring down monsters faster, mix fast sword attacks to build elemental damage with shield attacks to inflict stun damage. This strategy can topple your enemy quickly.

Dodging and Guarding

When defense is key, use Guarding and Backstep effectively. Master the timing for Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Power Clashes to push back monsters. Backstep allows you to evade and prepare for a counterattack, making it crucial to understand spacing and timing.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, utilize Focus Strike to capitalize on them. With the Sword and Shield, you can follow up with either Falling Slash for more hits or Upswing Bash, which can lead to Falling Bash for increased stun damage.

Item Usage

A unique advantage of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is the ability to use items with the weapon drawn. This feature allows for quick recovery and support, enabling you to maintain pressure on your targets.

These are the essential tips and techniques for mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guidance, be sure to check out The Escapist.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*

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