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Master Sword and Shield Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Complete Moves and Combos Guide

Author : Blake

May 12,2025

In the dynamic world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, striking the right balance between offense and defense is crucial, and the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile tool for achieving this. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned hunter, mastering the Sword and Shield can significantly enhance your combat prowess. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to leverage this weapon to its fullest potential in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for hunters of all levels, offering a blend of mobility, damage, and defensive capabilities. This weapon excels in its ability to quickly transition between attacking and guarding, making it ideal for various 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 during the combo to adjust your positioning.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B alone to execute 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 triggers a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	Delivers a wide-area slash, allowing quick directional changes. Chaining from specific attacks leads to the potent Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack that can deal multiple hits on a monster's soft spots. Its power increases when used after certain attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Bash enemies with the shield to deal stun damage, particularly effective when targeting the enemy's head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Backstep during combos to evade monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep 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	Landing a Charged Slash after a Backstep enables a high jump, followed by aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks with your shield. A timely Perfect Guard can negate damage. Follow with Triangle/Y for a quick and powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	An easy-to-perform attack that closes the distance to your target swiftly.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed, offering a tactical advantage.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For players aiming to maximize damage while staying agile, mastering 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 conclude with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo is quick and effective, delivering significant damage without leaving you vulnerable for long.

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 finish with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is particularly potent when targeting a monster's head, capable of knocking them down after a few repetitions.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most powerful combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush should be your go-to strategy. Begin with any attack, then execute 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 finally a Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the hunter to flash red before proceeding to the next command to maximize damage output.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Leveraging the Sword and Shield's unique blend of speed and defense can significantly enhance your hunting efficiency.

Vary Your Attacks

To swiftly bring down your target, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to deliver stun damage, which can topple the enemy when timed correctly.

Dodging and Guarding

In moments where defense is paramount, utilize Guarding and Backstep effectively. Mastering Perfect Guards with precise timing can negate incoming damage, while Backstep allows you to dodge and set up counterattacks. Practice the spacing and timing to turn the tables on aggressive monsters.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, use Focus Strikes to capitalize on their vulnerabilities. With the Sword and Shield, you can follow up with either a Falling Slash for multiple hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash to increase stun damage.

Item Usage

A unique advantage for Sword and Shield users is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This allows for rapid healing or supporting allies, keeping the pressure on the monster without interruption.

Mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can elevate your hunting experience to new heights. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore The Escapist.

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