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Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of weapon balance. While many weapons demand trade-offs, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility, blending offensive prowess with robust defensive capabilities. This guide explores how to maximize its potential in combat.
Recommended Videos Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters. Its agility, damage output, and guarding capabilities make it effective in diverse situations. It's equally adept at escaping perilous encounters and launching aggressive attacks.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic four-hit sword combo. Adjust positioning 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 advancing. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when used while sliding downhill or towards a ledge. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Chaining it from certain attacks unleashes the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Multiple damage instances are possible by hitting a monster's weak points. Power increases after specific attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Bash enemies with your shield, dealing stun damage when targeting the head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Avoid monster attacks during combos. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack easily inflicting elemental damage and ailments). Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase 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 | Guard against attacks. Perfect Guarding leads to a powerful Counter Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | Quickly close the distance to your target. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use items while your weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | Effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for Falling Slash or Circle/B for Upswing Bash. |
Combos
Lateral Slash Combo
Maximize damage with this combo: Lateral Slash (Circle/B), Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This swift, high-damage combo maintains mobility.
Shield Bash Combo
Topple enemies with Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Target the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.
Perfect Rush Combo
This powerful combo begins with any attack, followed by Backstep (push back analog stick + Circle/B), 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
Vary Your Attacks
Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (inflicting stun damage) for efficient monster takedowns.
Dodging and Guarding
Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and utilize Power Clashes to knock back monsters. Employ Backstep for evasive maneuvers and immediate counterattacks.
Focus Strikes
Utilize Focus Strike on wounds, following up with either Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) for multiple hits or Upswing Bash (Circle/B) for increased stun damage.
Item Usage
Use items even with your weapon drawn to maintain pressure and quickly heal or aid allies.
This comprehensive guide covers the essentials of Sword and Shield combat in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more gameplay assistance, explore The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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