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

Master the Versatile Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

In Monster Hunter Wilds, balancing offense and defense is key. The Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced hunters. Its mobility, damage output, and defensive capabilities make it a top choice for various combat situations. This guide will help you maximize its potential.

Recommended Videos: Sword and Shield Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is equally adept at escaping danger and launching attacks. Its combination of mobility and damage, along with its guarding ability, makes it effective in any encounter.

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. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when used while sliding downhill or approaching a ledge.
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 a monster's weak point delivers multiple damage instances. Power increases after certain 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 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	Guard against 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 stabbing attack 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

Sword and Shield Combo Chart

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Master these combos for evasive and high-damage gameplay:

Lateral Slash Combo

This combo utilizes 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) for swift, impactful attacks.

Shield Bash Combo

Use Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B) to knock down monsters, especially when targeting their heads.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most powerful combo. Begin with any attack, then use 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

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Enhance your Sword and Shield skills:

Vary Your Attacks: Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (for stun).
Dodging and Guarding: Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Backstep for evasive counterattacks.
Focus Strikes: Utilize Focus Strike on wounds, following up with Falling Slash or Upswing Bash.
Item Usage: Use items while your weapon is drawn for faster healing and support.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Check The Escapist for more gameplay assistance.