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

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 16,2025

Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, presents its own set of trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat, seamlessly blending offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide explores how to maximize its potential.

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The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and experienced hunters. Its agility, damage output, and robust guarding capabilities make it effective in diverse hunting scenarios. Whether you need to escape a perilous situation or launch a swift attack, this weapon is always ready.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust positioning mid-combo using the analog stick.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Utilize the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack, inflicting stun damage. Pressing Circle/B alone executes a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash while moving forward. Performing this move while sliding downhill or approaching a ledge triggers a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash allowing for quick directional changes mid-attack. Chaining it from specific attacks unlocks the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Striking a monster's weak point inflicts multiple instances of damage. The attack's 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	Evade monster attacks during combos. Pressing Triangle/Y during a Backstep executes Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack easily inflicting elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	A Charged Slash after a Backstep allows for a high jump. 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 to unleash a powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	A quick attack for closing the distance to your target.
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 wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For hunters prioritizing both damage and evasion, these combos are essential:

Lateral Slash Combo

This combo maximizes damage output. Begin with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), then into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and finally Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). Its speed and power make it ideal for quick bursts of damage.

Shield Bash Combo

This combo focuses on stunning the target. Start with a Shield Attack (Forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Aim for the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

Considered the most powerful Sword and Shield combo, Perfect Rush is a high-risk, high-reward option. Start with any attack, then initiate Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and Falling Bash (Circle/B). Precise timing is crucial to maximize damage. Watch for the hunter to flash red before each subsequent command.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Sword and Shield involves skillful use of both blade and shield, combined with swift movement:

Vary Your Attacks

Combine rapid sword attacks to build elemental damage with strategic shield attacks to inflict stun damage and topple enemies.

Dodging and Guarding

Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and utilize Power Clashes to knock back monsters. Employ Backstep for evasion and immediate counterattacks.

Focus Strikes

Exploit Focus Strikes against wounded monsters, following up with either Falling Slash for increased hits or Upswing Bash for enhanced stun damage, chaining into Falling Bash for further advantage.