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

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

by Nova Apr 12,2025

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, achieving the perfect balance between offense and defense can be challenging, given the trade-offs associated with every piece of gear, from armor to Talismans. However, the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon, offering a blend of attack and defense that can be a game-changer in combat. Here's how you can maximize the potential of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is an excellent choice for hunters of all skill levels, offering both mobility and the ability to guard effectively. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned veteran, this weapon's versatility makes it a go-to for various combat scenarios.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack that can be chained together for a 4-hit combo. Use the analog stick mid-combo to adjust your positioning.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Use the analog stick with Circle/B to perform a Shield Attack that deals stun damage. Press Circle/B to perform a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while advancing forward. Using Advancing Slash while sliding downhill or towards a ledge will allow a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	An attack that slashes a wide area, during which you can quickly change your direction. Chaining it from certain attacks will result in the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting the soft spot in a monster’s hide will allow you to deal multiple instances of damage. The power of the attack increases if used after certain attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Use the shield to bash into enemies and deal stun damage when targeting the enemy’s head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Backstep can be used during combos to avoid monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep to perform Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can easily afflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	Landing a Charged Slash after a Backstep allows players to jump high in the air. While airborne, you can follow up with different aerial attacks such as Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or a Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks using your shield. Guarding at the right time will result in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard to perform a quick and powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	An attack that can be performed easily, allowing you to quickly close the distance between you and the target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	You can use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting the wounds or a weak point, press Triangle/Y to follow up with 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 those aiming to maximize damage while staying agile, here are the essential combos to master.

Lateral Slash Combo

Start with the 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 finish with Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers quick, powerful hits without locking you into long animations, making it ideal for sustained pressure.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by pointing the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more sets of Circle/B, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, often leading to knockdowns with repeated use.

Perfect Rush Combo

The Perfect Rush combo is arguably the most potent in the Sword and Shield arsenal. Begin with any attack, then Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and end with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the red flash on your hunter to maximize damage at each step.

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

To make the most of the Sword and Shield's versatility, consider these strategic tips:

Vary Your Attacks

Utilize the Sword and Shield's diverse attack options to quickly bring down your target. Fast sword attacks can build elemental damage, while well-timed shield bashes can inflict enough stun damage to topple your opponent.

Dodging and Guarding

When defense becomes paramount, leverage the Guard and Backstep mechanics. Mastering the timing for Perfect Guards can nullify incoming damage, and executing Power Clashes can push back the monster. Use Backstep to evade attacks and set up immediate counterattacks, focusing on perfecting your timing and positioning.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, capitalize on Focus Strikes. Unlike other weapons, the Sword and Shield allows you to follow up with either a Falling Slash for additional hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash to increase stun damage.

Item Usage

A unique advantage of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick healing or support, keeping the pressure on the monster and enhancing your team's effectiveness in battle.

These are the essential insights for mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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

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