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

Author: Grace May 07,2025

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, achieving the perfect balance can be challenging, as every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, involves some form of tradeoff. Yet, when it comes to combat, the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon that offers both offensive and defensive capabilities. Here’s how you can maximize your effectiveness with the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hunters alike. Its combination of mobility, damage potential, and the ability to guard makes it an ideal weapon for any situation. Whether you're looking to evade danger or dive straight into the fray, the Sword and Shield has you covered.

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 deals stun damage. Press Circle/B alone for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while moving forward. Use this while sliding downhill or towards a ledge for a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	An attack that covers a wide area, allowing quick directional changes. Chain it from certain attacks to unleash the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's soft spot can deal multiple damage instances. The attack's power increases when used after certain moves.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Use the shield to bash enemies and deal stun damage, especially 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 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 lets you jump high. In the air, follow up with Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks with your shield. Time it right for a Perfect Guard, then press Triangle/Y for a quick, powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	An easy-to-perform attack that helps close the distance to your target quickly.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed.
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 deal significant damage while staying agile, mastering these 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 finish with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers high damage quickly without locking you into a long animation.

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 conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, often knocking them down after a few repetitions.

Perfect Rush Combo

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

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

Leverage the Sword and Shield's versatility with these tips to enhance your combat effectiveness.

Vary Your Attacks

To quickly take down monsters, mix fast sword attacks to build elemental damage with shield attacks to deal stun damage and knock enemies down when the opportunity arises.

Dodging and Guarding

In defensive situations, use Guarding and Backstep effectively. Mastering Perfect Guards can negate damage, while Power Clashes can push monsters back. Backstep not only evades attacks but also sets you up for immediate counterattacks. Practice your timing and spacing to turn the tide of battle.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, utilize 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 of the Sword and Shield is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick healing or supporting allies, keeping the pressure on monsters without interruption.

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

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