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

by Samuel Mar 18,2025

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

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The Sword and Shield is a reliable weapon for both novice and veteran hunters. Its agility, damage output, and defensive guard make it effective in diverse situations. It's equally adept at escaping perilous situations and launching aggressive attacks.

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	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 towards 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. Multiple damage instances are possible by hitting a monster's weak point. 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 hitting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Evade monster attacks during combos. A Perfect Rush (multi-hit attack inflicting elemental damage and ailments) follows a Triangle/Y press during a Backstep. 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 Perfect Guard, followed by a Triangle/Y press, executes a powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	Quickly close the distance to your target with this easily performed attack.
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 a wound or weak point, 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 crucial:

Lateral Slash Combo

This combo, beginning with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), integrates Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B) for significant damage without prolonged vulnerability.

Shield Bash Combo

Ideal for stunning opponents, this combo starts with a Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, culminating in a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Target the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most potent Sword and Shield combo. Begin with any attack, then execute 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 hunter's red flash) significantly amplifies 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

Combine blade and shield with swift movements for optimal results:

Vary Your Attacks

Alternate between rapid sword attacks (building elemental damage) and shield attacks (inflicting stun damage) to maximize efficiency.

Dodging and Guarding

Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and utilize Power Clashes to repel monsters. Backstep provides both evasion and counterattack opportunities. Practice timing for optimal results.

Focus Strikes

Exploit Focus Strikes against wounds, followed by either Falling Slash (for multiple hits) or Upswing Bash (leading to a Falling Bash for increased stun damage).