Best Build and Armor for Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Guide includes best weapon, equipment, skill, early game and high rank sets, and recommended armor.
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|---|---|---|
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Table of Contents
Sword and Shield Best Builds After Update
| Best Builds | Rating |
|---|---|
| ▼Gore 4-piece General Build | ★★★★★ |
| ▼5 Element Build | ★★★★・ |
| ▼Vampire Build | ★★★・・ |
| Builds Without Artian Weapon | Rating |
| ▼Forgeable Gore 4-piece Build | ★★★・・ |
| ▼Forgeable 5 Element Build | ★★・・・ |
| ▼Forgeable Vampire Build | ★★・・・ |
In Monster Hunter Wilds, the recommended Sword and Shield build includes the 'Gore 4-piece' and the '5 Element Sword and Shield,' both of which include Zoh Shia equipment.
Gore 4-piece General Build
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Paralysis 80 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Paralysis Element Type x3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended generic or all-purpose build for Sword and Shield after the update is the Numinous Shroud using Zoh Shia Equipment. The main difference from the pre-update equipment is that it lowers the level of Weakness Exploit and activates Agitator Lv5. With this setup, the maximum affinity can reach 85% even without wounds. Since the effect duration of Offensive Guard is only about 12 seconds, it's recommended to replace it with something like Critical Jewel II 2 in multiplayer.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 266 | Paralysis 200 | 20% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Paralyzer Jewel III 3 Crit Stat-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Paralysis Element Type x3 | ||
| Production | Affinity Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This is a Paralysis-focused Sword and Shield build after the update. The armor is the same as the Attack-focused set, and the Artian weapon's bonus is set to Element Boost to increase the Paralysis element value. Additionally, by setting the Production Bonus to Affinity Infusion, it makes it easier to trigger Critical Status.
5 Element Sword and Shield Build
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Fire 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Fire Element Type x 3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended Fire Element Sword and Shield build after the update is the Gore 4-piece set with Zoh Shia Equipment. With the included skills, the Affinity can reach up to 85% even without wounds.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Water 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Water Element Type x3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended Water Element Sword and Shield build after the update is the Gore 4-piece set with Zoh Shia Equipment. With the included skills, the Affinity can reach up to 85% even without wounds.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Thunder 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Thunder Element Type x3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended Thunder Element Sword and Shield build after the update is the Gore 4-piece set with Zoh Shia Equipment. With the included skills, the Affinity can reach up to 85% even without wounds.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Ice 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Ice Element Type x3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended Ice Element Sword and Shield build after the update is the Gore 4-piece set with Zoh Shia Equipment. With the included skills, the Affinity can reach up to 85% even without wounds.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Dragon 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
| Element Type | Dragon Element Type x3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended Dragon Element Sword and Shield build after the update is the Gore 4-piece set with Zoh Shia Equipment. With the included skills, the Affinity can reach up to 85% even without wounds.
Vampire Build for Sword & Shield
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdoloto (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 315 | Paralysis 80 | 5% | 0 |
| Decorations | Mastery Jewel [3] Critical Jewel III [3] Guardian-Handicraft Jewel [3] | ||
| Element Type | Paralysis Element Type ×3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost ×4 Sharpness Boost ×1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This is a Vampire Sword & Shield build that uses "Super Recovery" from the Zoh Shia set and "Hasten Recovery" from the Arkveld set. Affinity can reach up to 80% with skills active.
Non-Artian Gore 4-piece General Build
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blazing Mikal | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 308 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel II 2 Critical Jewel 1 | ||
| Armor | Slot | Decoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Gore Helm Beta | ③①ー | Tenderizer Jewel 3 Adapt Jewel 1 |
| Chest | Numinous Shroud Beta | ③ーー | Tenderizer Jewel 3 |
| Arms | Gore Vambraces Beta | ②②ー | Mighty Jewel 2 Mighty Jewel 2 |
| Waist | Gore Coil Beta | ③②ー | Challenger Jewel 3 Mighty Jewel 2 |
| Legs | Gore Greaves Beta | ③①① | Chain Jewel 3 Sane Jewel 1 Sane Jewel 1 |
| Talisman | Challenger Charm II | - | - |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This is a generic set for Gore 4-piece using the Zoh Shia Sword and Shield weapon. While the Zoh Shia weapon doesn't outperform the ideal Artian weapons after the optimal reinforcement, it is still an excellent forgable weapon, especially when factoring in the skill Whiteflame Torrent.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lala Acanthopelm | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 280 | Paralysis 200 | 15% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel 3 Critical Jewel II 2 Critical Jewel 1 | ||
| Armor | Slot | Decoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Gore Helm Beta | ③①ー | Tenderizer Jewel 3 Adapt Jewel 1 |
| Chest | Numinous Shroud Beta | ③ーー | Tenderizer Jewel 3 |
| Arms | Gore Vambraces Beta | ②②ー | Mighty Jewel 2 Mighty Jewel 2 |
| Waist | Gore Coil Beta | ③②ー | Challenger Jewel 3 Mighty Jewel 2 |
| Legs | Gore Greaves Beta | ③①① | Chain Jewel 3 Sane Jewel 1 Sane Jewel 1 |
| Talisman | Challenger Charm II | - | - |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This is a generic Second Wind equipment that uses the forgable Paralysis Sword and Shield. While it has a lower power output compared to the Zoh Shia weapon, it is highly effective at creating attack opportunities by using Paralysis to restrain monsters.
5 Element Build for Sword and Shield
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Corona | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 280 | Fire 250 | 10% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
| Decorations | Master's Touch Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Guardian Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
For Fire Element Sword and Shield builds, we recommend a Gore 4-piece set paired with the “Corona” Sword and Shield. It comes with Critical Boost Lv3 as its weapon skill, so slotting in a Critical Jewel II [2] will max it out. With all buffs active, you can reach up to 90% Affinity.
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandsea Katduva | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense Boost |
| 294 | Water 200 | 10% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Critical Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
For Water-element Sword & Shield gear, we recommend using the "Sandsea Katduva" with a Gore 4-piece build. While its Affinity and Element values are slightly lower than the Kurenawi Ougi, it comes with Offensive Guard Lv3, making it a strong contender. With the right skills, it can reach up to 90% Affinity.
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuara Clairsword | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 308 | Thunder 200 | 0% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
| Decoration | Razor Sharp-Bolt Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Critical Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
For Thunder-element Sword & Shield gear, we recommend a Gore 4-piece build paired with “Kuara Clairsword.” Its extended sharpness makes it a great fit for Razor Sharp and Thunder Attack bonuses. With the right skills, it can reach up to 80% Affinity.
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Lion Jambiya | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 322 | Ice 180 | -10% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
| Decoration | Razor Sharp-Frost Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Critical Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
For Ice Element Sword and Shield gear, we recommend using the "Snow Lion Jambiya" alongside Gore 4 gear. It can reach up to 70% affinity with the right skills, and "Sharpness" helps maintain its edge during combat.
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blazing Mikal | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 308 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Critical Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
When crafting Dragon Element Sword and Shield gear, we suggest going with "Blazing Mikal" paired with Gore 4 gear. It boasts higher attack power than the Gore Sword and Shield, and its skill, "Whiteflame Torrent," delivers strong follow-up attacks. With the right skills, it can reach up to 85% affinity.
Craftable Vampire Build for Sword and Shield
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blazing Mikal | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 308 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
| Decorations | Mastery Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Critical Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This vampire Sword and Shield build uses the Zoh Shia Sword and Shield. With the recovery skills "Super Recovery" from the Zoh Shia gear and "Hasten Recovery" from the Arkveld gear, your survivability gets a significant boost. Thanks to skill synergy, your maximum affinity can reach up to 80%, ensuring you also deal solid damage.
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lala Acanthopelm | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 280 | Paralysis 200 | 15% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
| Decoration | Mastery Jewel [3] Critical Jewel II [2] Critical Jewel [1] | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This Paralysis Sword and Shield build focuses on Vampire Sword and Shield equipment. The Zoh Shia Armor's “Super Recovery” and Arkveld's “Hasten Recovery” offer two powerful recovery skills that enhance survivability. Additionally, the weapon has a 15% Affinity, which means with the right skills, the Affinity can increase to a maximum of 90%.
Sword and Shield's High Rank Builds (HR20-40)
| ▼ Early High Rank | ▼ Up to HR 40 | ▼ Right after HR 40 |
Best Equipment for Early High Rank
Recommended Weapon is Lala Barina Weapon
| Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Barina Dague III | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 210 | Paralysis 150 | 15% | 0 |
| Equipment Skill | |||
At early High Rank, the best S&S is the Barina Dague III. Continue upgrading the Barina Dague as you go through Low Rank. Rathian's Princess Rapier is also a good alternative.
Rathian Equipment is recommended
| Name | Skill | |
|---|---|---|
| Rathalos Helm Alpha | |
| Rathian Mail Alpha | |
| Rathian Vambraces Alpha | |
| Rathian Coil Beta | |
| Rathalos Greaves Beta | |
| Foray Charm 1 |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
Rathian's Armor set is best to use at Earlt High Rank because of its Skill "Foray". This increases Attack and Affinity against monsters afflicted with either Paralysis or Poison.
Best Equipment up to HR40
Weapon Enhance Lala Barina Weapons
| Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Barina Dague IV | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 252 | Paralysis 170 | 15% | 0 |
| Equipment Skill | |||
As you try to go up to HR40, continue upgrading until you get the Barina Dague IV. You can also use Princess Rapier II as an alternative.
Weapon Enhance Lala Barina Weapons
| Name | Skill | |
|---|---|---|
| G. Ebony Helm Alpha | |
| Rathian Mail Alpha | |
| G. Ebony Braces Alpha | |
| G. Ebony Coil Beta | |
| G. Ebony Greaves Beta | |
| Foray Charm 1 |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
Up to HR40, the best armor is the G. Ebony Odogaron Alpha. Since the Sword & Shield is compatible with Burst, having 4 parts of the G. Ebony Odogaron armor to get the Burst Boost II is highly recommended.
Best Equipment for HR40 and above
| Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lala Acanthopelm | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 280 | Paralysis 200 | 15% | 0 |
| Equipment Skill | |||
| Decoration | Critical Jewel 1 Critical Jewel 1 Critical Jewel 1 | ||
| Name | Decoration | |
|---|---|---|
| G. Fulgur Helm Beta | Growth Jewel 1 |
| Arkvulcan Mail Beta | - |
| G. Arkveld Vambraces Beta | - |
| Arkvulcan Coil Beta | - |
| Dahaad Shardgreaves Beta | - |
| Chain Charm 2 | - |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The Lala Acanthopelm is the best S&S at endgame due to its strong Paralysis Element. The weapon's Attack is low but its Affinitiy is at 15%. When combined with Weakness Exploit and Agitator, the max Affinity increases to 75%.
Sword and Shield's Low Rank Builds (HR1-8)
Lala Barina Weapon from Chapter 3
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Barina Dague II | |||
| Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
| 168 | Paralysis 120 | 10% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
The recommended early weapon for Sword and Shield is "Barina Dague". Attack is a little low, but Paralysis Element is very powerful. It is recommended because you can create a chance even against unfamiliar monster opponents. Let's strengthen it as the story progresses
Armor is Odoragon Equipment from Chapter 3
| Name | Skill | |
|---|---|---|
| G. Ebony Helm | |
| G. Ebony Mail | |
| G. Ebony Braces | |
| G. Ebony Coil | |
| G. Rathalos Greaves | |
| Hope Charm |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended equipment for the beginning of Sword and Shield is Guardian Ebony Equipment which can be made in Chapter 3. By equipping 4 parts, the skill Burst Boost will be activated, so you can increase the fire power when Burst is activated
Best Build and Armor for Each Weapon TypeSword and Shield Best Skills
| ▼ Weapon Skills | ▼ Armor Skills |
Recommended Weapon Skills
| Skill Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Rating: ★★★ Increases the damage of critical attacks | |
| Rating: ★★★ When a critical hit occurs, reduce Sharpness consumption. | |
| Rating: ★★★ Suppress Sharpness consumption. | |
| Rating: ★★・ Increase the player's Attack. | |
| Each Element Attack Enhancement | Rating: ★★・ Strengthens the power of each element. |
| Rating: ★★・ Knockback becomes difficult when guarding, and Stamina consumption is also reduced. | |
| Rating: ★・・ If you successfully use Guard at the right time, Attack will increase for a certain period of time. | |
| Rating: ★・・ Affinity is UP. | |
| Rating: ★・・ Weapon Sharpness becomes longer. However, the length will not exceed the Sharpness limit. |
Recommended weapon skills for Sword And Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds include "Critical Boost", "Razor Sharp", and "Master's Touch". Sword And Shield is a weapon that requires a lot of work, so give priority to the Sharpness Support skill.
Recommended Armor Skills
| Skill name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Rating: ★★★ When attacking a monster, if the attack is quite effective on that part, Affinity will increase. | |
| Rating: ★★・ When a large monster in battle becomes angry, Attack and Affinity will increase. | |
| Rating: ★★・ If the Stamina gauge remains full for a while, Affinity will increase. | |
| Rating: ★★・ By continuing to attack, the Attack and Element values will gradually increase. | |
| Rating: ★★・ During Evade, if monster attacks overlap at the right time, Attack will increase for a certain period of time. | |
| Rating: ★・・ Temporarily invulnerable during Evade becomes longer. | |
(Doshaguma Series) | Rating: ★・・ When PowerClash or OffsetAttack is successful, the base Attack increases for a certain period of time. |
(Ebony Odogaron Series) | Rating: ★・・ When the effect of the ""Burst"" skill is activated, the effective time is extended and the base Attack is increased. |
Recommended armor skills for Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds include "Weakness Exploit", "Agitator", "Maximum Might", and "Burst".
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Guides
Equipment Guides
| Beginner Armor | High Rank Builds | Artian Armor | Best Builds |
| Skill List | Set Bonus | Group Skill | Layered Armor List |
| Mantles List |
Recommended Equipment by Weapon
| Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield | Dual Blades |
| Hammer | Hunting Horn | Lance | Gunlance |
| Switch Axe | Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
| Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | ||
Equipment Guide by Monster
Mantles Guide
| Ghillie Mantle | Rocksteady Mantle | Mending Mantle |
| Evasion Mantle | Corrupted Mantle | - |
Equipment Related Guides
| Equipment Related Guides | |
|---|---|
| ▶ How to Hide Headgear? | ▶ Alpha & Beta Armor Guide |
| ▶ Guardian Armor List | ▶ How to Upgrade Armor |
| ▶ Melding Pot | ▶ Decoration Farming |
| ▶ Palico Equipment List | ▶ Best Palico Equipment |
Great Sword
Long Sword
Sword and Shield
Dual Blades
Hammer
Hunting Horn
Lance
Gunlance
Switch Axe
Charge Blade
Insect Glaive
Bow
Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun