Sword and Shield guide for Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Guide includes how to play Sword and Shield, new actions, combos, how to use, techniques and moves, stances, and more!
| Sword & Shield Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Build for SnS | High Rank Builds | Artian Builds |
| SnS Controls Guide | Weapon Adjustments | |
Table of Contents
How to Use Sword & Shield
| 1 | ▼ Fight using Sword and Shield |
|---|---|
| 2 | ▼ Stay within Range |
| 3 | ▼ Master the Backstep |
| 4 | ▼ Perform a Perfect Rush When Monster is Down |
| 5 | ▼ Win Power Clash |
Fight Using Sword and Shield
| Sword | - Severing attack - Inflicts elemental damage - Consumes Sharpness |
|---|---|
| Shield | - Blunt attack - Stuns can be done by aiming at the head - Does not inflict status ailments - Does not consume Sharpness - Fatigues monsters |
When using the Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds, it's important to understand how the two function differently and use each to its strength. Use the shield to create openings by inflicting stuns, and the sword to boost your damage output. Make full use of their unique traits and strengths.
Stay within Range
The Sword and Shield have a short range, so it is necessary to stay within range of the monster. Because of its lightness and maneuverability, it is best to watch the enemy's movements, avoid attacks, and avoid straying from the enemy.
Master the Backstep
| How to Do a Backstep |
|---|
During a combo ➡ |
Backstep is an important technique linked to the Sword and Shield's core moves, Falling Bash and Perfect Rush, so it's worth practicing until you can perform it smoothly. When used properly, it's also an excellent evasive option, offering a longer period of invulnerability compared to standard evade actions.
Win Power Clash
| Power Clash Occurs When Guarding |
|---|
Hold During Power Clash PressRapidly |
When you guard against certain monsters' attacks, a new mechanic called Power Clash will trigger. If you repeatedly press the △ button to win, you'll have the opportunity to attack the monster. When this happens, continue pressing to win and aim for a follow-up attack.
Sword & Shield Attack & Moves
Summary of Controls
Basic Controls
(*You can attack while moving with the L stick.)
Lateral Slash ➡ Return Stroke ➡ Spinning Rising Slash
Weapon Combos
Perfect Guard and Counter Slash
| Controls |
|---|
➡ During Perfect Guard ➡ |
If an enemy attack is guarded at the correct timing, it becomes a Perfect Guard, which you can turn into a Counterslash attack by pressing the △ button.
Sliding Swipe
| Controls |
|---|
+ Sliding Swipe |
Sliding Swipe allows you to close the distance with a target to attack them. In Sunbreak, it was designed to be derived into a run-up slash and jump-up when it hits, but this has been changed in this title so that it can be connected directly to an attack without jumping on.
Focus Strike: Vital Stab
| Controls |
|---|
Hold + Focus Strike: Vital Stab ➡ Falling Slash ➡ Upswing Bash |
This is a Focus Strike that can be performed with R1 while Focus Mode is active by holding down L2. If your first attack hits a weak point or a Wound, you can thrust your sword into the enemy and cling to it, leading into either a sword attack called Falling Slash or a shield attack called Upswing Bash.
Charged Chop
| Controls |
|---|
During combo Hold + Charged Chop |
After any attack, press and hold △ and ◯ at the same time to perform a Charged Chop. This sword technique delivers a thrusting attack that results in multiple hits.
Perfect Rush
| Controls |
|---|
During a combo + Backstep➡ Perfect Rush |
| - Attack continuously to easily inflict elemental effects and status ailments. - Press △ at the moment the body glows red to increase attack power. |
Perfect Rush is a burst attack that can be done after a Backstep. By pressing the △ button at Wounds or Weak Points, a higher damage follow-up attack can be done.
Falling Bash
| Controls |
|---|
During combo + Hold Overhead Slash ➡ Jumping Slash ➡ Falling Bash |
Falling Bash is also a move that can be chained from a Backstep. If Overhead Slash hits, you'll automatically leap into the air, and pressing the ◯ button while airborne will perform the attack.
Guard Slash
| Controls |
|---|
During Guard Guard Slash ➡ ＋ Sliding Swipe ➡ Rising Slash ➡ ＋ Backstep ➡ Lateral Slash ➡ ＋ Shield Attack |
At the start of the Guard Slash, there's a guard window, allowing you to perform a Perfect Guard if timed correctly.
Sword & Shield Recommended Combos
| Combo | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| ▼Spinning Reaper → Charged Chop | ★★★ |
| ▼Perfect Rush | ★★・ |
| ▼ Perfect Rush → Charged Chop | ★★・ |
| ▼ Endless Rotation | ★・・ |
Spinning Reaper → Charged Chop
| Combo Controls |
|---|
+ + |
Open the combo by pressing O for a triple strike, which can be followed up by a powerful Spinning Reaper attack into the new Charged Chop technique. This combo deals with a lot of hits using the sword, so it is the preferred combo for any elemental Sword and Shield.
Endless Rotation
| Combo Controls |
|---|
This is an Endless combo that continuously loops Lateral Slash→Return Stroke→ Roundslash. Additionally, the Hunter can integrate shield attacks into the combo by using the L stick which can stun monsters.
Perfect Rush
| Combo Controls |
|---|
Hold ➡ |
The Perfect Rush can be initiated after the Hunter performs a Backstep with L Stick + ◯ while in shield form. After using perfect rush, it can be difficult to time the attack so continuously press △ button until your Hunter leaps into the air. While airborne, wait for a split second before performing a shield attack to finish off the combo.
Perfect Rush → Charged Chop
| Combo Controls |
|---|
Hold ➡ |
This combo incorporates the Spinning Reaper → Charged Chop combo into the middle of a Perfect Rush. This combo does increase damage when compared to the regular Perfect Rush combo.
Sword & Shield New Attacks
| Attack | Button Input |
|---|---|
| ▼ Basic Combo | |
| ▼ Sliding Swipe | |
| ▼ Guard / Counterslash | |
| ▼ Charged Chop | During a combo ➡Hold |
| ▼ Focus Strike | Hold |
Basic Combo
| How to Do |
|---|
This is the △ sword attack. In the previous titles, the basic combo was a combined sword and shield attack, but in this version, the combo only uses the sword. Also, by pressing the L stick, you can attack while moving, making it easier to adjust your position.
Sliding Swipe
| How to Do |
|---|
Sliding on the spot, this attack closes the distance to the target. In the Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, it was designed to be derived into a run-up slash and jump when it hits, but this has been changed in Wilds.
Guard - Counterslash
| How to Do |
|---|
➡ After Perfect Guard ➡ |
A well timed Guard on an enemy attack will result in a Perfect Guard, which can be combined into a Counterslash with the △ button.
Charged Chop
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡Hold Charged Chop |
Press and hold △ and ◯ at the same time after an attack for a Charged Chop. This is a sword attack technique that thrusts the swords to deal with multiple hits.
Focus Strike
| How to Do |
|---|
Hold Focus Strike➡ ➡ |
Hold L2 to enter Focus Mode, then press R1 to deal a Focus Strike. When the first attack of the Focus Strike hits a Wound or a Weak Spot, it will deal a combo attack.
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles
Recommended Weapon Guides
Weapon Trees and Best Builds
| Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Dual Blades | Hammer | Hunting Horn |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Lance | Gunlance | Switch Axe |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
Other Recommended Weapon Builds
| Melee Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
| Paralysis Long Sword | Paralysis Dual Blades | |
| Ranged Weapons | ||
| Paralysis Bow | Pierce Light Bowgun | Pierce Heavy Bowgun |
| Water Heavy Bowgun | ||
Weapon Guide by Monster
Useful Weapon Information
| ▶ How To Switch or Change Weapons | ▶ Sharpness Modifier and Recovery |
| ▶ Weapon Adjustments | ▶ Immortal 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