Sword and Shield guide for Monster Hunter Wilds. Guide includes how to play Sword and Shield, techniques and moves, stances, and more!
Table of Contents
Sword & Shield - How to Use
| 1 | ▼ Fights with Both Sword and Shield |
|---|---|
| 2 | ▼ Main Strategy is to stick at close range |
| 3 | ▼ Master the Backstep |
| 4 | ▼ Deal Perfect Rush while Monsters are Down |
| 5 | ▼ Can Do Power Clash |
Fights with Both Sword and Shield
| Sword | - Cutting attack - Inflicts status ailments - Drains the blade's sharpness |
|---|---|
| Shield | - Striking attack - Stuns can be done by aiming at the head - Does not inflict status ailments - Does not drain sharpness - Easy to fatigue monsters |
It's highly important to understand the characteristics of the Sword and Shield and how each of them work differently from each other. Use the Shield to create stuns and the Sword to inflict damage.
Main Strategy is to Stick at Close Range
The Sword and Shield has a short reach, so it is necessary to stay at close range to the monster. Because of its lightness and maneuverability, it is best to watch the enemy's movements, avoid attacks, and avoid being separated from the enemy.
Master the Backstep
| How to Do a Backstep |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
The Backstep is an important technique derived from Falling Bash and Perfect Rush, so practice it so that you can perform it smoothly. It's also an excellent means of evasion if used well since it has a longer invincibility frame than the Dodge.
Deal Perfect Rush while Monsters are Down
| How to Do a Perfect Rush |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
Perfect Rush is a continuous attack technique that can easily pass apply status ailments. Aim for a Perfect Rush during big openings, such as when a monster is down or when it is trapped. By targeting Weak Points or Wounds, you can perform an even higher damage Perfect Rush.
Can Do Power Clashes
| Power Clash Occurs When Guarding |
|---|
During Power Clash |
The new Power Clash feature occurs when you Guard against specific monster attacks. If you win the Power Clash by pressing the △ button repeatedly, you will have a chance to attack the monster so when the Power Clash occurs, aim for a follow-up attack.
Sword & Shield - Attack & Moves
Summary of Controls
Basic Controls
Weapon Combos
Guard - Counterslash Combo
| How to Do |
|---|
➡ During Perfect Guard ➡ |
If an enemy attack is guarded at a correct timing, it becomes a Perfect Guard, which you can turn into a Counterslash attack by pressing the △ button.
Sliding Swipe
| How to Do |
|---|
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 so that it can be connected directly to an attack without jumping on.
Focus Strike
| How to Do |
|---|
The Focus Strike can be performed by pressing R1 while Focus Mode is activated by pressing and holding L2. When the first strike hits a Weak Spot or Wound, this will activate Focus Strike.
Roundslash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
If you press and hold the △ and ◯ buttons at the same time after any attack, you can deal a Roundslash. This is a sword attack with a thrusting sword and delivers multiple hits.
Perfect Rush
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡➡ |
| - Continuous attacks to easily inflict status ailments - Additional input (△) at Wounds or Weak Points increases damage |
Perfect Rush is a continuous strike 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
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡➡ ➡ |
The Falling Bash is another technique that can be derived from the Backstep, and can be performed automatically by jumping up and pressing the ◯ button while in the air.
Sword & Shield - New Attacks
| Attack | Button Input |
|---|---|
| ▼ Basic Combo | |
| ▼ Sliding Swipe | |
| ▼ Guard / Counterslash | |
| ▼ Charged Chop | During combo ➡ |
| ▼ Focus Strike |
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 comboed into a Counterslash with the △ button.
Charged Chop
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
Long press △ and ◯ at the same time after an attack for a Charged Chop. This is a sword attack technique that thrust the swords to deal multiple hits.
Focus Strike
| How to Do |
|---|
Long press 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.
Related Links
All Weapon Types List
