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Best Build and Armor for Sword & Shield

Best Build and Armor for Sword & Shield

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Best Build and Armor for Sword & Shield | Monster Hunter Wilds - GameWith

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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Sword & Shield - Best Artian Weapon Build

Versatile High-Crit Paralysis Build

NameSharpness
Sword & Shield Icon Verdoloto
AttackElementAffinityDefense
266Paralysis 605%0
DecorationRazor Sharp-Ironwall Jewel 3
Critical Jewel 3
Attack Jewel 3
Element TypeParalysis Element Type x3
ProductionAttack Infusion x3
ReinforcementAttack Boost x4
Sharpness x1

▲The above stats shown are before bonus effects are applied.

ArmorSlotDecoration
HeadG. Arkveld Helm β③①ーTenderizer Jewel 3
Adapt Jewel 1
ChestGore Mail α③ーーChallenger Jewel 3
ArmsG. Arkveld Vambraces β①①①Sane Jewel 1
Sane Jewel 1
Brace Jewel 1
WaistGore Coil β③②ーChain Jewel 3
Destroyer Jewel 2
LegsDahaad Shardgreaves β②ーーDestroyer Jewel 2
TalismanExploiter Charm 2--
Active Skills
Guardian Arkveld's Vitality(2 Piece)Gore Magala's Tyranny(2 Piece)
Weakness ExploitLv5AgitatorLv3
PartbreakerLv3AntivirusLv3
Razor SharpLv3Critical BoostLv3
Attack BoostLv3Evade WindowLv2
ConstitutionLv2FlayerLv1
AdaptabilityLv1Flinch FreeLv1
BurstLv1GuardLv1

This is a highly versatile and recommended top-tier Sword and Shield build featuring an Artian weapon. With skills included, the maximum Affinity reaches 87%, and without Wounds, it remains at 67%. The weapon can also be substituted with Poison or Blast element options.

NameSharpness
Sword & Shield Icon Verdoloto
AttackElementAffinityDefense
266Paralysis 605%0
DecorationRazor Sharp-Ironwall Jewel 3
Paralyzer Jewel 3
Crit Stat-Handicraft Jewel 3
Element TypeParalysis Element Type x3
ProductionAffinity Infusion x3
ReinforcementElement Boost x4
Sharpness x1

▲The above stats shown are before bonus effects are applied.

ArmorSlotDecoration
HeadG. Arkveld Helm β③①ーTenderizer Jewel 3
Adapt Jewel 1
ChestGore Mail α③ーーChallenger Jewel 3
ArmsG. Arkveld Vambraces β①①①Sane Jewel 1
Sane Jewel 1
Brace Jewel 1
WaistGore Coil β③②ーChain Jewel 3
Destroyer Jewel 2
LegsDahaad Shardgreaves β②ーーDestroyer Jewel 2
TalismanExploiter Charm 2--
Active Skills
Guardian Arkveld's Vitality(2 Piece)Gore Magala's Tyranny(2 Piece)
Weakness ExploitLv5AgitatorLv3
PartbreakerLv3AntivirusLv3
Razor SharpLv3Paralysis AttackLv3
Critical StatusLv3Evade WindowLv2
ConstitutionLv2FlayerLv1
AdaptabilityLv1Flinch FreeLv1
BurstLv1GuardLv1
HandicraftLv1

This is a Paralysis-focused Sword and Shield build featuring an Artian weapon. Rather than emphasizing firepower, it prioritizes increasing the number of Paralysis procs. Aim for the 'Element Boost' restoration bonus. Additionally, setting the production bonus to 'Affinity Boost' makes it easier to activate Critical Status.

Sword & Shield - Best Endgame Build

Lala Acanthopelm

NameSharpness
Sword & Shield Lala Acanthopelm
AttackElementAffinityDefense
280Paralysis 20015%0
Equipment SkillCritical Draw Lv2
Critical Status Lv1
DecorationCritical Jewel 1
Critical Jewel 1
Critical Jewel 1
NameDecoration
HeadG. Fulgur Helm βGrowth Jewel 1
ChestArkvulcan Mail β-
ArmsG. Arkveld Vambraces β-
WaistArkvulcan Coil β-
LegsDahaad Shardgreaves β-
TalismanChain Charm 2-
Active Skills
Arkveld's Hunger (2 Piece)Weakness Exploit Lv5
Agitator Lv4Critical Boost Lv3
Burst Lv2Critical Draw Lv2
Recovery Speed Lv1Self-Improvement Lv1
Critical Status Lv1

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 & Shield - Best High Rank Build

▼ Early High Rank▼ Up to HR40

Best Build for Early High Rank

Best Weapon

NameSharpness
Sword & Shield Barina Dague III
AttackElementAffinityDefense
210Paralysis 15015%0
Equipment SkillCritical Draw Lv1
Critical Status Lv1

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.

Best Armor

NameSkill
HeadRathalos Helm αEvade Window Lv2
Constitution Lv1
ChestRathian Mail αForay Lv2
ArmsRathian Vambraces αDivine Blessing Lv2
Foray Lv1
WaistRathian Coil βForay Lv1
LegsRathalos Greaves βEvade Window Lv2
TalismanForay Charm 1Foray Lv1
Active Skills
Rathalos's Flare (2 Piece)Scaling Prowess (3 Piece)
Foray Lv5Evade Window Lv4
Divine Blessing Lv2Constitution Lv1

Rathian's Armor set is best to use at Earlt High Rank because of its Skill "Foray". This increases Attack and Affinity against monsters aflicted with either Paralysis or Poison.

Best Build for Up to HR40

Best Weapon

NameSharpness
Sword & Shield Barina Dague IV
AttackElementAffinityDefense
252Paralysis 17015%0
Equipment SkillCritical Draw Lv2
Critical Status Lv1

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.

Best Armor

NameSkill
HeadG. Ebony Helm αBurst Lv2
Earplugs Lv1
ChestRathian Mail αForay Lv2
ArmsG. Ebony Braces αBurst Lv2
Divine Blessing Lv1
WaistG. Ebony Coil βBurst Lv1
LegsG. Ebony Greaves βEarplugs Lv1
Divine Blessing Lv1
TalismanForay Charm 1Foray Lv1
Active Skills
Ebony Odogaron's Power (4 Piece)Guardian's Pulse (3 Piece)
Burst Lv5Foray Lv3
Earplugs Lv2Divine Blessing Lv2

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.

Sword & Shield - Best Low Rank Build

Best Weapon

NameSharpness
Sword & Shield Barina Dague II
AttackElementAffinityDefense
168Paralysis 12010%0
Equipment SkillCritical Draw Lv1
Critical Status Lv1

Barina Dague II is the best weapon to use at Early Game due to its Paralysis. It can create opportunities even against unfamiliar monsters as you progress through the story.

Best Armor

NameSkill
HeadG. Ebony HelmBurst Lv1
ChestG. Ebony MailBleeding Resistance Lv1
ArmsG. Ebony BracesBurst Lv1
WaistG. Ebony CoilBurst Lv1
Bleeding Resistance Lv1
LegsG. Rathalos GreavesWeakness Exploit Lv1
TalismanHope CharmSelf-Improvement Lv1
Recovery Up Lv1
Active Skills
Ebony Odogaron's Power (4 Piece)Guardian's Pulse (3 Piece)
Burst Lv3Bleeding Resistance Lv2
Weakness Exploit Lv1Self-Improvement Lv1
Recovery Up Lv1

At early game, the G. Ebony Armor set is best to use. It can be crafted by Chapter 3. By having the 4 parts, it will give Burst Boost that increases the effectiveness of the Burst skill.

Sword & Shield - Recommended Skills

Weapon SkillsArmor Skills

Weapon Skills

SkillEffect
Critical BoostRating: ★★★
Increases the damage of critical hits
HandicraftRating: ★★★
Extends the weapon sharpness gauge. However, it will not increase the gauge past its maximum
Element BoostRating: ★★★
Increases the damage of a specific Element
Offensive GuardRating: ★★
Temporarily increases attack power after executing a perfectly-timed guard
Attack BoostRating: ★★
Increases attack power
Critical EyeRating: ★★
Increases affinity
GuardRating: ・・
Reduces knockbacks and stamina depletion when guarding
Master's TouchRating: ・・
Prevents your weapon from losing sharpness during critical hits
Razor SharpRating: ・・
Prevents your weapon from losing sharpness

For Weapon Skills, it's best to have Critical Boost and Handicraft. When using Elemental weapons, it's also good to have the specific Element boost skill for it.

Armor Skills

SkillEffect
Weakness ExploitRating: ★★★
Increases the affinity of attacks that exploit a monster's weak points and wounds
AgitatorRating: ★★★
Increases attack power and affinity when large monsters become enraged
BurstRating: ★★★
Continuously landing hits gradually increases attack and elemental attack. (Amount increased depends on weapon.)
Adrenaline RushRating: ★★
Temporarily increases attack power after executing a perfectly-timed evade just as a monster attacks
ForayRating: ★★
Increases attack power and affinity against large monsters affected by poison or paralysis
Evade WindowRating: ・・
Extends the invulnerability period when evading
Doshaguma's Might
(Doshaguma Set)
Rating: ・・
Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill.
Ebony Odogaron's Power
(G. Ebony Odogaron Set)
Rating: ・・
Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill.

For the Armor Skills, Weakness Exploit, Agitator, and Burst are recommended.

Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles

Return To Top Page

Equipment Guides

All Armor List

Recommended Equipment by Weapon

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MH Wilds Hammer ImageHammer MH Wilds Hunting Horn ImageHunting Horn MH Wilds Lance ImageLance MH Wilds Gunlance ImageGunlance
MH Wilds Switch Axe ImageSwitch Axe MH Wilds Charge Blade ImageCharge Blade MH Wilds Insect Glaive ImageInsect GlaiveMH Wilds Bow ImageBow
MH Wilds Light Bowgun ImageLight BowgunMH Wilds Heavy Bowgun ImageHeavy Bowgun

Equipment Guide by Monster

ChatacabraChatacabra
Low Rank / High Rank
QuematriceQuematrice
Low Rank / High Rank
Lala BarinaLala Barina
Low Rank / High Rank
CongalalaCongalala
Low Rank / High Rank
Balahara Balahara
Low Rank / High Rank
Doshaguma Doshaguma
Low Rank / High Rank
Uth DunaUth Duna
Low Rank / High Rank
Rompopolo Rompopolo
Low Rank / High Rank
Rey DauRey Dau
Low Rank / High Rank
NerscyllaNerscylla
Low Rank / High Rank
HirabamiHirabami
Low Rank / High Rank
AjarakanAjarakan
Low Rank / High Rank
Nu UdraNu Udra
Low Rank / High Rank
Guardian DoshagumaGuardian Doshaguma
Low Rank / High Rank
Guardian RathalosGuardian Rathalos
Low Rank / High Rank
Guardian ArkveldGuardian Arkveld
Low Rank / High Rank
Jin DahaadJin Dahaad
Low Rank / High Rank
Guardian EbonyGuardian Ebony
Low Rank / High Rank
Xu WuXu Wu
Low Rank / High Rank
Yian Kut-KuYian Kut-Ku
High Rank
GypcerosGypceros
High Rank
RathianRathian
High Rank
Guardian FulgurGuardian Fulgur
High Rank
RathalosRathalos
High Rank
GraviosGravios
High Rank
BlangongaBlangonga
High Rank
Gore MagalaGore Magala
High Rank
ArkveldArkveld
High Rank

Recommended Decoration

Recommended Armor Decorations

Mantles Guide

MH Wilds Ghilie Mantle ImageGhillie MantleMH Wilds Rocksteady Mantle cRocksteady MantleMH Wilds  Mending Mantle ImageMending Mantle
Evasion MantleEvasion MantleCorrupted MantleCorrupted Mantle-
List of Mantles

Equipment Related Guides

Equipment Related Guides
How to Hide Headgear?Alpha & Beta Armor Guide
▶ Guardian Armor ListHow to Upgrade Armor
Melding PotDecoration Farming
▶ Palico Equipment List▶ Best Palico Equipment
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Monster Hunter Wilds Strategy Team

Monster Hunter Wilds Strategy Team

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