How to use Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos
Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, presents its own set of trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat, seamlessly blending offense and defense. This guide will help you maximize your effectiveness with this dependable weapon.
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The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters alike. Its agility, damage output, and defensive capabilities make it suitable for any hunting scenario. Whether you need to escape a perilous situation or launch a swift attack, this weapon delivers.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust your position 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 unlocks the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's weak point delivers multiple instances of damage. 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. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack inflicting elemental damage and ailments). 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 perfectly timed guard results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a Counter Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | A quick attack for closing distance. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use items while your weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos

Master these key combos for evasive and powerful attacks:
Lateral Slash Combo
This combo maximizes damage with Spinning Reaper and Charged Chop. Begin with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and finally Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B).
Shield Bash Combo
Ideal for knocking down monsters, this combo targets the head. Start with Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B).
Perfect Rush Combo
This is the most powerful combo. Begin with any attack, then use 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 is crucial to maximize damage; watch for the hunter's red flash before each move.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Sword and Shield Tips

Enhance your Sword and Shield gameplay with these strategies:
Vary Your Attacks
Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (for stun damage) to accelerate hunts.
Dodging and Guarding
Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and utilize Power Clashes. Use Backstep for evasion and immediate counterattacks.
Focus Strikes
Exploit monster wounds with Focus Strikes, following up with either Falling Slash (for more hits) or Upswing Bash (for increased stun damage).
Item Usage
Utilize the ability to use items while your weapon is drawn for quick healing or support.
This comprehensive guide covers essential Sword and Shield techniques in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Visit The Escapist for more game assistance.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.