How to use Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

Author : Aaliyah Mar 17,2025

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.

Recommended Videos Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

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

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YStandard AttackA basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust your position mid-combo using the analog stick.
Circle/BSpecial AttackUse the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack (stun damage). Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/BAdvancing SlashAn 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)RoundslashA 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 ChopA powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's weak point delivers multiple instances of damage. Power increases after certain attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/BShield AttackBash enemies with your shield, dealing stun damage when hitting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)BackstepEvade 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 BackstepCharged SlashA 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/RTGuardGuard 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/YSliding SwipeA quick attack for closing distance.
R2/RT + Square/XUse ItemUse items while your weapon is unsheathed.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Strike: Vital StabA 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

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

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

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

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.