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

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

Author: Aiden Mar 21,2025

Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires finding the right balance, and weapon choice is key. While many weapons offer significant trade-offs, the Sword and Shield provides exceptional versatility, blending offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide will show you how to maximize its potential.

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The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters. Its agility, damage output, and defensive guard make it effective in various situations. Let's dive into its moveset.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A four-hit combo basic sword attack. Adjust positioning 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 advancing. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when sliding downhill or towards a ledge.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash allowing quick direction changes. Chaining it from certain attacks triggers the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's weak point deals multiple hits. 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	Avoid 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 increase 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 Perfect Guard, achieved with perfect timing, allows a quick and powerful Counter Slash (press Triangle/Y).
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	Quickly close the distance to your target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use items while your weapon is unsheathed.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	Effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Lateral Slash Combo

Maximize damage with this combo: Lateral Slash (Circle/B), Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This quick combo delivers significant damage without prolonged vulnerability.

Shield Bash Combo

Topple monsters with Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, and finish with Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Aim for the head for maximum effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

This powerful combo starts with any attack, then 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 during Backstep, Leaping Slash, and Perfect Rush (watch for the red flash) maximizes damage.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Vary Your Attacks

Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (for stun damage) to efficiently weaken monsters.

Dodging and Guarding

Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Power Clashes to knock back monsters. Utilize Backstep for evasive maneuvers and immediate counterattacks.