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: Zoey Mar 28,2025

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, finding the perfect balance between offense and defense can be challenging, especially with the myriad of trade-offs involved in choosing the right gear. However, the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon that offers both. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to maximize your effectiveness with the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is an excellent choice for hunters, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran. Its ability to swiftly transition between attacking and defending, coupled with its impressive mobility and damage output, makes it a reliable weapon for any situation.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Adjust your positioning with the analog stick during the combo.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while moving forward. Use it on slopes or ledges for terrain-specific attacks.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash that allows quick directional changes. Chain it from certain attacks to perform the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's soft spot can cause multiple damage instances. The attack's power increases when used after certain moves.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Bash enemies with your shield to deal stun damage, especially effective when targeting the enemy's head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Use Backstep during combos to evade monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can easily inflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	Perform a Charged Slash after a Backstep to jump high. Follow up with aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks using your shield. A Perfect Guard at the right time allows a quick and powerful Counter Slash with Triangle/Y.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	An easily performed attack to quickly close the distance to your target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use certain 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, follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B).

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For players aiming to maximize damage while staying agile, mastering these key combos is essential.

Lateral Slash Combo

Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), then transition into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and finish with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers significant damage quickly and keeps you mobile.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving forward on the analog stick and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B inputs, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, often leading to a knockdown after a few repetitions.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush, should be your go-to strategy. Begin with any attack, then Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), into Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and end with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the hunter to flash red before executing each move to maximize damage.

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

To use the Sword and Shield effectively, consider these tips:

Vary Your Attacks

Utilize both fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to inflict stun damage, especially when opportunities arise to topple your enemy.

Dodging and Guarding

Master the art of Perfect Guards and Backsteps to minimize damage and set up counterattacks. Timing is key to executing these moves effectively, allowing you to control the battle's flow.

Focus Strikes

Exploit monster wounds with Focus Strikes, followed by either Falling Slash for additional hits or Upswing Bash to increase stun damage, which can then be chained into Falling Bash.

Item Usage

Take advantage of the Sword and Shield's unique ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick healing or supporting allies, keeping the pressure on your target.

That's everything you need to know about mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*