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

Author : Aiden Mar 17,2025

Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, involves trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat. This guide explores how to maximize its offensive and defensive capabilities.

Recommended Videos Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is a reliable weapon for both novice and experienced hunters. Its blend of mobility, damage output, and defensive guarding makes it effective in diverse combat situations.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YStandard AttackA four-hit combo basic sword attack. Adjust positioning mid-combo using the analog stick.
Circle/BSpecial AttackPerform a Shield Attack (using the analog stick) for stun damage, or a powerful Lateral Slash (pressing Circle/B).
Triangle/Y + Circle/BAdvancing SlashAn upward slash while moving forward. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when used while sliding downhill or near ledges.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)RoundslashA wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Chaining it from certain attacks leads to the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)Charged ChopA powerful leaping attack. Multiple hits are possible against a monster's weak points. Power increases after specific 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. Perform Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack inflicting elemental damage and ailments) by pressing Triangle/Y during the Backstep. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During BackstepCharged SlashA high jump is possible after a Charged Slash following a Backstep. Perform aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne.
Hold down R2/RTGuardGuard against attacks. Perfect Guards, followed by a Counter Slash (Triangle/Y), deal significant damage.
R2/RT + Triangle/YSliding SwipeA quick attack for closing distance.
R2/RT + Square/XUse ItemUse items while your weapon is drawn.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Strike: Vital StabEffective against wounds. Follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B), which can chain into Falling Bash.

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds 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 combo delivers significant damage without extended lock-in time.

Shield Bash Combo

This combo is ideal for knocking down monsters: Shield Attack (forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, culminating in a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Target the monster's head for optimal effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most powerful combo: Initiate 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 hunter's red flash) significantly boosts 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 (inflicting stun damage) for efficient monster takedowns.

Dodging and Guarding

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

Focus Strikes

Exploit monster wounds with Focus Strikes, followed by either Falling Slash or Upswing Bash (chainable into Falling Bash) for increased damage or stun.

Item Usage

Use items while your weapon is drawn to maintain pressure and support allies quickly.

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.