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, involves trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat. This guide explores how to maximize its offensive and defensive capabilities.
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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
| 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 | Perform a Shield Attack (using the analog stick) for stun damage, or a powerful Lateral Slash (pressing Circle/B). |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash while moving forward. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when used while sliding downhill or near ledges. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A 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 Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Multiple hits are possible against a monster's weak points. Power increases after specific 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. 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 Backstep | Charged Slash | A 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/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks. Perfect Guards, followed by a Counter Slash (Triangle/Y), deal significant damage. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | A quick attack for closing distance. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use items while your weapon is drawn. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | Effective against wounds. Follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B), which can chain into Falling Bash. |
Combos

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

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.