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Balancing your gear in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be challenging, given the trade-offs with armor and Talismans. Yet, the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile weapon that blends offense and defense seamlessly. Here’s how you can maximize the effectiveness of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield is the epitome of versatility in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. It's perfect for both newcomers and seasoned hunters, offering the agility to dodge, the power to attack, and the shield to protect. Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for any combat situation.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Use the analog stick during the combo to adjust your positioning. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack that deals stun damage. Press Circle/B alone for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash while moving forward. Use it sliding downhill or towards a ledge for a terrain-specific attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash allowing quick direction 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 that can deal multiple hits if aimed at a monster's soft spot. The attack's power increases when used after certain moves. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Use the shield to bash into enemies, dealing stun damage, especially when targeting the 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 the multi-hit Perfect Rush, which can inflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | A Charged Slash after a Backstep lets you jump high. Follow up in the air with a Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or a Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks with your shield. A Perfect Guard at the right time allows a quick and powerful Counter Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An attack to quickly close the gap between you and your target. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use certain items without sheathing your weapon. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | A stabbing attack effective against wounds. Follow up with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B) after hitting wounds or weak points. |
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
For players aiming to maximize damage while staying agile, here are essential Sword and Shield combos to master:
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), follow with Return Stroke (Circle/B), then Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), leading into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and finish with Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers high damage quickly without extended commitment.
Shield Bash Combo
To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving the analog stick forward and pressing Circle/B, then two more Circle/B presses, ending with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This combo is most effective when targeting a monster's head, often knocking it down after a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush combo, should be your go-to. 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 conclude with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the red flash to maximize damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Sword and Shield Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Leverage the Sword and Shield's unique blend of offense and defense with these tips:
Vary Your Attacks
To swiftly bring down monsters, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks for stun damage. This variety can expedite the process of toppling your enemy.
Dodging and Guarding
Master the art of defense with Guarding and Backstep. Perfect Guards, timed correctly, can negate damage and allow for powerful counterattacks. Backstep not only avoids harm but sets you up for immediate counterstrikes. Practice the timing and spacing to turn monster attacks against them.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict more wounds, utilize Focus Strikes to maximize damage. The Sword and Shield allows follow-up attacks like Falling Slash for multiple hits or Upswing Bash, which can lead into Falling Bash for increased stun damage.
Item Usage
A unique advantage for Sword and Shield users is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature is invaluable for quick healing or supporting allies, ensuring you maintain pressure on your target.
These insights cover everything you need to know about using the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, keep exploring The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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