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In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, finding the perfect balance between offense and defense is crucial, and the Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile choice for both beginners and seasoned hunters. This weapon excels in providing both damage and protection, making it an ideal tool for mastering the game's challenging combat scenarios.
Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield's versatility makes it an excellent choice for hunters of all levels. Its ability to seamlessly transition between attacking and defending, combined with its mobility, positions it as a reliable weapon for any situation you might encounter in the wilds.
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 mid-combo to adjust your position. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B to perform a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B alone for a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash while moving forward. Performing this move while sliding downhill or towards a ledge activates a terrain-specific attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Chain it from specific attacks to unleash the potent 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 | Use the shield to bash into enemies, targeting their head to deal stun damage. |
| 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 effective against elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | After Backstep, a Charged Slash lets you jump high. In the air, follow up with Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks with your shield. Time it right for a Perfect Guard. Follow up with Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a quick, powerful Counter Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An easy-to-execute attack that quickly closes 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, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos
For those aiming to maximize damage while staying agile, mastering these key Sword and Shield 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 the analog stick forward 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 Perfect Rush combo is the most potent in the Sword and Shield arsenal. 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 key; watch for the red flash on your hunter to maximize damage.
Sword and Shield Tips
Leverage the Sword and Shield's unique capabilities to enhance your combat effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Vary Your Attacks
To quickly take down monsters, mix fast sword attacks to build elemental damage with shield attacks to inflict stun damage, especially when opportunities arise.
Dodging and Guarding
When defense is paramount, utilize Guarding and Backstep. Mastering Perfect Guards can negate incoming damage, while Power Clashes can push monsters back. Backstep not only evades attacks but also sets up counterattacks. Practice timing and spacing to turn defensive moves into offensive opportunities.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict more wounds on monsters, use Focus Strike to capitalize on these vulnerabilities. With the Sword and Shield, you can follow up with either a Falling Slash for additional hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash to increase stun damage.
Item Usage
A unique advantage of the Sword and Shield is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick healing or supporting allies, keeping the pressure on monsters without interruption.
Mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly enhance your gameplay. For more tips and strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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