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

by Elijah Mar 15,2025

Mastering the art of balance is crucial in Monster Hunter Wilds, where every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, involves strategic trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility in combat, seamlessly blending offense and defense. This guide explores how to maximize its potential.

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The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters. Its agility, damage output, and defensive capabilities make it effective in diverse combat scenarios. Whether you need to escape a perilous situation or launch a swift attack, this weapon is your dependable ally.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack forming a four-hit combo. Adjust your position mid-combo using the analog stick.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack (stun damage). Press Circle/B for a powerful Lateral Slash.
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 specific attacks unleashes the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's weak point delivers multiple instances of damage. Power increases after certain attacks.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Bash enemies with your shield, dealing stun damage when targeting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Avoid monster attacks during combos. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush (a multi-hit attack easily inflicting 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 allows high jumps. Perform aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne.
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks. A perfectly timed guard results in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	Easily performed attack for quickly closing the distance to your target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use items while your weapon is drawn.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	Effective stabbing attack against wounds. After hitting a wound or weak point, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For evasive yet powerful combat, master these key combos:

Lateral Slash Combo

The Lateral Slash combo (Circle/B, Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B)) sets up devastating follow-ups: Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This quick combo delivers significant damage without prolonged vulnerability.

Shield Bash Combo

Knock down targets with the Shield Attack combo: Forward analog stick + Circle/B (repeated twice), followed by a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Aim for the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

The Perfect Rush combo is arguably the most powerful. Begin with any attack, then use Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by 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 (indicated by a red flash) maximizes damage.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Combine blade and shield with swift movements for optimal results:

Vary Your Attacks

Use a mix of fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) and shield attacks (inflicting stun damage) to efficiently weaken monsters.

Dodging and Guarding

Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Power Clashes to repel monsters. Backstep allows for evasion and immediate counterattacks.

Focus Strikes

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