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

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

Author : Lillian Update : Mar 21,2025

Mastering the art of balance is crucial in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, where every piece of equipment, from armor to Talismans, presents its own unique trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield stands out as a remarkably versatile weapon, offering a compelling blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to fully harness the Sword and Shield's potential in your hunts.

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The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters alike. Its exceptional mobility, damage output, and robust guard capabilities make it effective in virtually any hunting scenario. Whether you need to escape a perilous situation or launch a swift attack, this weapon has you covered.

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	Utilize the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack, inflicting stun damage. Pressing Circle/B alone executes a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while moving forward. Combine this with downhill slides or ledges for unique terrain-based attacks.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash allowing for quick directional changes. Specific combo chains unlock the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Targeting a monster's weak points maximizes damage output, with increased power 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	Evade monster attacks during combos. A Perfect Rush (multi-hit attack inflicting elemental damage and ailments) follows a Triangle/Y press during the Backstep. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	A Charged Slash after a Backstep allows for a high jump, enabling aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks. Perfect Guards, timed correctly, enable a powerful Counter Slash (Triangle/Y).
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	A quick attack for closing distance with the target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use items while your weapon is drawn.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. Follow up with a Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B) after hitting a wound or weak point.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For hunters prioritizing both damage and evasion, mastering these combos is key.

Lateral Slash Combo

This combo, starting with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), builds into devastating attacks. The sequence: Lateral Slash (Circle/B), Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and finally, Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). Its speed and power make it an excellent choice for consistent damage.

Shield Bash Combo

Ideal for stunning targets, this combo focuses on Shield Attacks. Begin with a Shield Attack (Forward analog stick + Circle/B), followed by two more Circle/B presses, culminating in 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 finally Falling Bash (Circle/B). Precise timing during Backstep, Leaping Slash, and Perfect Rush (watch for the red flash) significantly increases damage output.

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

Maximize your Sword and Shield's effectiveness with these strategic tips.

Vary Your Attacks

Combine rapid sword attacks to build elemental damage with strategic shield bashes to inflict stun. This versatile approach accelerates the hunt.

Dodging and Guarding

Master the art of Perfect Guarding to negate damage and utilize Power Clashes to knock back monsters. Backstepping provides evasion and sets up immediate counterattacks.

Focus Strikes

Exploit Focus Strikes to capitalize on inflicted wounds. The Sword and Shield allows for follow-up attacks: Falling Slash for additional hits or Upswing Bash (chainable into Falling Bash) for increased stun.

Item Usage

Utilize the ability to use items with your weapon drawn to maintain pressure and quickly heal or support allies.

This comprehensive guide covers the essentials of Sword and Shield combat in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more helpful game guides, explore The Escapist.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*