Mastering Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos
In the dynamic world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, finding the right balance is key, especially when it comes to your choice of weaponry. The Sword and Shield stands out as a versatile tool that seamlessly blends offense and defense, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned hunters. Here's a comprehensive guide to mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Sword and Shield is not just a weapon; it's a lifeline in the heat of battle. Its ability to quickly switch between attacking and defending makes it an ideal choice for any scenario. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or a veteran looking to adapt to new challenges, the Sword and Shield's mobility and damage potential are unmatched.
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 positioning. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B to perform a Shield Attack that deals stun damage. Press Circle/B to perform a powerful Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash performed while advancing forward. Using Advancing Slash while sliding downhill or towards a ledge will allow a terrain-specific attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | An attack that slashes a wide area, during which you can quickly change your direction. Chaining it from certain attacks will result in the powerful Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Hitting the soft spot in a monster’s hide will allow you to deal multiple instances of damage. The power of the attack increases if used after certain attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Use the shield to bash into enemies and deal stun damage when targeting the enemy’s head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Backstep can be used during combos to avoid monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep to perform Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can easily afflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | Landing a Charged Slash after a Backstep allows players to jump high in the air. While airborne, you can follow up with different aerial attacks such as Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or a Falling Bash (Circle/B). |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks using your shield. Guarding at the right time will result in a Perfect Guard. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard to perform a quick and powerful Counter Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | An attack that can be performed easily, allowing you to quickly close the distance between you and the target. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | You can use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting the wounds or a weak point, press Triangle/Y to follow up with a Falling Slash, or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash. |
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
For players aiming to maximize damage while maintaining agility, here are the essential combos to master:
Lateral Slash Combo
Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), then into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and finish with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers substantial damage without locking you into a long animation, allowing for quick repositioning.
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 with a few repetitions.
Perfect Rush Combo
The Perfect Rush combo is the Sword and Shield's most potent sequence. Begin with any attack, then execute a Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by a Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y) into Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), a Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and finish with a Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the hunter to flash red before each move to maximize damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds
Sword and Shield Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Vary Your Attacks
To efficiently take down monsters, utilize the Sword and Shield's versatility. Fast sword attacks build up elemental damage, while well-timed shield attacks can stun the enemy, providing an opening for more damage.
Dodging and Guarding
Mastering defense is crucial. Use Guarding and Backstep to avoid damage. Perfect Guards, when timed correctly, can negate attacks entirely, while Power Clashes can push monsters back. Backstep not only evades attacks but also sets up a swift counterattack. Practice your timing and spacing to turn defense into an offensive advantage.
Focus Strikes
As you inflict wounds on monsters, employ Focus Strikes to capitalize on these vulnerabilities. The Sword and Shield allows for two follow-up attacks: Falling Slash for multiple hits or Upswing Bash, which can be chained into Falling Bash for increased stun damage.
Item Usage
A unique feature for Sword and Shield users in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This can be a game-changer, allowing you to heal, buff, or support your team swiftly, keeping the pressure on the monster.
That’s all you need to know about mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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