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

by Harper Mar 18,2025

Mastering *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a keen understanding of balance, as every weapon, armor piece, and Talisman presents its own set of trade-offs. However, the Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility, seamlessly blending offense and defense. This guide explores how to maximize its potential in combat.

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The Sword and Shield is a reliable choice for both novice and veteran hunters. Its blend of mobility, damage output, and defensive capabilities makes it effective in diverse situations. Whether you need to escape danger or launch a swift attack, this weapon delivers.

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 approaching a ledge.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash allowing quick directional changes. Chaining it from specific attacks unlocks the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's weak point deals 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 for a high jump. Follow up with aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
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	A quick attack for closing distance.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use 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

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For elusive yet powerful attacks, master these key combos:

Lateral Slash Combo

Begin with Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and finally Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers significant damage without lengthy commitment.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down targets, use the Shield Attack combo: point the analog stick forward and press Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B presses, concluding with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). Aim for the monster's head for maximum effectiveness.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most powerful combo: Start with any attack, then use Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and Falling Bash (Circle/B). Precise timing maximizes damage; watch for the hunter's red flash before each subsequent command.

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

Enhance your Sword and Shield proficiency with these strategies:

Vary Your Attacks

Combine fast sword attacks (building elemental damage) with shield attacks (for stun damage) to accelerate monster takedowns.

Dodging and Guarding

Master Perfect Guards to negate damage and utilize Power Clashes to knock back monsters. Backstep provides both evasion and counterattack setup.

Focus Strikes

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