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Monster Hunter Wildshas all the fan-favorite weapons making their way back into the game. Weapons in the series are handled differently by each player. There is one for everyone, but not every weapon will be the right fit for you. But one weapon that is generally very easy to grasp and hunt with is the Sword and Shield. There are basic and advanced combos, and strong defensive options, and the weapon is generally the easiest to learn and master.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Great Sword Guide
This weapon may be slow, but it packs a punch.
Sword and Shield Moves
This weapon allows you to block a monster’s attacks and be safer than that of most other weapon options while on hunts.
Basic Attack Controls
PlayStation 5
Left Click
Lateral Slash
Right Click
Guard (Hold)
Guard Slash
R2 + Circle
R + Right Click
Sliding Swipe
R2 + Triangle
R + Left Click
Shield Attack (Hold direction + button)
Special Attack Controls
Charged Chop (Hold)
Triangle + Circle
Left Click + Right Click
Backstep (Thumbstick/WASD Directions + Button)
Advancing Slash (Hold and release after using Backstep)
Plunging Thrust (Available after using Advancing Slash)
Left + Right Click
Jumping Slash (Available after using Advancing Slash)
Falling Bash (Available after using Advancing Slash)
Practice the Basic Combos
Sword and Shield is a beginner-friendly weapon that allows you to figure out a playstyle for hunting monsters.
One of the best parts of the Sword and Shield is that it is a fantastic beginner weapon that teaches you how to hunt monsters. What it lacks in damage it makes up for in unique moves and defensive options to stay alive. The training area unlocks early into your adventure in Monster Hunter Wilds and you’re able to learn a lot about how your weapons work in this spot in particular. Some of the basic combos for this weapon are just combining your Chop and Lateral Slash moves and then using Guard to block an incoming attack.
Use the Focus feature to aim in the monster’s direction and keep dealing damage, but this is where you’ll learn how to add more to your damage output. Some attacks, like the Backstep, can be done without using Focus Mode but are mechanically easier while aiming at the monster. You’ll be able to perform this attack reliably and regularly when aiming directly at your targets until you have the timing and motion of it down. While Backstep isn’t the most useful tool for the Sword and Shield kit, it’s still a valuable attack for extra damage on a stunned or trapped monster.
Balance Offense and Defense
Know when to block incoming attacks and when to go for all-out offense.
When using the Sword and Shield, it may be tempting to block more often than you should. If you perfectly block an attack, you’ll be given another window to throw out some damage at the monster. This will give you some incentive to learn monster attack timing, but some attacks will be ones you may want to dodge instead to avoid any residual damage or stuns that might linger while you’re in the same spot blocking attacks. What the shield also does well is stunning monsters with well-placed bashes against them. You can’t do much damage with a shield bash attack, but when hitting a monster on it’s head, they can be briefly stunned to open them up for a flurry of attacks.
The Sword and Shield weapon is balanced in attack and defense, meaning that you may perform follow-up attacks with enough patience as well. Going in for the Plunging Thrust attack, then the monster is stunned or in a slower phase is always a good way to get some extra damage. This is done by performing a Backstep attack, which is easily done while using the Focus Mode and looking at the monster. After performing a Backstep, you’ll have the option to hold down the Circle/B buttons and wait for the weapon to flash red. Once the weapon has been charged, you can go in for the attack and your hunter will jump into the air. Here is where you’ll have a few choices on attacks and the Plunging Thrust will always be a good option when a monster just won’t go down.
When considering a weapon to use in Monster Hunter Wilds, you’ll want to choose something that will mesh well with your playstyle. The Sword and Shield is a fantastic choice to start with, especially if you are a newer player to the series. It is easy to learn, quick to master, and has the potential for you to feel like an awesome hunter when you understand its moveset. If you choose this weapon, make sure to know when to block or dodge depending on the monster and their attacks, and always try to balance being heavy with your attacks or backing off to defend yourself.
Where to Find Sleep Herbs in Monster Hunter Wilds
Putting monsters to sleep is needed for capture, but crafting them does require a bit of adventure.
Monster Hunter Wilds
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
