Monster Hunter WildsSword and Shield Guide

The Sword and Shield is a swift melee weapon boasting agile attacks and a shield to guard and attack with. 

This weapon excels at maneuverability and adaptability. Items can be used while it is drawn, allowing for quick recovery and getting back into action. 

Its straightforward moveset makes it the jack of all trades among weapons, and the star choice for beginners to the series.

Like the Hunting Horn, S&S can also shine as a support build in party play. This utilizes skills to share your consumables with allies, spreading your utility across the entire party.

For more details on every weapon, you can check out our Full Weapon Breakdown to see what might fit your playstyle best.

This article was written by @dxvis.

Strengths

• The Sword and Shield features a versatile set of rapid moves. While easy to learn, it also offers deep skill expression. It can also use items while unsheathed.
• It has both slicing damage with the Sword and Blunt attacks with the Shield, so severing monster parts and stunning monsters is possible. 
• It is possible to block attacks and trigger a Power Clash with this weapon.

Weaknesses

• It has a shorter-than-average range.
• Hunters need to adapt to a hit-and-run playstyle, positioning themselves well and using all of the weapon’s moves to be useful.
• Its shield is not as potent as other weapons, and blocking stronger attacks can send the Hunter reeling or prove impossible altogether.

The Sword and Shield has received two main additions in Wilds:

• A new move, the Charged Chop, which excels at hitting weak spots.
• Many moves now allow Hunters to move in any direction while performing them.
• The Backstep and Sliding Swipe have better mobility.

In short, the SnS offers a more fluid and agile move set than ever before.

Check the “Moveset Highlights” section for more details.

The Sword and Shield has various simple attacks that can be chained seamlessly into one another.

Triangle (△) attacks allow movement while slashing, whereas circle (◯) attacks slash quicker but do not allow movement. Use each one according to the situation.

While pressing (R2), you will guard, blocking incoming attacks from the front. While guarding, you can press (◻) to use items while the weapon is drawn.

The Sword and Shield also features more advanced moves, listed below.

Shield Attack (Left Joystick forward + ◯)

This move uses the shield to bash and can stun monsters if hit on the head. Look to incorporate it in between attacks.

Sliding Swipe (R2 + △)

By pressing (△) while blocking (R2), the Hunter will slide a fair distance as they slash. The direction can be controlled by moving the Left Joystick. 

The Sliding Swipe is great for quickly repositioning around a monster.

Backstep (Left Joystick backward + ◯)

As the Sword and Shield’s blocking capabilities are not as strong as other weapons, using the Backstep to dodge out of the way is often a better idea.

The Backstep has a forgiving invulnerability window. It can be chained into a Leaping Slash (△), a Charged Slash (Hold ◯), or an Advancing Slash (Release ◯).

A Backstep can be performed after other attacks or if aiming with Focus Mode (L2)

Charged Chop (After an attack, hold △ + ◯)

This new move excels at hitting exposed weak points on monsters. If it connects with a soft spot (indicated by orange damage numbers), it will perform a powerful slicing attack.

The Charged Shop can only happen as a follow-up to another move.

Perfect Rush (After a Backstep, △ → △ → △ → △)

This is a powerful chain of onslaught attacks. It can be started by pressing (△) after a Backstep into Leaping Slash (Left Joystick backward + ◯ → △).

To achieve maximum damage output, briefly hold down (△) each time and release when the Hunter glows red.

This move is best used when there is a large opening to attack, such as when the monster is down or focused on another target. It is possible to change directions mid-combo by holding the Left Joystick in the desired direction.

Perfect Guards (R2 as an attack hits)

Pressing (R2) just as an incoming attack hits will perform a Perfect Guard. This will cost less stamina than regular guarding, and significantly reduce the knockback, allowing you to strike back with different moves. Most notably, a Shield Attack (Left Joystick forward + ◯)  and the Counter Slash (△).

Focus Strike: Vital Stab (L2 + R1)

The Sword and Shield’s unique Focus Strike will have you latch onto a monster, but only if hitting an active wound. You can press either (△) or (◯) to perform two different moves in this state.

Pressing (△) will perform a Falling Slash, using your sword to attack as you fall from the monster’s side, dealing slashing damage.

Alternatively, pressing (◯) will perform an Upswinging Bash with your shield, launching you into the air before crashing down again. This will inflict Blunt damage, making it excellent for targeting a monster’s head and triggering a K.O.

Many of the Sword and Shield’s moves can flow into one another, allowing for natural combos in hunts. While hunters won’t need to remember many specific combo inputs, those most useful are shown below.

Standard Slashing Combo (△ → △ → △ Indefinitely )

This basic combo allows for great maneuverability, as it is possible to move while attacking. Use it when you want to reposition while slashing.

Quick Slashing Combo (◯ → ◯ → ◯ Indefinitely)

This combo is quicker than the (△) combo but keeps the Hunter in place while slashing. Use it to dish out some quick damage when repositioning is not needed.

Shield Bash Combo (With Left joystick forward, ◯ → ◯ → ◯)

This combo of three shield strikes can stun monsters if hit on the head, making it a great option if it is possible to target a monster’s head.

Perfect Rush Combo ( L2 + Left Joystick backward + ◯ → △ → △ → △ → △)

The Sword and Shield’s highest damage combo. Since it requires a Backstep to be initiated, Hunters must first perform another move or go into Focus Mode (L2).

Remember to briefly hold down (△) each time and release when the Hunter glows red for maximum damage.

Unleashing the full Perfect Rush combo is difficult unless the monster is downed.

Depending on your Sword and Shield build, here are the sort of skills you'll often see SNS players using.

From the official Monster Hunter channel: