In Monster Hunter Wilds, you’ll find a diverse range of 14 unique weapons at your disposal, each offering distinct gameplay experiences. Whether you prefer to engage the monsters from afar using ranged options, or delve into the intricacies of more visually striking weapons such as the Switch Axe, this game offers an extensive array of playstyles to explore.
If you’ve arrived, you may find the unassuming Sword and Shield appealing. It’s a versatile, beginner-friendly tool that’s not overly friendly to monsters. Contrary to first impressions, it offers more depth than you might suppose.
To find the particular controls for using a Sword and Shield on your device, navigate to Settings, then Info, followed by Play Guide, Weapon Controls, and finally Hammer.
Sword And Shield Overview
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The key to mastering the Sword and Shield lies in their versatility. An adept user can swiftly maneuver around monsters, discern when it’s best to avoid them, and unleash rapid, agile assaults.
This weapon’s fundamental attacks are swift, albeit with a somewhat limited range. The attacks respond rapidly to any movement commands, allowing you to remain quite nimble during an attack. In fact, you can launch an attack even while dodging certain monster attacks, given your timing is precise.
As thrilling as this new skillset is, it’s crucial to remember to keep a close eye on my movements during a combo, since I might unintentionally step out of reach due to hesitation or an instinctive urge to keep my distance from the towering menace looming ahead.
Blunt Attacks
A significant feature of the Sword and Shield is its capacity to deal both slashing and impact damage. When you press the Circle/B button while moving, your character will use their shield instead of their sword for an attack. These shield strikes are responsible for the blunt force that, if it repeatedly hits a monster’s head, can eventually lead to a stagger.
Mastering the art of incorporating shield bashes into your combos when you can safely strike your opponent’s head area will significantly boost your effectiveness in monster hunting.
Item Use
As a devoted enthusiast, one aspect that truly sets this weapon apart is the convenience of being able to access and utilize items without the need to sheathe my weapon first. This means I can swiftly apply Potions, Antidotes, or even sharpen my blade using the Whetstone, all while keeping my weapon drawn for immediate action. What a game-changer!
Initially, you should press and hold the R2/RT key to lift your shield. After that, use the designated button for items to activate it. Keep in mind that using the item-use button in different circumstances will only result in sheathing your weapon as usual.
Defending
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While wielding this weapon, keeping R2/RT pressed will cause your hunter to assume a protective stance, raising their shield. This posture allows for somewhat limited movement but offers a safer fighting position. The primary function of this technique, however, is to minimize the damage received from incoming attacks by acting as a defensive barrier.
It’s worth mentioning that the protection offered by this weapon isn’t comparable to the heavy, bulky shields often associated with other weapons – you shouldn’t rely on it for defending against powerful enemy assaults. Instead, use it effectively against lighter attacks, like the light jabs of a Rompopolo.
Sword And Shield Combos And Tips
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Mastering your Sword and Shield play doesn’t have to be challenging; there are numerous strategies that can significantly enhance your game. These techniques are versatile enough to pull off some impressive maneuvers.
Charged Attacks
The Sword and Shield boasts two powerful moves, but they need time to build up energy before they can be unleashed at maximum potency.
Perform a “Charged Chop” by simultaneously pressing and holding down Triangle/Y and Circle/B buttons, but note that it can only be used as a follow-up attack (meaning you cannot start a combo with this move). Your character will crouch for a moment before jumping forward and executing an attack.
As a dedicated fan, I can tell you that the Charged Chop is an exceptional move for dishing out massive damage to a specific spot. It’s fantastic for causing injuries or severing tails, and That means you don’t always need a large gap in a monster’s attack patterns to pull it off.
In simpler terms, the second offensive move is called “Charged Slash.” To perform this action, first, ensure you’re targeting an enemy and holding the directional button backward. Then, execute a shield bash by pressing the appropriate button (Circle or B). After that, hold the same button to charge up for a while before jumping forward and executing the attack.
Should the leaping assault successfully connect with an adversary, you’ll be propelled upward from it, opening up the opportunity for you to execute either of two aerial maneuvers: one involving a swift sword strike, and another utilizing a protective shield bash.
By tapping the Triangle/Y key while guarding and moving in a specific direction, you can execute what’s known as a “Sliding Swipe” maneuver. If you slide into a wall or ledge, your character will be sent airborne. Utilize this technique strategically for positioning and delivering aerial attacks during combat!
Additionally, keep in mind that unexpectedly soaring into the air might leave you feeling confused, so it’s advisable to master this skill at the Training Ground prior to utilizing it during an actual mission.
Executing the Charged Slash requires a little extra room and coordination, but it’s an incredible maneuver for dealing damage to a fallen foe or even trying to ride them.
Elements And Status Effects
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While not all weapons have the ability to align with elemental affinities or inflict status ailments, the Sword and Shield stand out as exceptional choices. This is primarily because they excel at delivering an impressive volume of attacks in a relatively short span, and this trait is particularly noticeable when it comes to inflicting status ailments on enemies.
If you’re committed to using Sword and Shield exclusively, a smart approach is to carry two distinct Swords and Shields as your main and backup weapons. By doing so, you can equip two different elements, two status effects, or a combination of an element and a powerful non-elemental option. This setup offers you fantastic flexibility without the need to master multiple weapon types!
Focus Strike
This weapon’s Focus Strike, used for inflicting severe damage on monsters by targeting their wounds, demonstrates surprising versatility. The initial thrust into a wound (achieved by aiming with L2/LT and then pressing R1/RB) secures your hunter to the monster.
After performing the Focus Strike, you can proceed with an impactful Triangle/Y slash attack that inflicts significant damage, or opt for a Circle/B bludgeoning attack that sends the hunter flying and sets up an opportunity for another strike.
Mastering the right moment for each type of these attacks significantly enhances your gaming experience with this weapon. However, we’ve observed that using the slicing attack variations seldom has any disadvantages.
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2025-03-02 18:37