Monster Hunter Rise Sword & Shield: Guide & Combos
A true knight doesn't leave home without a sword and shield - and neither should you when you go hunting in Monster Hunter Rise. This guide explains:
- Why sword and shield are ideal for beginners
- What attacks you can perform with them
- What the two silk binder attacks look like
You are still missing the overview of all weapons in Monster Hunter Rise? No problem: In our weapon guide we have listed them all briefly and crisply.
Monster Hunter Rise: Advantages and disadvantages of sword and shield
The combination of sword and shield is ideal for beginners to get a feel for the game mechanics. Although you don't do a lot of damage with it, you can block attacks and hit back with the shield. Speed is of the utmost importance with this weapon.
However, this also means that you might have trouble taking down large monsters on your own. Either you're already well practiced or you'll get help from other players.
How to control your sword and shield
First of all, here are the basics that you should master in Monster Hunter Rise if you decide to fight with sword and shield. We'll explain some of the key combinations in more detail after the table.
| Key | Action |
| X | Hack |
| A | Crosscut |
| Left joystick A | Shield attack |
| X A | Progressive blow |
| ZR X | Uppercut |
| ZR | Block |
| Left joystick backward A (for combos) | Back away |
| Press A while flinching | Charged blow |
| ZR Y | Use object |
Progressive Slash: Should you be on uneven terrain, the attack will adjust to the surrounding terrain.
Use Object: If you are currently holding a sword and shield, you can still use objects with this key combination and don't have to put the weapons away first.
Perfect rush: If you have performed a combo and then press the left joystick backwards and A at the same time so that you retreat, press X again directly to perform a perfect rush. With the right timing you will do more damage. So for example: Left joystick forward A (shield attack) > A (crosscut) > Left joystick backward A (retreat) > X (perfect onslaught).
Using combos and increasing damage
There are four important combos that you should master when playing with sword and shield in Monster Hunter Rise. Compared to other weapons, these combos are a bit easier to learn. We'll start off with a simple combo:
Chop (X) > Side Chop (X) > Cross Chop (A) > Return Attack (A)
Would you like a little more? A powerful combo is made up of the following keys. Press them in quick succession:
Cross Slash (A) > Return Attack (A) > Spinning Up Slash (A) > Spinning Reaper (X A)
A combo that you can even use to stun a monster goes like this:
Shield Attack (Left Joystick A) > Shield Strike (A) > Hard Strike (A)
Finally, with a little practice, you can try your hand at the Charged Slash combo:
Chop (X) > Charged Chop (Hold left joystick backward A) > Rushing Up Chop (automatic)
After that, you have two choices of which final blow to perform:
- Jumping blow (X)
- Falling blow (A)
New in Monster Hunter Rise: Silk Binder Attacks
Are you ready to get to grips with the two Silk Binder attacks? They're a new addition to Monster Hunter Rise, and of course they exist when playing with sword and shield.
The main attacks
Falling Shadow: Silkbinder attack that you activate by pressing ZL X. You will jump forward. If you hit the monster with it, the jump turns into a Rushing Up Slash, which you can follow up with a Falling Slash. (See the Charged Slash combo from the previous section for this)
Windmill: Silkbinder attack, which you activate with ZL A. Your sword will be tied to some iron silk and you'll swing it around vigorously. During the first swing, you'll fend off a monster attack.
Memorize the silk binder attacks well 
Sword and shield switching skills
Even if you're playing with sword and shield, you can switch out a Silkbinder attack. As an alternative to the windmill, you can use the Metsu Shoryugeki attack. This involves jumping towards the monster and delivering an upward blow with your shield. Timed correctly, you can also block for a short time, causing additional damage to the enemy.
More monstrous guides at GameZ:
- Monster Hunter Rise controls: list of all buttons & functions
- Monster Hunter Rise: All monsters in a list
- Monster Hunter Rise longsword: Guide, combos, controls
Visit us on Facebook and Instagram to discuss your favorite games.