The MOST FUN weapon! UPDATED Sword and Shield Guide | Monster Hunter World 2023

An overview and guide of the OG weapon the Sword and Shield for Monster Hunter World! Monster Hunter World is extremely popping right now in terms of player base and I felt we needed a more recent guide and general look at my favorite weapon! This weapon is AWESOME. Give it a try already!

[@hornien4054]

The Sword and Shield Cult is here!

[@jarredwilliams7948]

Just glad to see people still making content for this game, good stuff!

[@DearGamerTV]

Thanks for the guide, starting this today.

[@TeraRyza]

You need one of my guides?! I'm honored. Love your channel bro 💚

[@suddenlysarablog]

Absolutely stellar showcase of S&S capabilities! As a chronic weapon-switcher myself, I might just give this a try!

[@sansdreemur2024]

I just picked up sword and shield for my 3rd MHW playthrough, and I HAVE BEEN SLEEPING ON IT. Its so fun!

[@TeraRyza]

Definitely a sleeper weapon!!

[@KN_Dingowarrior]

Thanks for the 2 tips that I found useful. The Roll out of a perfect 2 combo rush is something I going to try and practice. But the SLINGER BURST! I didn't even know that was a thing. It's ridiculous! Especially with Dragon Pods I noticed.

[@darkcust4478]

started a second file on world with the challenge to complete at least 1 hunt of every monster completetly alone, as a way to improve and challenge myself, i intend to fight alone even alatreon and fatalis (the latter i haven't even defeated in my main file yet) and wanted to do so while learning 1 weapon from beggining to end and see how much i could learn and improve from 0 with a new weapon and if i could hunt every monster by myself that way, i'm on legiana so far (started 2 days ago) and let me tell you, SnS are being FUN AS FUCK so far

[@TeraRyza]

Glad to hear you like it so much. Sword and Shield is super fun and is super underrated imo

[@mymail2881]

About to do the same since my main file was a messy blend of Bow, GS, Hammer, Lance and Switch Axe. Second file will only be SnS and ill solo all except for sieges. Good luck!!

[@_Tzer]

the hardest one i'd argue would be safi not because of skill but because you need to set away an entire afternoon for that thing solo.

[@montelhelem8707]

​@@_Tzerthe time limit doesn't make it any better too fr fr lol that battle takes some serious planning 😭

[@_Tzer]

@@montelhelem8707 for solo yeah otherwise it's in and out 30 minute adventure if enough people are running it.

[@McRib29800]

I remember using sword and shield in generations for the first time and fell in love with it, it’s quick and can do literally everything!

[@Jin-vt8nz]

Only gripe I have with the weapon is how the blade clips into the shield when sheathed.

[@BorrasitoTakaTaka]

That and the fact that you are using a sword and shield left handed, which is annoying to me :(

[@squirrelkingcometh]

@@BorrasitoTakaTaka oooh this was driving me up the wall learning it last night.

[@slimetank394]

@@BorrasitoTakaTaka that's the same thing for any weapon with shield tho?

[@michaelellis7305]

Two things you forgot to mention that elevates this weapon even higher as the best weapon(in my opinion). 1. The Shield Bash combo actually has inbuilt Minds Eye AND uses up no sharpness. The Perfect Rush also has inbuilt Minds Eye. This makes SnS one of the only weapons to be able to attack any monster anywhere without needing high sharpness or skills. Like Barroths head, for example/ 2. You can go straight into a Backstep from a Guard by pressing Down+O. Which gives you much better control over timing as you don't have to attack or slinger burst first. It's my favourite thing to do to avoid Roars as by the time they are done you are nearly done with the Perfect Rush.

[@TheDalisama]

Adding to the backstep, if you can do it from a roll too. A roll is slightly faster than an advancing slash, so you might be able to get a PR or charge hit where you wouldn't have time otherwise. The main reason this is important is waking and initial hits. If you press RT right before you roll, you'll start the block and imediately roll. From the view of the player it looks like your hunter rolls and unsheathes while rolling.

[@jrabzkie]

I'm SOLD! I've been looking to try another weapon now to use instead of the LS

[@MohanSupportsYou]

This ended up being what I needed to begin pulling off Perfect Rush more consistently. For some reason, other videos weren't doing it for me. Thank you!

[@simonbelmont1539]

Honestly I overlooked it for a long time because how not "wow" this weapon looks like but now that I gave it a chance, it's pure fun and I love the weapon's design. I currently use Safi'jiiva's armor and blast safi sns and it's just so cool, I'm the Red Knight. My only complaint is that, the learning curve is insane lol, so many possibilites, it's incredible.

[@onigekko141]

Who wouldnt like that kick to the monster face..thats the coolest thing in the game I hv seen so far

[@Vilpean]

sns has been my main since 4u. I really love the slinger burst into perfect rush, it works really well with scatternuts, crystal bursts, pierce pods, and slinger thorns, the amount of staggering monsters and dealing big damage with the rush is sometimes rather unfair, not that i complain.

[@_Tzer]

dont forget slinger bombs and dragon pods against fatalis to an extent(or if the elderseal flinch is good enough)

[@civilvaril1181]

Well I just learned some new, now.i wanna try it out

[@maxmustermann3938]

Thanks for giving Spiral Slash some love! I think this one doesn't show up in the upper right and possibly not even in the hunters notes. Some guides don't even mention it. But it let's you chain in situations where the upper right shows you a backstep as the only option. I found it by accident when I tried out the weapon in training area.

[@rechelieu]

Yes, SnS is premium in Sunbreak. I hope that they continue to make this weapon a beast. I will start next game with it.

[@daethmer7834]

By premium you mean that it's good?

[@rechelieu]

@@daethmer7834 Yes, SnS is the most complete package for me. I love it. I hope that they continue with this pattern. So many play styles, you are never bored playing it. Shield is responsive, allowing you to guard when using Embolden. Counter is devastating.

[@Doyledeth]

Don't you mean, "Iceborne?" Sunbreak is Rise.

[@loreleibrewer3803]

He mentioned "Embolden," which is only found in Sunbreak. So pretty sure dude means Sunbreak

[@Buddy_Beatz]

This game is my first monster hunter, I played through it with a friend, he recommended a big boi called the charge blade. was really fun learning it and getting good with it. then when the 1st arch tempered high ranks monsters were coming out. i asked him if there was some support thing i could do, he said "what like a healer set" i said yea that'd be fun. and the birth of new sns main happened. This is now my favorite weapon, but i can use all of them to a decent degree, and im still learning things about it, like in ur vid. I DIDNT KNOW I COULD BACKSTEP AFTER A ROLL, i kept rolling, blocking, then backstepping. that is gonna make me be able to fit so many more combos in. It really is a jack of all trades weapon. If you want a reliable, consistent, raining of attacks down on the monster, with good mobility, and defensive capabilities then join us in the SNS LIFE!!! p.s sorry for the essay.

[@Buddy_Beatz]

also one more thing now that im more through the vid. alot of the time the slinger burst can give the monster a quick stagger, so you can get 3 or 4 hits of the perfect rush off. i use it all the time

[@mpcochran]

Also with your weapon sheathed, you can hit guard, back, and right click (circle/B) all about the same time to back step straight from the sheathed position. Just hit guard slightly before the others but it should almost be all simultaneous, play around with it in the training area to feel it out. As soon at the guard button is pressed the game acts as though you're guarding even if you're not yet there

[@blighttownbeats4756]

wait yout friend recommended Charge blade for a beginner!? Literally hardest to learn and most technical weapon in the game heh. But yeah its amazing when you learn it, just IMO it might be too overwhelming for first weapon when learning games mechanics at the same time. But if you managed to learn it and got far with it, then kudos for you!

[@Buddy_Beatz]

@@blighttownbeats4756 the only reason he did is because he mained it and did explain it very well. Did it take a little bit to get used to as a newbie yes. But I didn't struggle too much. I did think it looked awesome and I asked how it was. "It's a little weird to learn so I would stick with it for a while if you pick it, but that being said it's really good" I heard really good and was sold.

[@blighttownbeats4756]

@@Buddy_Beatz Ah I see! Thats awesome then :)

[@jumex7]

great video, thanks! I believe the times you'd want to use the triangle aerial attack instead of the circle would be in the case you're focusing on element/status, since I don't think shield applies the element/status of your weapon

[@xC0LDFR0NTx]

This was super helpful compared to all the other videos I watched. Much appreciated!

[@TeraRyza]

Very happy it helped! Thank you for watching! 😌

[@kitsand]

Just started the game. Tried each weapon a bit in the training area. Charged blade, I had the hardest time. No clue with I was doing. Sword & Shield and Hammer I liked.

[@Cloudy573]

SnS is peak Monster Hunter. Going toe to toe with a giant monster armed only with a tiny modest sword and shield and coming out on top is the coolest feeling.

[@Vilpean]

Yes, the thrill of it gives me the tickles.

[@filthycasual8093]

IDK about its bee's dick size of attack range

[@Thatguyishere1]

I personally never used this but this was a helpful guide, I think I’ll main this on my next playthrough, thanks!

[@TeraRyza]

I say give it a try! I personally like it against very aggressive monsters due to its mobility and defense. But really, it has no bad matchups. I'm glad it helped!

[@thereaper4297]

I think this guy might actually love the sword and shield in mhw

[@JTrizzleFizzle]

If Gunlance wasn't my main I would have chosen SnS. So much versatility in it's builds and mobility I sorely miss.

[@aussiemasterbaiter7297]

Couple of minor things missed. After a backstep, you can press back and circle to cancel the jump forward and perform an upward slash instead. Also, you can use any item instantly from the radial menu without even having to press the guard button. And your weapon stays out.

[@michaelstrong8841]

This content is golden, I'm new to MH and just bought MH world after having a tough time getting into rise on the switch last year. I've always loved watching content of these games but hated the clunky combat and how committed all the weapon attacks are, sword and shield bridges that gap perfectly for me and makes this game so much more accessible as a noob to the series. Once I've had a full playthrough of World and Iceborne I may go back to try Rise and Sunbreak again

[@UFCWWE69]

Lol I literally had the same experience as you but with the games reversed. I couldn’t get into world years ago on ps4 cause I also thought the gameplay was clunky but I ended up loving aerial dual blades in rise and sunbreak. After having played the wilds beta and craving some mh, I’m finally going back to finish world and ice borne hopefully before wilds comes out.

[@quahogconvo]

and now I'm over here watching your SNS guide, lol. Thanks for this, too!

[@michaellugo9349]

Viaprey paralysis SnS was my only weapon for the first half-3/4 of MHF2. I've been wanting to get back into it in World lately as I build and master more weapons, but all I knew how to do was shield bash spam. This video has got me so hyped to build for it when I next play. Currently a Gunlance main and excited for non artillery/focus/evade builds. Maybe I'll try low rank weapons and progress naturally as I finish up all the lower tier quests for the rainbow pigment!

[@memento2753]

I'm not a massive fan of sw/sh in world and rise but my god its so nice to use in GU on stricker it just complments it so much, if you continue this into a series I'd love to see insect glaive as I'm never sure if I'm using that correctly in world But other then that awesome video hope you continue to make them

[@TeraRyza]

Thank you very much! I haven't touched Insect Glaive, but i definitely would like to make a video on it! When I get some more time on my hands I definitely will!

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

My friend is an IG main and she'd love to see such a video on it

[@TeraRyza]

@ShukakuTheCrazy1 Maybe it's finally time for me to learn the ins and outs of Insect Glaive then haha. I'm feeling inspired now 😆

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

@@TeraRyza red extract is the only one you really need. Well you get buffs for getting all of them, but if you only try for one, go red. Better combos. Ground combos are stronger, but air combos are so much fun for a nice game of the floor is lava. And you can really... bug the monsters.

[@InJoyIsHere]

pressing down (opposite direction of where your character is facing) on L3 after backstep cancels the animation of advancing slash

[@lobsterdeliveryspecial]

my go-to new weapon guide guy gushing over a class for 24 minutes? oh, i HAVE to try this thing

[@sstrabb]

Just started trying to learn some other weapons in MHW specifically, this guide was a big help!

[@penguinmaster7]

a weapon of many names. Sword and Shield Knife and Plate Blade and Board JoCat Special i love the sword and shield

[@Meowdy-do]

Even in the old games, Sword and Shield makes it seem like an actual "Man to Beast" battle because of your character being so animated. Especially, the way you get staggered after a successful block makes it extremely immersive.

[@aussiemasterbaiter7297]

You missed touching on the roundslash mid comboz which is triangle+circle at the right times. Its important because it can chain together certain combos that would normally just end, or force a backstep. Like the strong combo. You can perform circle, circle, circle, triangle+circle, direction+triangle and off you go with the chop chop chop

[@driasingounden765]

Loved this, new to Monster Hunter and this was my pick. Would love a guide on the charge blade, bigger sword and shield

[@cyrene03]

i picked up the game a few days ago and i love using this weapon!

[@takeetos1]

bro I'm convinced, gonna start a new play through right now with sns let's go!

[@mikeblapblap5946]

Rocked sns since Unite 💪

[@TeraRyza]

Unite player 💪

[@mikehawk8984]

I never gave the SNS a try throughout all the games until just now. I always viewed it as playing human in WOW, or Astra Militarum in WH40K, like not wrong but just plain. When I started playing world again yesterday I decided to give it a try, and have been blown away but just how good it feels to play! I've been missing out 😂

[@darthplagueis13]

Strictly speaking the backstep and the charged attack you can do from it where introduced with Monster Hunter 4, however back then hitting the charged attack didn't launch you into the air, it was just a slightly stronger hit for wake-ups and the likes.

[@cinderycinder2155]

The use of slinger burst mode is to get a free flinch on the monster (with higher tier ammo) to go straight into a combo. It's also useful for shaving off the half second to go straight to perfect rush! I do this all the time as a GS main :D

[@LPMaestro]

didnt know all this, think you just created a new sword and shield main! thanks brother

[@himesnidya]

I tought sword and shield very boring weapon later I figured you can turn into wonder woman and can make coolest attacks.

[@UFCWWE69]

Wonder Woman lmao idk ifs that good or bad 😂

[@nukachronic6211]

Thanks for this guide man. I recently started playing MHW again and wanted to try to re-learn this awesome weapon. Kudos

[@rhazzofhammer]

As a Greatsword/Switch Axe main, I'm really liking Sword and Shield since trying it out. 😊

[@TeraRyza]

Very happy to hear that! It's quite a difference from those weapons and I think Sword and Shield just feels so easy and great to use haha

[@Subshane0567]

The damage from perfect rush is insane. I’m running the teostra and raging brach set with the light break sword. Always sharp, always abusing.

[@Quasartist]

I've been a bow main since day 1 just because I play keyboard and mouse and find directional inputs mid-combo to be difficult to execute in a third-person camera game, but man I might have to bite the bullet and give SnS a try because it looks like a ton of fun and I also need a better strategy for tail cuts lol.

[@truckerlogic8432]

Just now trying out sword and shield. This video isn't truly an guide to introduce newbies but more of an montage of what you deem an fun weapon

[@camdeathstalker7450]

When it comes tto the sns, it has always been in a special place in my heart. It was my main main weapon as i used swaxe and CB. HOWEVER just yesterday i fought the raging brachy and finally soloed it WITH THE SNS (it was also the first attempt with it too XD) Ever since then, the sns will always be not only my best performing weapon, bit fave weapon in all of mhw :D

[@bubercik]

you got me playing mhw again and got me to try sword and shield AND ITS SO FUCKING FUN THANK YOU

[@TeraRyza]

Hey that's so awesome to hear! Glad I helped haha

[@spectreapex2803]

I put guard lvl 5 with uragaan ambition on SNS and I guard everything. It looks silly when I can tank any dive bombs nergigante or bazelgeuse give me.

[@arcana5625]

The only thing I could see the jumping slash being useful for is if your going for the tail and you want a bit of extra slashing damage. Doubt it would be useful if you’re playing with some kind of slashing damage weapon on your team though.

[@bellystraw]

Jumping slash also gives you mounts for days

[@lukeglenn223]

I was brand new to mhw until about a month ago started on s&s tried to deny it went to dual blades then gun lance couldn’t do it and am back on sns now i love it

[@LOFISTRBOI]

i just got into Sword and Shield from being a greatsword main for 2years and now ik what my 2nd weapon will be 4 wilds :D

[@Jimi-Funkycold-Molina]

I’ve started my monster hunting with the weeby dual blades, then tried the insect glaive (which I still love) but then I tried the sword and shield and instantly fell in love. I think it’s the fun-est weapon in the game.

[@Linarian]

Nice to see new content still being made. Also great to hear you fanboying on the sns while making a guide lol

[@Javr175]

Great video! But any tips on how to find room to use the backstep attacks in more difficult monsters? I feel like they move too much for a perfect rush or falling bash

[@Zenwizard900]

Playing world for the first time. Thanks for this

[@myriad8275]

Slinger burst can be good depending on the type of ammo you use Bombs can deal decent damage Dragon pods are good for elemental damage and stuns (especially on fatalis) Thorn pods make stickies that can contribute to ko damage Crystal ammo is very good for stunning

[@squirrelkingcometh]

Newer player thats an HH main - I started HH because i figured if I could slam my head into that i could learn the rest. I hit my personal goal of crafting Nergal Groove and now am looking to up a secondary weapon as my next goal. I truly started on Hammer but switched after a day to HH becasue bonk and doot instead of just bonk - plus DnD bards are my fave. I got to Legania (just getting into Iceborne) with my HH and figured its time for a secondary because i dont have money/mats to craft most hunting horns yet. I made myself a sleep SnS (Baan? dont quote me) becasue stab go to sleep also sounds fun. This is exactly the guide I was looking for. I tried gunlance/lance recently and while it is real fun, its not 100% my style. SnS has always held a special place in my heart as a history buff.

[@squirrelkingcometh]

also dont have money/mats to make 1 of each shelling type and I dont want to just keep throwing money into defender gear just to try something

[@DropoutJerome]

First MW game, started with the duel blades, moved to the great sword, now I’ve spent the longest time in practice mode with sns. I think I found my main.

[@frenchy-was-here]

I saw the thumbnail and was like "oh shit that looks like my build!" Lol pretty sure im using a similar setup and also that layered armor set :p I love using the sleep variant in the guiding lands. Easy wall bonk setups 😊

[@Thoran666]

5:44 is one of my main problems with the game. The combat just feels weird with other weapons because I need to wait for my animations to finish, my character to turn around and then continue attacking. The sword and shield just feels a lot more natural and responsive compared to the 2 hand weapons.

[@Azarilh]

The thing i hate is how broken the animations look when i use an item with the sword drawn. I wish there was a mod to fix that. EDIT: I just discovered that you can use items without using the shield, if you use the radial menu. Animations break only if you walk, but at least it's more bearable.

[@thegoodguy1269]

going to try it

[@dielog2211]

i just started mhw today as cb and found this video lol i went to sword and shield instantly.

[@tomumiyamoto3723]

Nice content!

[@TeraRyza]

Thank you!

[@juteenar9135]

I'm an IG main (~200 hunts), somehow finally managed to understand SnS, and how to play this thing. Yeah, not that much different from grounded IG. Relentless attack, infinite loophole, can mount monsters easily and such. But god idk what made SnS so much fun, like the way how relentless this thing attack gave me more satisfaction than the IG. Still if I can't beat a monster on SnS, I came back to IG. But yeah, gonna stick to this weapon for a long time it seems.

[@Yozora900]

I'm glad I came across your channel. I recently came back to MHW:Iceborne and sword and shied is one of unique weapon I use but I can't never get the perfect rush right like every else great just that one big step is a maybe-ish but stay have fun with it

[@JaxGoesBerserk]

Running a witcher build. Dante layered armor pants, gloves, and direwolf chest. Trying to get my wicther swords to ++

[@doolallievail8591]

That does look fun, can you Perfect Rush if you don't have icebourn? Looking forward to you switch-axe guide (as well as the rest).

[@Immopimmo]

I've played 350h straight with lance, so when I switched to SnS i felt like Rock Lee when he takes off his weighs. It's just so fast and versatile and the sheathe time is nothing so you can just tenderize, wallbang, pick up pod, Repeat. And I don't have to rely on my palico for heals so he can use coral Orchestra and buff me instead. 😁 SnS is great!

[@voNophica_]

Hey, what's the music that starts at 3:40? Very helpful guide btw :)

[@ascw1991]

Im surprised at how few SnS users are online when i play. Its such a rad weapon But everyone loves their crazy Switch Axes lol

[@Dostwyn]

I hate the Sword and Shield. I hate it because I enjoy it so much! I want to try playing other weapons, but they all seem lacking in comparison.

[@twitch_fazelampeeshadee8326]

Nah bro I just started to use that weapon cause of you and it has to be one of the most fun weapon

[@nexus7066]

you mister earned a new sub and like. loved the video. gotta mount some monsters now

[@danieliteza8562]

SnS probably the MC, but GS&LS is more popular

[@arongan8938]

Just started playing the game and it's my first MH ever. At first i was thinking about using katana or a bow, but after checking statistics and finding out that there were the most popular weapons i've decided not to. Not wanting to be a normie i was thinking to use something out of GL, SNS, CB or LBG. CB looked too complicated and LBG looked too boring. It was a hard choice between SNS and GL, but thanks to your video i've made up my mind and picked the first option. Now i'm having tons of fun and not understanding why i seem to be unable to cut tails with Bone or Great Jagras SNS.

[@StevenKW]

I'm going to give it a try.

[@starlightrose4087]

My favorite weapon is Insect Glaive but im definitely considering sword and shield with how much trouble im having😅

[@renplays5882]

Throw some oil on that bad boy, and you are ready to go.

[@HrokiKroki]

id love a video on something good to pay to carry a team of new to vidego game friends, i tought horn but shield and wide range lokks cool too

[@N_E_Z_R_A]

3:43 what a transition.

[@TeraRyza]

Thank you I try thinking of entertaining stuff 😂😭

[@rtheace]

I truly hope to actually be with pro damaging SnS player. I mostly encountered support type.

[@ajbrown3157]

Late to the party but SnS + WR + SE + RS (FM + Tigrex essence) = Flawless Hunt

[@TokyoLeee]

I just started using the HBG, grind out for vor buster & I never knew how fun it could be using shotgun 😭

[@The_Jho]

Most weapons deserve more respect, only like 4 of them are played by most people, and there’s only one in the less used category with respect, hell 2 of the commonly used one don’t have much respect, respect and try every weapon

[@Fuzzydicee]

the forward key you mention is "release button"

[@Viriyamt]

Thank you for the tutorial

[@J0jed]

I remember i just spammed the buttons and i ended in an infinite combo for like 30s...not sure what was that. Also i did not know about the helmbreaker. Good think to know.

[@simondelavega1938]

I went from a bi polar CB main to a weeb with a stick. But now i have embraced the holy grail of the 14 weapons. The SnS.

[@isaacnajera9118]

Ok you convinced me I’ll play s&s 😊

[@MichiMinusOne]

Oh great.....now I have to invest in sword and shield too 😒 thanks for making me wanting that too besides my hammers, lances and gunlances 😂

[@Techstar87]

hey hey wats up... jus started playing MHW..... do u have a vid like this for the dual blades?

[@TeraRyza]

I'm in the process of working on it right now! I should have it uploaded within a week!

[@AdmiralRob]

I wanna see you play charge blade.

[@TengwarTeacher]

I appreciate your videos very much. If I could critique one thing, it would be, while you are talking and spinning around over and over it makes me feel nauseous. Maybe it doesn't bother others but it gives me motion sickness. Just my observation. Keep up the great work!

[@tcdtboc8551]

Though I wouldnt mind messing around with other weapons I just cant see myself being bothered to grind out the grinding lands again. That took 5 *MONTHS* just to get my dual blades to max element and health aug, I've also just gotten so used to to mobility. I think I just wouldn't be able to get into anything else.

[@TeraRyza]

Yeah you said it yourself. "Grinding Lands" 😅😅

[@tcdtboc8551]

@@TeraRyza yup funnily enough I'm in them right now but that's only because I wanna fully augment my fatalis dual blades as a trophy more than anything else since raw dmg usually isn't the best for them.

[@TeraRyza]

@@tcdtboc8551 I can dig that. Trophy hunting is kinda fun because it's such a straight forward goal

[@tcdtboc8551]

@@TeraRyza yes I killed fatalis and made his armor although I still use my silver rathalos because true crit element is still better for my dual blade build