Is Sword/shield decent in Wilds? Worth learning it or only for new players?

[Nightmarian]

I've been off and on the series for ages, but never really got into Monster Hunter since it takes a lot for me to stick to circular/grindy games. I came to World hyper late and loved it, this time I really want to get involved in the MP and community.

However, seeing the skill of veterans and the complexity of some weapons just kinda scares the ♥♥♥♥ out of me. It was easy in World when I was alone and could just scream a warcry and smash with no one to laugh at me (lol), but I am the kind of person that really zeros in on one play style and tries to master it.

From Wilds and the beta and I've kinda liked both charge axe and regular 'ol sword and shield. But the sword/shield kind seems like a "you suck at this game and now everyone knows it" weapon, but I've heard that is noob mentality and that it's quite a good weapon.

The idea of specing for specific ailments or elements which seems to be sword/shield's specialty seems appealing to me.

I dunno, yes everyone is worrying about optimization but I was hoping some vets could give insight if I should avoid wasting time mastering sword and shield or maybe have suggestions for good weapons that can be used effectively by someone new (without trolling teammates) that also reward you for master.

Also, I like playing support and usually do that (I was a combat medic irl), but the buff hammer thing looks complicated, and I'm worrying about soloing with it. Insight would be great if you have any.

Sorry for it being so long.

[Dr. Raven]

Yeah I'd agree it's potential damage isn't as high the top tier weapons, but that shouldn't turn you off from playing it.


So it's a more survivable weapon, even more so than the other shield included weapons, since you can use items without putting away your weapon. And probably the best melee support weapon, as you can quickly use lifepowder on your allies and other buffing items. Admittedly something you won't be doing except for the hardest fights most likely.


It's got it's own complexities too, it's not as simple as you think, there's unique combos you can pull off with it that are hard enough to repeat consistently while fighting. Although likely not peak DPS with it, it's not that far behind as one might think. Play with it if you enjoy it I'd say.

[Nightmarian]

Originally posted by Dr. Raven:

Yeah I'd agree it's potential damage isn't as high the top tier weapons, but that shouldn't turn you off from playing it.


So it's a more survivable weapon, even more so than the other shield included weapons, since you can use items without putting away your weapon. And probably the best melee support weapon, as you can quickly use lifepowder on your allies and other buffing items.


It's got it's own complexities too, it's not as simple as you think, there's unique combos you can pull off with it that are hard enough to repeat consistently while fighting. Although likely not peak DPS with it, it's not that far behind as one might think. Play with it if you enjoy it I'd say.

I didn't consider the capability of being able to support with it at all; that's the kind of insight I was hoping for. Thanks a ton for your reply!

I know it's hard to tell for sure, but sword/board with a supportive playstyle sounds right up my ally, and I don't really care about doing top damage especially in a team environment or while solo.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't running into a noob trap, and I love that the weapon sounds easy to use but hard to master, that's perfect too. And I know there's no way to know for sure, but you think it might be possible to replicate that more supoprt-ish playstyle in Wilds?

For endgame content of course. I think normal hunts will be fine.

[a. Brand "Don Brandarelli"]

Originally posted by Dr. Raven:

Yeah I'd agree it's potential damage isn't as high the top tier weapons, but that shouldn't turn you off from playing it.


So it's a more survivable weapon, even more so than the other shield included weapons, since you can use items without putting away your weapon. And probably the best melee support weapon, as you can quickly use lifepowder on your allies and other buffing items. Admittedly something you won't be doing except for the hardest fights most likely.


It's got it's own complexities too, it's not as simple as you think, there's unique combos you can pull off with it that are hard enough to repeat consistently while fighting. Although likely not peak DPS with it, it's not that far behind as one might think. Play with it if you enjoy it I'd say.

What weapons deal the most dmg? Are dual blades good in late game? Hammer?

[Dr. Raven]

Originally posted by Nightmarian:

Originally posted by Dr. Raven:

Yeah I'd agree it's potential damage isn't as high the top tier weapons, but that shouldn't turn you off from playing it.


So it's a more survivable weapon, even more so than the other shield included weapons, since you can use items without putting away your weapon. And probably the best melee support weapon, as you can quickly use lifepowder on your allies and other buffing items.


It's got it's own complexities too, it's not as simple as you think, there's unique combos you can pull off with it that are hard enough to repeat consistently while fighting. Although likely not peak DPS with it, it's not that far behind as one might think. Play with it if you enjoy it I'd say.

I didn't consider the capability of being able to support with it at all; that's the kind of insight I was hoping for. Thanks a ton for your reply!

I know it's hard to tell for sure, but sword/board with a supportive playstyle sounds right up my ally, and I don't really care about doing top damage especially in a team environment or while solo.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't running into a noob trap, and I love that the weapon sounds easy to use but hard to master, that's perfect too. And I know there's no way to know for sure, but you think it might be possible to replicate that more supoprt-ish playstyle in Wilds?

I will just point out that supporting with sword and shield isn't something that really happens much if at all till near the end of the game or the expansion content. Life powder and other buffing powders really aren't hard to earn per say. It's just not worth using or it feels like a waste when the hunts aren't hard, and they don't get hard till the end.

[Nightmarian]

Originally posted by Dr. Raven:

Originally posted by Nightmarian:

I didn't consider the capability of being able to support with it at all; that's the kind of insight I was hoping for. Thanks a ton for your reply!

I know it's hard to tell for sure, but sword/board with a supportive playstyle sounds right up my ally, and I don't really care about doing top damage especially in a team environment or while solo.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't running into a noob trap, and I love that the weapon sounds easy to use but hard to master, that's perfect too. And I know there's no way to know for sure, but you think it might be possible to replicate that more supoprt-ish playstyle in Wilds?

I will just point out that supporting with sword and shield isn't something that really happens much if at all till near the end of the game or the expansion content. Life powder and other buffing powders really aren't hard to earn per say. It's just not worth using or it feels like a waste when the hunts aren't hard, and they don't get hard till the end.

Yeah I edited to add that. I'm aware that most hunts really aren't the kind of content that requires much from groups. I'm thinking about endgame and where I will end up eventually after learning a weapon as deeply as I can.

[BEEP!]

I'd say the Sword & Shield is the easiest weapon and safest weapon for a new player with some some utility at helping the team because of how you can use items.
You don't do the most damage, you can't tank the most damage, your fast and mobile, your basically a jack of all trades.
It's a really easy weapon to pick up and use that allows you to make a lot of mistakes but it's also hard to master.

[Dr. Raven]

Originally posted by a. Brand:

Originally posted by Dr. Raven:

Yeah I'd agree it's potential damage isn't as high the top tier weapons, but that shouldn't turn you off from playing it.


So it's a more survivable weapon, even more so than the other shield included weapons, since you can use items without putting away your weapon. And probably the best melee support weapon, as you can quickly use lifepowder on your allies and other buffing items. Admittedly something you won't be doing except for the hardest fights most likely.


It's got it's own complexities too, it's not as simple as you think, there's unique combos you can pull off with it that are hard enough to repeat consistently while fighting. Although likely not peak DPS with it, it's not that far behind as one might think. Play with it if you enjoy it I'd say.

What weapons deal the most dmg? Are dual blades good in late game? Hammer?

I don't really know this myself for certain and people often argue on the forums what's superior. Fastest players I see online in previous games were always Bow users and heavybowgun users. Long Sword have been consistently considered one of the best weapons by many for speedruns.

I can't even give definitive answers for Wilds one way or another because Capcom has said they're doing weapon rebalances for the full release of the game based on data from the beta. But I'm still gonna guess and say Long Sword, Bow, and Heavy bowgun will likely be the best.

Not that dual blades or hammer is bad, I can't see them being top tier but it's possible. I'm using charge blade and I think it's also in the middle area of potential dps

[Tereru Ooensu]

I will be using it as a secondary weapon, I am using it in World for the first time and it is pretty fun.

[BEEP!]

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fwhich-weapons-were-the-easiest-hardest-for-you-and-why-tier-v0-f3eu08tn84td1.png%3Fwidth%3D1140%26format%3Dpng%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D885753e74ec0d638655afaac061d283295d75f25
Also this is usually how it kinda goes for most MH game's Wilds could be a little diffident.

[Scipo0419]

Been maining SNS since I started in 4U.

I initially didn't want to use it because of the "beginner weapon" stigma. I eventually got over that and realized that it's the weapon I'm most comfortable with. It has this amazing flow that really makes you feel like you're dancing around the monster. The one complaint I have in Wilds is actually going to be fixed on release so I'd say it's the second best the weapon has ever been with only GU being a better version.

They got rid of the hyper focus on perfect rush, focus mode feels great with the weapon, the new attacks + wounds popping feel great. It's definitely a low skill floor (easy to pick up) with a high skill ceiling (hard to master) weapon. Being a jack of all trades, master of none allows you to do anything the other weapons can do (minus range and transformations) while the fact that it's a master of none is definitely not a detriment either.

I'd say give it a shot while pushing back those "it's a noob weapon" thoughts and you may be giving a speech like this to a new player in Monster Hunter 10 saying it's been your main since Wilds.

[Cyrus]

Originally posted by Nightmarian:

I've been off and on the series for ages, but never really got into Monster Hunter since it takes a lot for me to stick to circular/grindy games. I came to World hyper late and loved it, this time I really want to get involved in the MP and community.

However, seeing the skill of veterans and the complexity of some weapons just kinda scares the ♥♥♥♥ out of me. It was easy in World when I was alone and could just scream a warcry and smash with no one to laugh at me (lol), but I am the kind of person that really zeros in on one play style and tries to master it.

From Wilds and the beta and I've kinda liked both charge axe and regular 'ol sword and shield. But the sword/shield kind seems like a "you suck at this game and now everyone knows it" weapon, but I've heard that is noob mentality and that it's quite a good weapon.

The idea of specing for specific ailments or elements which seems to be sword/shield's specialty seems appealing to me.

I dunno, yes everyone is worrying about optimization but I was hoping some vets could give insight if I should avoid wasting time mastering sword and shield or maybe have suggestions for good weapons that can be used effectively by someone new (without trolling teammates) that also reward you for master.

Also, I like playing support and usually do that (I was a combat medic irl), but the buff hammer thing looks complicated, and I'm worrying about soloing with it. Insight would be great if you have any.

Sorry for it being so long.

No as someone who used Sword and Shield in MH Wilds and Also in Freedom Unite. The version of sword and shield in this game is worse then a game that came out 20+ years ago. Let me explain why.

* Power Creep: sword and shield was good as everything else was worse. You could stagger and chop in solo without having to deal with the item shortage of having boomerangs or bombs to break parts. Now you have slinger, almost infinite item storage, you can bring a second weapon to cut parts or stagger. All you need is to deal 1 dmg to the part with KO or Cut to trigger the effect. No reason to not just use a hammer for KO or a lance.

* Low raw values in wilds for SnS means you will take a lot longer to do anything, and monsters die to quickly in Multiplayer to worry about group heals with life powder, and bombs. The only reason to use SnS is that you dont need to sheath it. Now you have so many skills for quick sheath, SnS is irrelevent.

* Terrible build synergy in wilds. You do not have many options for elements outside of fire, which is also one of the most resisted elements. No reason to use poison since enemies die to fast, blast is ok but at that point use Duel blades. Sleep is useless alone since you have no one to wake up monsters, and paralysis can be done with knives.

Overall SnS is garbage in wilds, I only used it in MHWs because I wanted to challenge myself by artifically limiting myself. I am using the 2nd base weapon at HR.

[Caramel_Clown]

SNS was never just for new players. It's a thought trap. Also, right now sns fairs pretty well in speedruns, it doesn't lack damage.

[Khergit Horse Archer]

idk why sns was considered a beginner weapon even back when i first played mh tri as a complete beginner i preferred the great sword as its high alpha damage is much more forgiving when the monster only has a tiny window when its vulnerable

[Caramel_Clown]

Originally posted by Cyrus:

Originally posted by Nightmarian:

I've been off and on the series for ages, but never really got into Monster Hunter since it takes a lot for me to stick to circular/grindy games. I came to World hyper late and loved it, this time I really want to get involved in the MP and community.

However, seeing the skill of veterans and the complexity of some weapons just kinda scares the ♥♥♥♥ out of me. It was easy in World when I was alone and could just scream a warcry and smash with no one to laugh at me (lol), but I am the kind of person that really zeros in on one play style and tries to master it.

From Wilds and the beta and I've kinda liked both charge axe and regular 'ol sword and shield. But the sword/shield kind seems like a "you suck at this game and now everyone knows it" weapon, but I've heard that is noob mentality and that it's quite a good weapon.

The idea of specing for specific ailments or elements which seems to be sword/shield's specialty seems appealing to me.

I dunno, yes everyone is worrying about optimization but I was hoping some vets could give insight if I should avoid wasting time mastering sword and shield or maybe have suggestions for good weapons that can be used effectively by someone new (without trolling teammates) that also reward you for master.

Also, I like playing support and usually do that (I was a combat medic irl), but the buff hammer thing looks complicated, and I'm worrying about soloing with it. Insight would be great if you have any.

Sorry for it being so long.

No as someone who used Sword and Shield in MH Wilds and Also in Freedom Unite. The version of sword and shield in this game is worse then a game that came out 20+ years ago. Let me explain why.

* Power Creep: sword and shield was good as everything else was worse. You could stagger and chop in solo without having to deal with the item shortage of having boomerangs or bombs to break parts. Now you have slinger, almost infinite item storage, you can bring a second weapon to cut parts or stagger. All you need is to deal 1 dmg to the part with KO or Cut to trigger the effect. No reason to not just use a hammer for KO or a lance.

* Low raw values in wilds for SnS means you will take a lot longer to do anything, and monsters die to quickly in Multiplayer to worry about group heals with life powder, and bombs. The only reason to use SnS is that you dont need to sheath it. Now you have so many skills for quick sheath, SnS is irrelevent.

* Terrible build synergy in wilds. You do not have many options for elements outside of fire, which is also one of the most resisted elements. No reason to use poison since enemies die to fast, blast is ok but at that point use Duel blades. Sleep is useless alone since you have no one to wake up monsters, and paralysis can be done with knives.

Overall SnS is garbage in wilds, I only used it in MHWs because I wanted to challenge myself by artifically limiting myself. I am using the 2nd base weapon at HR.

This is simply wrong.

[BEEP!]

Originally posted by Caramel_Clown:

SNS was never just for new players. It's a thought trap. Also, right now sns fairs pretty well in speedruns, it doesn't lack damage.

The reason why so many vets say SNS is a good new player weapon is because how versatile it is you can move fast attack fast do slice damage blunt damage block and use items faster than everyone else, SNS it the Jack of all Trades type of weapon a easy to learn hard to master type weapon.