Best Sword and Shield Build MHW: Top 2 Best Builds

Sword and Shield are the most ideal weapons for newer players since they have decent stats across the board. It is a perfect solo weapon in Monster Hunter World, as you have good guard, damage, and attack speed. This allows you to perform combos at a faster rate and also guard against enemy attacks.

Key Takeaways

• The best sword and Shield builds in Monster Hunter World are constructed from the rarest armor, weaponry, and jewels and cater to every type of playstyle.
• Raw Attack Build requires high raw attack, quality of life defensive skills, Brachydium Helm, Dragonhide, Dragon claws, Dragonbarbs, Dragonfeet, Challenger Charm V, True Fatalis Sword, Temporal Mantle, and Rocksteady Mantle, and specialist tools.
• The Elemental Damage Build is all about dealing elemental damage, with the Safi Crested armor set, Temporal and Rocksteady Mantles, Blaze Charm V, Kjarr Slicer “King,” Tenderizer jewels, Shield, sharp, shaver, and fortitude jewels for various buffs.

Monster Hunter World – Best Sword and Shield Build

One of the most versatile weapons in the game, the sword and Shield, is preferred by players looking for high mobility and decent damage. Since there are dozens of builds that you can try, here are the best three builds. They are constructed from the rarest armor, weaponry, and jewels in the game.

Since this guide will feature two builds, they should cater to every type of playstyle. The build featured here will lean more towards DPS than anything else but will also feature support and survival options.

Raw Attack Build

This is a build all about having a high raw attack so that you can take on monsters quickly and effectively. As you are focusing on raw attacks and not elemental attacks, it means that you don’t have to take into account the monster’s resistances. So, it can be used against pretty much anything in Monster Hunter World. On top of that, it has a ton of quality-of-life defensive skills, making it a great all-around build.

For an effective Sword and Shield build, use the Brachydium Helm, Dragonhide, Dragonclaws, Dragonbarbs, and Dragonfeet. Opt for the True Fatalis Sword with health regeneration and attack increase augmentations. Select personal preference specialist tools like Temporal Mantle and Rocksteady Mantle.

In terms of jewels, prioritize Flawless jewels for peak performance, protection jewels for divine blessing, critical jewels for quick boosts, expert jewels for increased critical chance, and challenger jewels for maximum agitator’s skill.

Boost attack power by equipping attack jewels to enhance the offensive focus of this build. For mantle jewels, consider Dragon jewels to add a touch of dragon attack to the setup.

Regarding stats, enjoy 200 health and 200 stamina consistently. Your raw attack stands at 547, peaking with an active peak performance. Your defense reaches 111, excelling against water and thunder but vulnerable to fire and ice.

Focus on Attack Boost (level 7), Critical Eye (level 7), and Agitator (level 7) for enhanced attack, increased base affinity, and a powerful buff against enraged monsters. Allocate other points based on personal preference for defensive aspects.

This build excels in offense and defense and is suitable for battling most monsters. Its strengths lie in high damage output and strong defense, but it heavily relies on rare jewels. If you lack access to these rare jewels, the build’s effectiveness will diminish. This stands as my top pick for the Best Sword and Shield Build in MHW.

Elemental Damage Build

Unlike the previous one, this build is all about dealing elemental damage. Thus, you have to take into account a monster’s elemental resistances. If you do keep this in mind and counter them with the correct element, this build can take down monsters incredibly quickly.

To create this build, assemble the Safi Crested armor set and use a Blaze Charm V with Temporal and Rocksteady Mantles. Opt for the Kjarr Slicer “King” with health regen and elemental buff augmentations.

Jewel-wise, incorporate Blaze Jewel 1 to maximize fire attack, adjusting it to your chosen element. Utilize Tenderizer for weakness exploit, evasion for evade window, and vitality for health. Other beneficial jewels include Shield, sharp, shaver, and fortitude.

For mantle jewels, choose attack and protection. This build yields 150 health, 100 stamina, 444 raw attack, and considerable white sharpness. It boasts 55 base affinity, potentially reaching 100 with weakness exploit, and an elemental rating of around 840.

Emphasize fire attack, agitator, evade window, health boost, blight resistance, critical boost, and weakness exploit for skill points. Adjust accordingly for different elemental weapons.

This build excels in high elemental damage and quality of life skills but may lack in regular attack damage. It’s a high-risk, high-reward setup that emphasizes elemental output.

Conclusion

These builds are the best and most viable when it comes down to sword, and Shield builds. These builds are aimed to be strong and can take on pretty much anything. The featured builds may be slightly different from other meta builds in the community, but regardless, these are extremely useful. You can take on end-game monsters – even in the latest expansions, without a single worry. You’ll have good amounts of damage, defense, and health regeneration.

Whatever you prefer is up to you, but you’ll have a good time trying both options. That brings us to the end of my guide about Best Sword and Shield Build MHW. Let me know in the comments below which weapon you prefer and which build is your favorite.

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