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Monster Hunter World (MHW)

Best Builds for Sword and Shield (Base Game)

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These are the best builds for the Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter World (MHW) Base Game. Read on to learn all the best armor sets to use for the Sword and Shield and the best skills to help you progress!

List of Contents

Guardian Armor and Defender Weapon

Defender Armor

One way to get through the Base Game quickly is by utilizing the Guardian Armor set and Defender Weapon.

The armor set is given to all players from the start of the game and has good defense and survival skills. Keep this armor upgraded and you should be able to take the hits of monsters all the way to Iceborne.

The Defender Weapon can be crafted from the Smithy and can be fully upgraded with ease. It packs enough damage to get you through Base Game and hunt the early Iceborne monsters to get you started on the DLC.

Not Recommended To Use For Endgame

Note that if you want to interact with some of the Base Game endgame content, like Extreme Behemoth or Arch Tempered Kulve Taroth, it will be better to craft an Iceborne build than use the Guardian Armor set and Defender Weapon.

Beginner's Guide | How to Play MHW

Monster Hunter World Best Sword and Shield Skills

Skill Description Priority
Health Boost Increases health. High
Weakness Exploit Increases the affinity of attacks that exploit a monster weak spot. High
Maximum Might Increases affinity as long as stamina is kept full for a period of time. Low
Critical Boost Increases the damage of critical hits. Low

Look for Skills When Forging Armor

Look at the skills when forging

As you progress through the ranks, you will find yourself crafting gear to match the level of monsters you fight. As such, players building towards the endgame should keep these skills in mind when forging gear.

Best Skills for Each Weapon

Monster Hunter World Best Sword and Shield Builds

Fatal Bite Sword and Shield Build

Weapon Decorations
Fatal Bite ---
Armor Decorations
Head Nergigante Helm Alpha Expert Jewel 1 x1
Armor Drachen Mail Alpha Tenderizer Jewel 2 x1
Vambraces Drachen Vambraces Alpha Tenderizer Jewel 2 x2
Waist Drachen Coil Alpha Brace Jewel 3 x1
Legs Drachen Greaves Alpha Critical Jewel 2 x1
Charm Handicraft Charm III None

Skills

Skills
Critical Eye 7 Attack Boost 4
Critical Boost 3 Weakness Exploit 3
Handicraft 3 Maximum Might 2
Power Prolonger 1 Flinch Free 1

Empress Sword and Shield Build

Weapon Decorations
Empress Edge "Styx" Brace Jewel 3 x1
Vitality Jewel 1 x1
Armor Decorations
Head Dragonking Eyepatch Alpha Tenderizer Jewel 2 x1
Armor Kulve Taroth's Ire Alpha Attack Jewel 1 x1
Vambraces Gala Suit Cuffs Alpha Flawless Jewel 2 x1
Attack Jewel 1 x1
Waist Empress Coil Gamma Mighty Jewel 2 x1
Legs Drachen Greaves Alpha Mighty Jewel 2 x1
Charm Exploiter Charm II None

Skills

Skills
Evade Window 7 Attack Boost 4
Health Boost 3 Maximum Might 3
Weakness Exploit 3 Critical Boost 1
Peak Performance 1 Flinch Free 1

Grand Barong Sword and Shield Build

Weapon Decorations
Grand Barong II Brace Jewel 3 x1
Armor Decorations
Head Drachen Armet Alpha Release Jewel 3 x1
Attack Jewel 1 x1
Armor Drachen Mail Alpha Release Jewel 3 x1
Vambraces Drachen Vambraces Alpha Tenderizer Jewel 2 x2
Waist Kulve Taroth's Ire Alpha Tenderizer Jewel 2 x1
Expert Jewel 1 x1
Legs Drachen Greaves Alpha Mighty Jewel 2 x1
Charm Health Charm III None

Skills

Skills
Critical Eye 5 Attack Boost 4
Health Boost 3 Free Elem/Ammo Up 3
Critical Boost 3 Weakness Exploit 3
Handicraft 1 Airborne 1
Maximum Might 1 Flinch Free 1

MHW Related Guides

Best Builds (Base Game)

Best Builds Banner.png
Base Game End Game Builds

Best Builds Per Weapon

Weapons
Long Sword Icon.jpegLong Swords Great Sword Icon.jpegGreat Swords Sword & Shield Icon.jpegSword and Shield Dual Blades Icon.jpegDual Blades
Hammer Icon.jpegHammer Hunting Horn Icon.jpegHunting Horn Lance Icon.jpegLance Gunlance Icon.jpegGunlance
Switch Axe Icon.jpegSwitch Axe Charge Blade Icon.jpegCharge Blade Insect Glaive Icon.jpegInsect Glaive Bow Icon.jpegBow
Light Bowgun Icon.jpegLight Bowgun Heavy Bowgun Icon.jpegHeavy Bowgun

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