In the world of Monster Hunter Now, the Sword and Shield setup is a go-to choice for many novice hunters. This weapon combination strikes an ideal balance between agility and damage output, making it a familiar and approachable option. With a variety of moves at your disposal, you can easily adapt your strategies to suit different encounters and playstyles.
While players can choose from an array of effective blades within Monster Hunter Now, some particular builds, like the top Charge Blade configuration, pair seamlessly with specific skills and Driftstones. In contrast, the Sword and Shield build discussed here focuses on providing effective support during Dimension Rift hunts, enabling your hunter to tackle even the most formidable foes while leveraging the power of paralysis.
Optimal Sword and Shield Build in Monster Hunter Now
The primary goal of this Sword and Shield build is to help newer players build a skill set that fully utilizes the capabilities of this user-friendly weapon. One of the standout features is the ease of acquiring materials needed for weapon upgrades. This build is particularly advantageous for hunters who enjoy applying status ailments to their enemies, enhancing their team’s overall effectiveness.
Complete Sword and Shield Build Overview
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Item |
Effect |
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|---|---|---|
|
Weapon |
Malady’s Tabar |
|
|
Helmet |
Khezu Helmet |
|
|
|
Backed Mail |
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|
Vambraces |
Tzitzi-Ya-Ku Vambraces |
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|
Coil |
Great Girros Coil |
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Greaves |
Somnacanth Greaves |
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Weapon Selection
The focus of this build resides in the paralysis attribute, with Malady’s Tabar being the standout choice. Players can acquire this weapon relatively early by defeating the Great Girros. A helpful feature is the Monster Hunter Now paintball tracker, which allows hunters to summon this and other monsters automatically. Additionally, it includes a Sneak Attack slot that enhances damage dealt when attacking from behind, maximizing your offensive capabilities.
Armor Pieces: Helmet, Mail, and Coil
Combining armor pieces from Great Girros, Volvidon, and Khezu provides bonuses to the Paralysis Attack skill. Each rank in this skill amplifies the paralysis buildup inflicted on your targets, allowing you to effectively immobilize foes and deal significant damage. This synergy is particularly beneficial when collaborating with other heavy-hitters, such as those utilizing the optimal Gunlance build in the game.
Vambraces and Greaves Strategy
In addition to paralysis, the build emphasizes enhancing the Status Sneak Attack skill. Each rank advancement raises the chance to trigger paralysis from 33% up to 85%. The armor pieces from Tzitzi-Ya-Ku and Somnacanth, both accessible early in the game, can help in this regard. With the added amplification of paralysis buildup from the Mail and Coil, your capability to inflict paralysis damage significantly increases.
Optimal Driftsmelt Slot Configuration for Sword and Shield
The five available Driftsmelt slots allow players to optimize existing skills or introduce new ones that align with their gear. For this particular build, it is advisable to invest three points into the Sneak Attack skill, significantly boosting damage output with each filled slot. Additionally, prioritizing Paralysis Attack and dedicating one point to Earplugs can negate the effects of minor monster roars.
- Paralysis Attack – Increases your weapon’s paralysis buildup. Rank 1 adds 50, while Rank 5 adds a total of 150. (Amber only)
- Sneak Attack – Enhances damage dealt when attacking from behind. At Rank 1, it’s 10%, and can reach 30% at Rank 5. (Pale only)
- Earplugs – Mitigates the impact of monster roars. Weak roars are completely nullified at Rank 3, and strong roars are fully negated at Rank 5. (Pale only)
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