Monster Hunter Wilds Guide: Tips for Blocking and Perfect Guarding

Engaging in combat within Monster Hunter Wilds requires a keen understanding of battle dynamics. While it might be tempting to rely on button mashing and simplistic attack sequences, players are rewarded for investing time in learning the subtleties of their weapons and combat techniques.

One essential skill to master is the ability to Guard against incoming attacks. This defensive action mitigates damage from foes, with the advanced technique of Perfect Guard allowing players to completely negate damage from powerful strikes without suffering any repercussions. Below, we delve into the mechanics of guarding and its variations.

Mastering the Guarding Mechanic in Monster Hunter Wilds

performing a guard in monster hunter wilds

To execute a Block/Guard in Monster Hunter Wilds, players should press and hold R (PC), R2 (PlayStation), or RT (Xbox). If wielding a weapon capable of blocking, your character will initiate a Guard, deflecting incoming damage to a degree.

However, it’s important to note that not all weapons are designed for guarding. For instance, if you are equipped with an Insect Glaive, attempting to activate the Guard command will trigger an alternative action specific to that weapon.

The Charge Blade introduces a unique feature known as Guard Points. When a Charge Blade user raises their shield during an attack combo and is met with an enemy strike, the guard activates automatically. Keep in mind that Guard Points act similarly to regular Guards, rather than Perfect Guards, and effectively utilizing them demands excellent timing and familiarity with each monster’s attack patterns.

Executing a Perfect Guard in Monster Hunter Wilds

To perform a Perfect Guard, players must press the Guard hotkey just before an enemy attack lands. Success is indicated by a brief white flash appearing in front of your shield.

Advantages of Perfect Guarding

Completely negates all incoming damage.
Prevents weapon sharpening reduction.
Eliminates stagger and knockback effects.
Can transition into a powerful counterattack.
Essential for engaging in Power Clashes with certain monsters.

Power Clashes are particularly advantageous in cooperative battles, preventing monsters from attacking or moving while engaged in this maneuver with you.

Using Focus Mode can enhance the likelihood of successfully executing a Perfect Guard. If you misjudge the timing and perform an early Guard, it will still categorize as a regular Guard, allowing players to experiment without penalties.

Weapons Capable of Guarding in Monster Hunter Wilds

All Guard Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds

The ability to Guard is exclusive to certain weapon types in Monster Hunter Wilds. Out of the 14 available weapons, only six can utilize the Guard and Perfect Guard functions:

Great Sword
Sword & Shield
Lance
Gunlance
Charge Blade (Sword Mode)
Heavy Bowgun (with Auto Guard in specific stances)

You can identify a weapon’s guarding capability by checking its description within the Change Equipment menu. The general guarding instructions are applicable to all weapons, except for the Heavy Bowgun. To Guard (and Perfect Guard) with the Heavy Bowgun, hold R + F (PC), Triangle + Circle (PlayStation), or Y + B (Xbox).

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