Monster Hunter Now: Sword & Shield Guide

gameranx.com:

When you start Monster Hunter Now, your first weapon will be the Sword & Shield. This weapon allows you to attack quickly and guard against incoming attacks. However, you won’t do a lot of damage. In Large Monster hunts, this will be a detriment due to the 75-second time constraint.

Monster Hunter Now: Hammer Guide | Monster Hunter Now: Light Bowgun Guide | Monster Hunter Now: Equipment Skills Guide

But as the first weapon in the game, the Sword & Shield (SnS) offers the most flexibility for early gameplay. Within your first handful of Large Monster hunts, you’ll be able to unlock some elemental weapons. Currently, there are 12 different Sword & Shield weapons in Monster Hunter Now.

In general, the SnS is the easiest and most intuitive weapon to use. It’s also the only weapon that allows you to guard, reducing the damage you receive when a monster attacks you. Additionally, you can dodge via Backstep while guarding. However, this is offset by a low damage output and short range.

To compensate for damage, make sure you match elements and weaknesses when using the SnS. Attacking a monster with an element they’re weak to will increase your damage.

SnS features some combo moves to help you quickly and efficiently deal damage before your hunt timer runs out. The Charged Slash Combo can be activated in one of two ways: tapping after performing a Backstep or after guarding against a powerful monster attack that knocks you back.

When activated, Perfect Rush Combo grants you increased attack damage and invincibility for a short time. Your hunter attacks with both sword and shield, dealing much higher damage. The combo ends with a plunging attack. 

Related Guides: Monster Hunter Now: Armor Sets Guide | Monster Hunter Now: Large