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Monster Hunter Now

Best Sword and Shield Builds

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We regret to announce that we will no longer cover Monster Hunter Now as of Season 4. Redeem Codes will continue to be updated and you may keep sharing Referral Codes and Friend Codes, but other pages may be outdated. Thank you for your support!

Monster Hunter Now - Sword and Shield Builds and Best Armor
Here are the best Sword and Shield Builds in Monster Hunter Now. Check out the best early game build, the best elemental Sword and Shield builds, and the best Sword and Shield build progression against large monsters in this guide!

All Sword and Shield Guides
Full List How to Use Builds

List of Contents

Best Sword and Shield Builds

Sword and Shield Build Selection

Jump to a Sword and Shield Build
Early Game Build Raw/Status Build
Monster Hunter Now - Water Element Water Build Monster Hunter Now - Fire Element Fire Build Monster Hunter Now - Thunder Element Thunder Build
Monster Hunter Now - Ice Element Ice Build Monster Hunter Now - Dragon Element Dragon Build

Early Game Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Jagras Edge 1 Jagras Edge 1
 95 0% Monster Hunter Now - Water Element 25
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Headpiece (Grade 2)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jagras Mail (Grade 2)
 ▸ Rising Tide Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Girros Vambraces (Grade 2)
 ▸ Sneak Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Leather Belt (Grade 2)
 ▸ Health Boost Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 2)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv.1

In the early stages of the game, most monsters will be weak to the Water element. We recommend the Jagras Edge as your starting weapon to progress in the early game. The weapon's damage is increased further with skills such as Sneak Attack and Water Attack.

This build is ideal to progress and in farming Tobi-Kadachi materials, which you will need to craft equipment against Jyuratodus.

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Raw/Status Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Princess Rapier Princess Rapier
At least Grade 5		 409 0% Monster Hunter Now - Poison 298
Monster Hunter Now - Queen Rose Queen Rose
At least Grade 5		 473 0% Monster Hunter Now - Poison 188
Monster Hunter Now - Girros Knife Girros Knife
At least Grade 5		 430 0% Monster Hunter Now - Paralysis 250
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Zinogre Helm (Grade 5)
▸ Evasive Concentration Lv. 1
▸ Burst Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathalos Mail (Grade 6)
 ▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Burst Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Coil (Grade 6)
 ▸ Poison Resistance Lv. 1
▸ Burst Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Zinogre Greaves (Grade 5)
 ▸ Burst Lv. 1

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Water Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Hana no Nagoriwo Hana no Nagoriwo
(at least Grade 5)		 335 10% Monster Hunter Now - Water 230
Alternative:
Monster Hunter Now - Aqua Messer Aqua Messer
(at least Grade 5)		 370 0% Monster Hunter Now - Water 181
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Pukei Lagoon Hat (Grade 8)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jyura Mail (Grade 4)
 ▸ Water Attack Lv. 1
▸ Last Stand Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jyura Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Water Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Coil (Grade 5)
 ▸ Poison Resistance Lv. 1
▸ Burst Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jagras Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Water Attack Lv. 2

You can replace the Pukei Lagoon Hat with the Kulu Headpiece if you don't have the materials.

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Fire Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Flame Knife Flame Knife
(at least Grade 5)		 361 0% Monster Hunter Now - Fire 232
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Helm (Grade 4)
 ▸ Fire Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathalos Mail (Grade 6)
 ▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Fire Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Diablos Nero Coil (Grade 5)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv. 2

If Black Diablos isn't available, an alternative would be to use the Rathalos Coil. This will let you let you max out Fire Attack at the cost of Lock On. If you want to keep Lock On, you should also use the Kulu Headpiece instead, but your Fire Attack will only be at Lv. 3.

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Thunder Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Usurper Usurper's Firebolt
At least Grade 6		 461 0% Monster Hunter Now - Thunder 320
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Pukei Lagoon Hat (Grade 8)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathalos Mail (Grade 6)
 ▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Zinogre Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Thunder Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kadachi Coil (Grade 6)
 ▸ Thunder Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Zinogre Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Burst Lv. 1
▸ Thunder Attack Lv. 1

This Thunder Sword and Shield build requires Zinogre materials. This monster is available during Hunt-a-thons. If you're struggling to find Zinogre, you can use our alternative set below.

You can also replace the Pukei Lagoon Hat with the Kulu Headpiece if you don't have the materials.

Alternative Thunder Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Thunder Edge Thunder Edge
(at least Grade 5)		 370 0% Monster Hunter Now - Thunder 181
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathalos Helm (Grade 5)
 ▸ Attack Boost Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kadachi Mail (Grade 4)
 ▸ Evade Extender Lv. 1
▸ Thunder Attack Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Burst Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kadachi Coil (Grade 6)
 ▸ Thunder Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathalos Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Fire Resistance Lv. 1
▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 1

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Ice Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Glacial Grace Glacial Grace
(at least Grade 5)		 361 0% Monster Hunter Now - Ice 232
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Pukei Lagoon Hat (Grade 8)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Barioth Mail (Grade 6)
 ▸ Ice Resistance Lv. 1
▸ Ice Attack Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Barioth Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Ice Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Legiana Coil (Grade 5)
 ▸ Ice Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv. 2

This Ice Sword and Shield build requires Barioth materials, which requires defeating it in Hunt-a-Thons. You can also replace the Pukei Lagoon Hat with the Kulu Headpiece if you don't have the materials.

Alternative Ice Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Glacial Grace Glacial Grace
(at least Grade 5)		 361 0% Monster Hunter Now - Ice 232
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Legiana Helm (Grade 6)
 ▸ Divine Blessing Lv. 1
▸ Ice Attack Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Mail (Grade 6)
 ▸ Special Boost Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Vambraces (Grade 6)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Burst Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Legiana Coil (Grade 5)
 ▸ Ice Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathalos Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Fire Resistance Lv. 1
▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 1

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Dragon Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Fatal Jho Fatal Jho
(at least Grade 5)		 368 -30% Monster Hunter Now - Dragon 292
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Pukei Lagoon Hat (Grade 8)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
▸ Weakness Exploit Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rath Heart Mail (Grade 6)
 ▸ Focus Lv. 1
▸ Dragon Attack Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Vangis Vambraces (Grade 5)
 ▸ Dragon Attack Lv. 1
▸ Peak Performance Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Vangis Coil (Grade 6)
 ▸ Dragon Attack Lv. 2
▸ Tremor Resistance Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rath Heart Greaves (Grade 6)
 ▸ Special Boost Lv. 2
▸ Dragon Attack Lv. 1

You can replace the Pukei Lagoon Hat with the Kulu Headpiece if you don't have the materials.

▲ Back to Build Selection ▲

Best Skills for Sword and Shield

Recommended Skills to Equip

Skill Explanation / Recommended Level
Elemental Attack Take advantage of a monster's elemental weakness by equipping this stat!
Priority: ★★★
Burst Since the Sword and Shield is a fast-hitting weapon, it can easily activate Burst, making it a priority for raw sets.
Priority: ★★★
Weakness Exploit This skill will increase your critical hit rate when hitting weak points, which will directly increase your DPS.
Priority: ★★☆
Critical Eye This skill also increases critical hit rate but is always active.
Priority: ★★☆
Lock On Target a monster's weak spots easily with this skill!
Priority: ★★☆
Offensive Guard Improve your DPS further by doing a perfectly-timed guard with your Sword and Shield.
Priority: ★★☆
Sneak Attack Attacking the rear is the safest way to not get hit by a monster's rushing attack. This skill will improve your damage while doing this.
Priority: ★☆☆

Sword and Shield Builds Against Monsters

Best Jyuratodus Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Thunder Edge Thunder Edge
 128 0% Monster Hunter Now - Thunder 47
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Headpiece (Grade 2)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jagras Mail (Grade 2)
 ▸ Rising Tide Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Girros Vambraces (Grade 2)
 ▸ Sneak Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kadachi Coil (Grade 2)
 ▸ Thunder Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 2)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv.1

Craft Thunder Edge as soon as you can. This will be the ideal Sword and Shield against Jyuratodus because of its weakness to lightning. Forge the Kadachi Coil for the Thunder Attack skill to increase damage.

Best Anjanath Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Jagras Edge Jagras Edge
 95 0% Monster Hunter Now - Water 25
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Headpiece (Grade 2)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jyura Mail (Grade 3)
 ▸ Water Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jyura Vambraces (Grade 3)
 ▸ Water Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Lumu Coil (Grade 3)
 ▸ Divine Blessing Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Jagras Greaves (Grade 2)
 ▸ Water Attack Lv.1

The Jagras Edge will be the best weapon against Anjanath. At this point, you have already defeated Jyuratodus, so farm for its materials to craft its chest and arm pieces. These two armor pieces will increase your Water element damage with the skill, Water Attack.

Best Rathian Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Thunder Edge Thunder Edge
 128 0% Monster Hunter Now - Thunder 47
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Headpiece (Grade 4)
 ▸ Lock On Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Mail (Grade 4)
 ▸ Special Boost Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Girros Vambraces (Grade 3)
 ▸ Sneak Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kadachi Coil (Grade 3)
 ▸ Thunder Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 3)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv.1

Re-equip the Thunder Edge Sword and Shield to fight Rathian and increase this weapon's damage with the Thunder Attack skill from the Kadachi Coil. Craft the Anjanath chest armor for the Special Boost skill to increase the damage of your Perfect Rush Combo.

Best Legiana Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Blazing Edge Blazing Edge
 260 0% Monster Hunter Now - Fire 117
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Helm (Grade 4)
 ▸ Fire Attack Lv. 2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Mail (Grade 4)
 ▸ Special Boost Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Vambraces (Grade 4)
 ▸ Lock On Lv.1
▸ Burst Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Lumu Coil (Grade 3)
 ▸ Divine Blessing Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 4)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv.1

Craft the Blazing Edge Sword and Shield to take advantage of Legiana's weakness to fire. To increase the elemental damage you do, equip the Anja Helm and level it up until you get the Fire Attack Lv.2 skill that comes with it.

The Rathian Vambraces is a good arm armor to equip for Lock On and Burst, which increases your attack the more you land hits with your Sword and Shield. However, if you want more elemental damage, swap this out with the Anja Vambraces to get the Fire Attack skill to level 3.

Best Diablos Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Glacial Grace Glacial Grace
 361 0% Monster Hunter Now - Ice 232
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Leather Headgear (Grade 2)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Mail (Grade 4)
 ▸ Special Boost Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Vambraces (Grade 4)
 ▸ Lock On Lv.1
▸ Burst Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Legiana Coil (Grade 5)
 ▸ Ice Attack Lv.2
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 4)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv.1

Glacial Grace is the best Sword and Shield against Diablos because of its weakness to Ice. Equip the Legiana Coil and upgrade it until you get the two levels on Ice Attack, further increasing your damage.

Best Rathalos Sword and Shield Build

Weapon ATK AFF ELE
Monster Hunter Now - Thunder Edge Thunder Edge
(at least Grade 4)
 370 0% Monster Hunter Now - Thunder 181
Armor Skills
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Leather Headgear (Grade 2)
 ▸Critical Eye Lv. 1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Anja Mail (Grade 4)
 ▸ Special Boost Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Rathian Vambraces (Grade 4)
 ▸ Lock On Lv.1
▸ Burst Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kadachi Coil (Grade 3)
 ▸ Thunder Attack Lv.1
Monster Hunter Now - Legs Armor Kulu Greaves (Grade 4)
 ▸ Critical Eye Lv.1

Thunder Edge takes advantage of Rathalos's weakness to Thunder, so this is the ideal weapon for this hunt. The Special Boost skill from the Anjanath chest armor increases the damage of your Perfect Rush Combo, but if you want more elemental damage, equip the Kadachi Mail and upgrade it until you unlock the level one Thunder Attack that comes with it.

Monster Hunter Now Related Guides

Monster Hunter Now - Builds

Best Builds

All Weapon Build Guides

All Weapon Builds
Monster Hunter Now - Sword and Shield Sword and Shield Monster Hunter Now - Great Sword Great Sword Monster Hunter Now - Long Sword Long Sword
Monster Hunter Now - Hammer Hammer Monster Hunter Now - Light Bowgun Light Bowgun Monster Hunter Now - Bow Bow
Monster Hunter Now - LanceLance Monster Hunter Now - Dual BladesDual Blades Monster Hunter Now - Charge BladeCharge Blade
Monster Hunter Now - GunlanceGunlance Monster Hunter Now - Heavy BowgunHeavy Bowgun

Comment

1 Anonymous Anonymous 8 months

sad that the builds are no longer up to date :'(

Post (1 Comments)

Author

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