Evasion Charm I
Blaze Jewel【1】
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Monster Hunter Wilds
Best Sword & Shield (SNS) Builds for Low Rank
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These are the best Low Rank Sword & Shield (SNS) builds in Monster Hunter Wilds. Learn about all the builds in the early game, tips for building at the beginning, and the best Skills and Armor pieces to use with the Sword & Shield while in Low Rank.
| All Sword & Shield Builds | |
|---|---|
| Low Rank Builds | High Rank Builds |
List of Contents
Sword & Shield Builds Progression (Low Rank)
| Low Rank | Build Name |
|---|---|
| HR6 - HR8 | WEx Burst Sword & Shield |
| HR3 - HR5 | Latent Partbreaker Sword & Shield |
| HR1 - HR3 | Powerhouse Sword & Shield |
Low Rank Build (HR 6 to HR 8)
WEx Burst Sword & Shield
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Albirath Edge I
|
4 | 224 (160) |
0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ①ーー |
120
|
15% | |
| Skills |
Critical Element Lv. 1
Master's Touch Lv. 1
|
||
The Albirath Edge I is the Sword & Shield of choice for the final stages of Low Rank, as it has great stats for its Raw and Elemental Attack, as well as a 15% Affinity that is unmatched at this stage.
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nihil Sword I  | 4 | 224 (160) | 0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ①ーー |  120 | 0% | |
| Skills | Guard Lv. 2 | ||
The Nihil Sword I can work as a replacement with similar stats, specifically against monsters that resist Fire. It does not have the Albirath Edge's Affinity, but it does get the same Raw Attack and Element that lets it pack a punch.
Don't forget to use a Stream Jewel I instead of a Blaze Jewel, to match the Nihil Sword's Element. And note that even if it is a Water weapon, it can still trigger Scorcher's damage.
WEx Burst Sword & Shield Armor Loadout
| Armor | Slots | Skills |
|---|---|---|
 G. Rathalos Helm
|
ーーー |
Weakness Exploit Lv. 1
Intimidator Lv. 1
|
 G. Ebony Mail
|
 Physique Jewel【1】Constitution Lv. 1 ーー |
Bleeding Resistance Lv. 1
|
 G. Rathalos Vambraces
|
Physique Jewel【1】 Constitution Lv. 1 ーー |
Weakness Exploit Lv. 1
|
 G. Ebony Coil
|
ーーー |
Burst Lv. 1
Bleeding Resistance Lv. 1
|
 G. Rathalos Greaves
|
Physique Jewel【1】 Constitution Lv. 1 ーー |
Weakness Exploit Lv. 1
|
| Charm | ||
| Decorations List |
Weapon Decos:
Armor Decos: |
|
Build Summary and Explanation
| Skill Summary | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitution | 3 | Weakness Exploit | 3 |
| Bleeding Resistance | 2 | Burst | 1 |
| Intimidator | 1 | Evade Extender | 1 |
| Critical Element | 1 | Master's Touch | 1 |
| Group / Set Skills | |||
| Burst Boost | Scorcher I | ||
This build leans into the Sword & Shield's power as an Elemental Weapon, running skills like Burst, Burst Boost, and Scorcher to augment Fire damage (as well as some Raw Attack from Burst).
It also makes use of Weakness Exploit to help activate Critical Element and Master's Touch, with Evade Extender and Constitution handling comfort for evading monster attacks through dodging.
Best Secondary Weapons
| Weapon & Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
 Albirath Bow I
(Bow) |
• The addition of Stamina Management with Constitution allows a Bow to make good use of this build. • Albirath Bow shares the same Affinity and Elemental Values as the Albirath Edge, making it a good candidate for a ranged option. |
 Twin Albiraths I
(Dual Blades) |
• In a similar vein, Dual Blades greatly enjoy the added Constitution in the build. • The Twin Albiraths I are a great choice as they share many of the strengths that the main weapon has. |
Low Rank Build (HR 3 to HR 5)
Latent Partbreaker Sword & Shield
Best Weapon
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Quematrice Cuchillo II
|
3 | 196 (140) |
0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ーーー |
120
|
5% | |
| Skills |
Offensive Guard Lv. 2
|
||
The Quematrice Chuchillo II is a strong mid-Low Rank weapon that adds aa Fire Element to attacks, while also sporting good Raw and 5% Affinity. It also has a conditional damage boost skill in Offensive Guard.
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Rey Kuara I  | 3 | 196 (140) | 0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ーーー |  120 | 0% | |
| Skills | Offensive Guard Lv. 1 Guard Lv. 1 | ||
The Rey Kuara I can be brought in as a specialized option when the Quematrice Cuchillo's Fire Element isn't in a good matchup. It also has a hefty 120 Thunder Element to deal with monsters weak to Thunder.
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ajara Saber I  | 3 | 182 (130) | 0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ーーー |  120 | 10% | |
| Skills | Offensive Guard Lv. 2 | ||
The Ajara Saber I is a non-Elemental option that can supplement its Raw Damage with Blastblight Triggers, which will deal bursts of damage to affected monsters.
Latent Partbreaker Sword & Shield Armor Loadout
| Armor | Slots | Skills |
|---|---|---|
 Rey Sandhelm
|
ーーー |
Latent Power Lv. 1
|
 Ajarakan Mail
|
ーーー |
Partbreaker Lv. 1
|
 Hirabami Vambraces
|
ーーー |
Evade Window Lv. 1
Ice Resistance Lv. 1
|
 Balahara Coil
|
ーーー |
Constitution Lv. 1
|
 Ajarakan Greaves
|
ーーー |
Partbreaker Lv. 1
Blast Resistance Lv. 1
|
| Charm | ||
Build Summary and Explanation
| Skill Summary | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Partbreaker | 2 | Evade Extender | 2 |
| Offensive Guard | 2 | Constitution | 1 |
| Latent Power | 1 | Evade Window | 1 |
| Ice Resistance | 1 | Blast Resistance | 1 |
As damage-boosting skills are still scarce, Latent Power will help increase output by increasing Affinity when active, while Partbreaker boosts damage done with Focus Strikes against wounds.
On the flipside, Evade Extender, Evade Window, and Constitution will carry the build's defenses by augmeting the Hunter's ability to evade.
Best Secondary Weapons
| Weapon & Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
 Quematrice Culebrina II
(Gunlance) |
• The Gunlance can work as a heavier option that makes use of many of the skills of the build. • Partbreaker works especially well with the Gunlance's strengths. |
 Windbrace Bow I
(Bow) |
• The Bow can be considered for a ranged option that greatly benefits off of the Constitution and Latent Power of the build. • The Windbrace Bow I has good Raw and Element, and can boost its damage with Power Coating. |
Low Rank Build (HR 1 to HR 3)
Powerhouse Sword & Shield
Best Weapon
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Balahara Blade I
|
2 | 154 (110) |
0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ーーー |
100
|
10% | |
| Skills |
Offensive Guard Lv. 1
|
||
The recommended starting Sword & Shield is the Balahara Blade I, as it carries a good amount of Raw and Elemental Attack, as well as 10% Affinity and Green Sharpness. The Affinity especially is difficult to come by this early into the game.
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Quematrice Cuchillo I | 1 | 140 (100) | 0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ーーー | 100 | 5% | |
| Skills | Offensive Guard Lv. 1 | ||
The Quematrice Cuchillo I is a viable option against monsters that resist water, as its Element value is on par with the Balahara Blade.
| Weapon | Rarity | ATK | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|
 Barina Dague I  | 1 | 140 (100) | 0 |
| Slots | Element | Affinity | |
| ーーー |  100 | 10% | |
| Skills | Critical Draw Lv. 1 | ||
A non-Elemental option would be the Barina Dague I, which has the added utility of paralyzing monsters to net extra DPS windows.
Powerhouse Sword & Shield Armor Loadout
| Armor | Slots | Skills |
|---|---|---|
 Doshaguma Helm
|
ーーー |
Free Meal Lv. 1
|
 Doshaguma Mail
|
ーーー |
Free Meal Lv. 1
|
 Doshaguma Braces
|
ーーー |
Recovery Speed Lv. 1
|
|
Balahara Coil
|
ーーー |
Evade Extender Lv. 1
|
 Doshaguma Greaves
|
ーーー |
Free Meal Lv. 1
|
| Armor Alternatives | Explanation |
|---|---|
 Balahara Vambraces | Evade Extender Lv. 1 • Adds a level of Evade Extender for more mobility • Trades in the Doshaguma 4 Set Bonus for more comfort |
For players that do not want to fully rely on the Powerhouse skill, the Balahara Vambraces can be equipped for bumping Evade Extender up to level 2, at the cost of dropping Powerhouse to level 1. This weakens the damage buff, but grants more comfort and mobility in return.
Build Summary and Explanation
| Skill Summary | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Meal | 3 | Offensive Guard | 1 |
| Recovery Speed | 1 | Evade Extender | 1 |
| Group / Set Skills | Powerhouse I | Fortify | |
For the early game, there aren't many damage options available yet. The biggest damage boost at this stage comes from the Doshaguma Armor's Set Skill, Powerhouse. At level two, it offers a massive +25 Attack when activated.
However, the activation of the skill is conditional, and relies on Perfect Guards to trigger Power Clashes for the buff. This makes the buff's uptime inconsistent, but it does provide significant damage when on.
Best Secondary Weapons
| Weapon & Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
 Balahara Lance I
(Lance) |
• Powerhouse works well with the Lance, as it is a weapon that likes to Guard by default. • The Balahara Lance I also carries Offensive Guard to further synergize with Powerhouse. |
 Balahara Exploder I
(Gunlance) |
• Similarly, the Gunlance is a weapon that can make use of Powehouse very well. • Can deal effective damage to monsters with low Hitzone Values because of how shelling works. |
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Guides
List of Builds for Each Weapon
All Weapon Builds in Monster Hunter Wilds
| All Weapon Builds & Guides | |
|---|---|
 Great SwordLow Rank | High Rank |
 Long SwordLow Rank | High Rank |
 Sword and ShieldLow Rank | High Rank |
 Dual BladesLow Rank | High Rank |
 HammerLow Rank | High Rank |
 Hunting HornLow Rank | High Rank |
 LanceLow Rank | High Rank |
 GunlanceLow Rank | High Rank |
 Switch AxeLow Rank | High Rank |
 Charge BladeLow Rank | High Rank |
 Insect GlaiveLow Rank | High Rank |
 BowLow Rank | High Rank |
 Light BowgunLow Rank | High Rank |
 Heavy BowgunLow Rank | High Rank |
Non-Meta Builds in Monster Hunter Wilds
| Non-Meta Builds & Guides | |
|---|---|
| Immortal Build | Support Build |
| Best Gathering Sets | How to Make a Good Build |
| Rey Dau Gamma Builds | Uth Duna Gamma Builds |
Comment
1 
Anonymous 9 months
Anonymous 9 monthsLw sword shield build lr 5 to 8 is decorations changed. I dont have decoration on helm and other gear
Author
Best Sword & Shield (SNS) Builds for Low Rank
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Hello! The page has been updated to reflect the correct decoration slots for all Low Rank builds. They are applicable only during the HR 6-8 Low Rank builds. Appreciate the feedback!