How To Block in Monster Hunter Wilds?

Everything you need to know about blocking monster attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds, the best use cases, Power Clash opportunities, and more.

Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)
Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)

Blocking in Monster Hunter Wilds has received some major overhauls compared to past games in the series. For weapon types like Lance, Gunlance, Charge Blade, and Sword and Shield, blocking serves as one of the many ways to initiate a combo. In fact, for the Lance, blocking is one of the crucial aspects of its basic moveset.

However, outside of Lance and, in some instances, Charge Blade, blocking has never been an important element of combat in Monster Hunter games. Instead, most weapons in the series generally rely on counterattacks and dodges to avoid damage. However, in Monster Hunter Wilds, blocking is one of the many ways you can not only defend yourself from incoming attacks but also retaliate immediately.

Here’s everything you need to know about blocking in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Which Weapons Can Block in Monster Hunter Wilds?

Heavy Bowgun in Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)
Heavy Bowgun in Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)

Although blocking is now an essential part of combat due to the newly introduced Power Clash mechanic, it’s not something that’s available to all weapon types. Out of the 14 weapon types in Monster Hunter Wilds, there are only a handful that can actively block attacks. Here’s a list of all the weapon types with the ability to block attacks:

  • Great Sword
  • Lance
  • Gunlance
  • Sword and Shield
  • Charge Blade
  • Heavy Bowgun

Except for these six weapon types, no other armament in Monster Hunter can block attacks. As a result, skills like Guard and Guard Up are also only viable for these six weapon types. Thankfully, weapon skills are now separate from armor skills in Monster Hunter Wilds.

How To Block?

Here’s how you can block using different weapon types in Monster Hunter Wilds:

Great Sword

CombosButton Combinations (PlayStation/Xbox)
GuardR2 (with weapon drawn)/ RT (with weapon drawn)

Lance

CombosButton Combinations (PlayStation/Xbox)
GuardHold-R2/Hold-RT

Gunlance

CombosButton Combinations (PlayStation/Xbox)
GuardHold-R2/Hold-RT

Sword and Shield

CombosButton Combinations (PlayStation/Xbox)
GuardHold-R2/Hold-RT

Charge Blade

CombosButton Combinations (PlayStation/Xbox)
GuardHold-R2/Hold-RT

Heavy Bowgun

CombosButton Combinations (PlayStation/Xbox)
GuardTriangle+Circle/Y+B

How To Perform Power Clash?

Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)
Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)

Power Clash is essentially a fancier term for Perfect Guard. You can learn more about Power Clash using our dedicated guide for the mechanic. However, in summary, Power Clash triggers whenever you perform two successive Perfect Guards in a row. A Power Clash allows you to not only negate damage but also immediately retaliate with a charged attack. Triggering a Power Clash also does not consume Sharpness, which makes it an invaluable tool for weapons like the Great Sword. Furthermore, a Power Clash often lets you stagger (topple) a monster, which is basically a free opportunity to deal additional damage.


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