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Mastering Stalwart Guard in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Comprehensive Guide
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a range of new mechanics, with some being weapon-specific, such as Stalwart Guard. This defensive technique, lacking a clear in-game tutorial, is crucial for player survival. Misidentified by some as Power Clash or Beam Clash, understanding and properly utilizing Stalwart Guard is essential for protecting both yourself and your teammates, offering a visually impressive defensive maneuver.
Effectively using Stalwart Guard allows players to mitigate damage and safeguard allies. This guide clarifies how to execute and maximize the benefits of this potent technique in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Executing a Stalwart Guard
Stalwart Guard is activated when a player guards against a monster’s sustained projectile attack. These attacks encompass expansive breath attacks from monsters like Nu Udra or Blangonga, and beam assaults from enemies such as Gravios or Rey Dau. The appearance of “Stalwart Guard” on the screen’s top right, coupled with a camera zoom focusing on your hunter bracing with their shield, confirms successful activation. This replicates the dramatic shield stance seen in the Deep Down trailer from years past.
While Stalwart Guard execution results in gradual health and accelerated stamina depletion, enduring this drain is preferable to directly absorbing the full force of the incoming attack. Furthermore, it provides a defensive barrier, shielding allies positioned behind you from the projectile.
Stalwart Guard Weapon Variations
Every weapon equipped with guarding capabilities can perform a Stalwart Guard. This universality contributes to the misconception linking it to the Power Clash mechanic. A common feature across all weapons is reduced movement speed while guarding. However, distinct variations exist across different weapon types:

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- Great Sword: Guarding with the Great Sword results in the slowest movement speed. This reduced mobility is logical given the weapon’s nature of blocking substantial projectiles with a blade.
- Heavy Bowgun: Testing indicates that the Heavy Bowgun shares the Great Sword’s movement speed while guarding. This is understandable, considering the comparable effectiveness of using a firearm to intercept widespread elemental attacks.
- Charge Blade: The Charge Blade allows for slightly faster movement during Stalwart Guard. Successfully executing a Stalwart Guard instantly charges phials to Yellow, or to Red if already in the yellow range.
- Sword and Shield: This weapon type shares the Charge Blade’s movement speed during Stalwart Guard. It lacks unique attributes specific to this mechanic beyond the standard guard.
- Gun Lance: For hunters prioritizing swift movement during Stalwart Guard, the Gun Lance is among the fastest options. Additionally, it enables a Counter Rush, activated by pressing Triangle/Y. This action propels the hunter forward to disrupt the monster’s assault with a counter-attack. Note that this rush exposes the hunter to increased damage and covers a limited distance; insufficient proximity will cause a missed attack and a subsequent knockback.
- Lance: The Lance mirrors the Gun Lance’s advantages. It offers rapid movement during Stalwart Guard and access to the Counter Rush using Triangle/Y.
Monster Hunter Wilds is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs.