Not sure which monster attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds you can actually block using Guard Up? This tool breaks it down. We’ve compiled a detailed list of monster attacks that are either totally unblockable or blockable with Guard Up. For those that are unblockable, we’ve provided an option to avoid the attack when using a Lance build. This tool was built with data compiled by Afrofreestyle.
| Monster | Unblockable? | Blockable with Guard Up? | Attack Description | How to Avoid (No Guard Up) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkveld | Yes | Yes | Pin attack, spinning jump with chain grab | – Guard Dash + leaping thrust or side step (tiny hitbox) – I-frame it with a side step. Sounds harder than it is, his attack has a very tiny hitbox. You can side hop left or right depending on your position – Charge counter throught it. Most times you won’t hit him back, but you will not get pinned |
|
| Ajarakan | Yes | Yes | Tremor + iron explosion from ground | Position outside hitboxes, guard dash sideways | |
| Ajarakan | Yes | Yes | Pin attack | Guard dash/hop to outer part of dragging arm | |
| Zoh Shia | Yes | Yes | Fire breath (standing on two legs) | Create distance with a dash guard back + backhop, the hitzone is smaller than it looks. You can use the time to sharpen/heal
Dash attack in his direction before the fire starts to rain down, you can deal dmg to his tail while he does it. You can also charge counter the first hit and avoid the second by not doing any action. Do not move, do not attack, just stay inside the fire and you’re fine, if you got the charge counter on the first tick |
Always does this when revealing black head |
| Zoh Shia | Yes | No | Wind pressure | Roll through it. If you get hit it doesn’t matter, deals no dmg. Also, Wind resist 3 works (but why would you idk)
You can charge counter it to continue dealing dmg in phase 3, where he doesn’t use the rain fire as a follow up to it |
Wind resist 3 works |
| Zoh Shia | Yes | No | Arena set on fire with WAR crystals | Destroy the large wylk crystals and stay close to their position. On the transition from phase 1 to 2 thats the only way to deal with the nova. After phase 2 he will use this attack again after a HP thereshold, but you can avoid it by running to his tail | |
| Gravios | Yes | Yes | Gas attacks (poison/fire/sleep) | Create distance with a dash guard back + backhop. This attack is really fast sometimes and if you’re too close you might not be able to avoid it in time. | Guard Up 1 might be optimal for gas blocking |
| Nu Udra | Yes | Yes | Pin attack with tentacles | Charge counter it | |
| Jin Dahaad | Yes | No | Big nova attack | Use the rocks on top of the arena, pull on down and hide behind it
It’s possible to charge counter it, if you want to do it for style points. |
|
| Doshaguma | Yes | Yes | Heavy slam pulling ground | Hit wound with focus strike when he stands on two legs | |
| Guardian Doshaguma | Yes | Yes | Same as regular Doshaguna | ||
| Congalala | No | ||||
| Chatacabra | No | ||||
| Balahara | No | ||||
| Rey Dau | No | ||||
| Quematrice | No | ||||
| Gypceros | No | ||||
| Yian Kut-ku | No | ||||
| Lala Barina | No | ||||
| Uth Dana | No | ||||
| Rathalos | No | ||||
| Rathian | No | ||||
| Rompompolo | No | ||||
| Nerscylla | No | ||||
| Hirabami | No | ||||
| Gore Magala | No | Has blockable pin attack | |||
| Blangonga | No | ||||
| Guardian Rathalos | No |
Just type in a monster name to find out:
- Which of its moves are completely unblockable
- Which require Guard Up to block
- Which are blockable but cause high knockback, even with Guard
You’ll also see:
- Color-coded threat levels (Red = Needs Guard Up, Purple = Unblockable, Green = Blockable with knockback)
- Click the thumb nail for related content about each Monster
What Does Monster Hunter Wilds Guard Actually Do?
The Guard skill reduces knockback and stamina drain when blocking. At higher levels, it also reduces chip damage from most attacks. But here’s the catch—SnS and similar weapons have very low guard thresholds, meaning that even with maxed-out Guard, many powerful attacks still break through with heavy knockback.
So if you’re wondering, “Does Guard even work with Sword and Shield in Wilds?”—the answer is technically yes, but in practice, it often doesn’t make much difference. You’ll still take big knockback and chip unless you perfect guard or play a weapon with stronger innate block values.
What Does Monster Hunter Wilds Guard Up Do?
In MHW, Guard Up allows you to block unblockable attacks—things like Gravios’ poison clouds or Jin Dahaad’s explosions. Without Guard Up, these moves bypass your shield entirely. With it, you can at least absorb the hit (though usually with heavy chip damage). It’s essential for Lance or Gunlance users who prefer to tank everything. But for highly mobile weapons like SnS, it’s often better to dodge instead.
- Use Guard Up if you’re blocking unblockables (especially with Lance or Gunlance).
- Guard can help reduce chip and knockback—but may feel useless on SnS or similar weapons.
- Most unblockables still hurt, even with Guard Up—this skill doesn’t make them harmless, just survivable.
So there you have it. Hopefully, you found our MHW Guard Up tool useful.