MM     MM   OOOO   N      N   SSSS  TTTTTTT  EEEEE  RRRRRR
M M   M M  O    O  NN     N  S         T     E      R     R
M  M M  M  O    O  N N    N  S         T     E      R     R
M   M   M  O    O  N  N   N   SSS      T     EEE    RRRRRR
M       M  O    O  N   N  N      S     T     E      R   R
M       M  O    O  N    N N      S     T     E      R    R
M       M  O    O  N     NN      S     T     E      R     R
M       M   OOOO   N      N  SSSS      T     EEEEE  R      R
H       H  U    U  N      N  TTTTTTT  EEEEE  RRRRRR
H       H  U    U  NN     N     T     E      R     R
H       H  U    u  N N    N     T     E      R     R
HHHHHHHHH  U    U  N  N   N     T     EEE    RRRRRR
H       H  U    U  N   N  N     T     E      R   R
H       H  U    U  N    N N     T     E      R    R
H       H  U    U  N     NN     T     E      R     R
H       H   UUUU   N      N     T     EEEEE  R      R
THE AWESOME ASCII RETURNS!  MUAHAHA!
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Monster Hunter Sword and Shield Lines Guide
Written by Acrospino
As of the day I last updated this FAQ: October 15, 2006.
E-mail me at acro6spino9 (at symbol) yahoo (dot) com.
Version 1.0
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Table of Contents
I. About this FAQ-100%                                          (ATFQ)
II. Update History                                              (UDHY)
III. Basic Sword and Shield Combat-100%                         (BSSC)
a. Attacks                                                  (ATKS)
b. Combos                                                   (CMBS)
c. Dodging                                                  (DDGE)
IV. Sword and Shield Lines-100%                                 (SSLN)
a. Hunter's Knife                                           (HRKE)
b. Bone Kris                                                (BOKR)
c. Hero's Blade                                             (HRBL)
d. Rusted Sword                                             (RDSS)
e. Studded Club                                             (STDC)
f. Thunderbane                                              (TRBE)
g. Dragonbuster                                             (DRBR)
h. Kitchen Knife                                            (KNKN)
i. Kirin Bolt                                               (KBLT)
j. Catspaw                                                  (CPAW)
k. Unique Swords                                            (UESS)
V. Sword and Shield Superlatives-100%                           (SSSS)
a. Highest Attack Power                                     (HRAP)
b. Highest Element                                          (HELE)
c. Highest Defense Boost                                    (HDFB)
d. Best Sharpness                                           (BTSS)
e. Best in Show                                             (BTSW)
VI. Legal Mumbo Jumbo-100%                                      (LMJO)
VII. Closing Remarks-100%                                       (CGRS)
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Section I. ABOUT THIS FAQ            (ATFQ)
Well, I'm sure a few of you know me as "that guy that wrote the Great Sword
FAQ".  I used to be a Great Swordsman, it's true.  But all that changed one day
when I realized that, yes, lances do pack more of a punch than GS.  I began
using lances for a while.  Then, I hit a very big, red, and angry roadblock
named Rathalos.  I tried and tried and finally managed to kill the big guy with
too many potions and flash bombs to be named.  After that, I got stuck on
Basarios and figured "I need a better weapon/armor."  So I made Deathprize.  It
looked like a nice little thing, good attack, decent sharpness, easy to make,
and it looked OK.  I used it on Rathalos and, on my first Sword and Shield quest
since Velocidrome, managed to make him limp and ran out of time.  That fateful
quest changed everything.  Now I'm making Deadly Poison and working with Swords
all the time.  That's why I made this FAQ.  It's also my second, so I have a bit
of experience.
There is arguably less dispute about Sword and Shields than other weapons,
(except for Eternal Strife :/) but still be cautious when posting information
found on my guide anywhere.  I'm not responsible if you get flamed for it.
Oh, yeah, if you want to see my Plate Run strategy, you'll have to go to my GS
guide.
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Section II. UPDATE HISTORY        (UDHY)
October 15, 2006: Fixed a typo in Odyssey's description (thanks gurukrsna!)
and added my online name!  :D  Version 1.06.
October 2, 2006: Added a Sword and Shield con (sorry it took so long,
bomberdude999), fixed some typoes, and fixed something in the Combo section.
Version 1.05.
August 14, 2006: Added a Sword and Shield pro (thanks Allrejectedblondes!)
Version 1.03
August 11, 2006: Added a Sword and Shield con (thanks KILLOZOID!). Version
1.02.
August 3, 2006: Submitted guide to Neoseeker and changed that Khezu doesn't
negate stun (thanks Maigun/Axis_of_Nobody!).  Version 1.01.
July 28, 2006: Submitted guide to GameFAQs after completing.  Version 1.0.
July 27, 2006: Worked on guide some more.  Version 0.5.
July 26, 2006: First saved guide on computer.  Version 0.1.
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Section III. BASIC SWORD COMBAT   (BSSC)
Well, if you are reading this guide, I can guess you are one of two things:
1) A newbie who decided he/she actually like the Sword's combat style and stayed
with it for a while.
2) A vet who discovered Swords are good weapons and are ready to try and master
one.
If you're none of the above, then keep reading anyway.  Swords are mostly good
for their quick attacks and nice elemental damage.  Most people look at the
attack power and say, "Hey!  This thing sucks!  My Iron Sword does way more
damage!".  That may be true, but can you run full speed with that precious Iron
Sword of yours drawn?  What about your big hammer which stomps things flat; can
you block with that?  Or your lance, which does tons of damage, can you roll
with that?  Even your bowgun, which is very versatile, what happens when you
run out of ammo?  The Sword can do all those things and a few more.  Let's
look at some pros and cons of our Swords with this handy table.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I    PROS                    I      CONS                    I
-------------------------------------------------------------
I +Can block                 I  -Relatively weak            I
I +Can attack while blocking I  -Limited combo ability      I
I +Good elemental damage     I  -Bad reach                  I
I +Can roll with it drawn    I  -Relatively weak guard      I
I +Can run with it drawn     I  -???                        I
I +Fast-attacking            I  -???                        I
-------------------------------------------------------------
If anybody can think of more cons, e-mail me.  The Sword is an all-around
balanced weapon.  It may not do as much damage as a lance or combo like a GS,
but it can roll, block, and move full speed with it drawn.  This makes it a good
beginners' weapon, as you can do really anything with it.  Once you get to the
higher monsters, people start to look down on the Sword as it does less damage
than other weapons.  It can still be used quite effectively, though, as it has
a very wide selection of elements and channels them well.
But, to use those elements, you've got to know how to attack.  Let's look at
the Sword's many attacks.
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Section IIIa. SWORD AND SHIELD ATTACKS    (ATKS)
COMBO SLASH
===========
-Up on the Right Analog Stick.
-Can do it 3x in a row for a combo.
-This is what you'll mostly use to attack wyverns.
-Weak when not used as a combo.
LEFT/RIGHT SPIN-SLASH
=====================
-Press left or right on the Right analog stick.
-Can finish a combo with this, but only if you have time for a long ending
animation.  You might get hit if you're not careful.
-Does mediocre damage; maybe as a finishing move for minions.
-Strongest single Sword attack; does less damage than a Combo Slash combo.
JUMPING SLASH
=============
-Down on the Right Analog Stick.
-Can be used before the Combo Slash to make a 5-hit combo.
-This is identical to the Unsheathe Attack.
UNSHEATHE ATTACK
================
-Any direction the Right Analog Stick while running and weapon is put away.
-Does mediocre damage.
-Can also be used before a Combo Slash combo.
ROLLING ATTACK
==============
-Up on the Right Analog Stick after rolling.
-Poor damage.
-Most people don't even know this exists.  >_>
BLOCKING ATTACK
===============
-Any direction on the Right Analog Stick while blocking.
-Weakest Sword attack (not counting individual Combo Slash attacks)
-Can be used to "turtle" under wyverns and poke their legs.
KICK
====
-Press the Right Analog stick.
-Does absolutely nothing to anything.
-Don't even use this.
-Can't be done with the weapon drawn.
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Section IIIb. SWORD AND SHIELD COMBOS     (CMBS)
The Sword has only one real combo that can be used to attack wyverns.  It is
usually what you will be using to hit them.
SLASH COMBO
===========
Generic name, I know, but it's the only combo for us Swordsmen.  Attacks in
parentheses are optional add-ons to do more damage.
(Unsheathe Attack/Down->)Up->Up->Up(->Rolling Attack/Left/Right)
This is really the only combo for Swords.  It can be molded into a few different
types but stays the same in essence; the meat of the combo is the Up x 3 part.
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Section IIIc. DODGING WITH A SWORD AND SHIELD (DDGE)
Swords are very versatile weapons.  They can block, roll, and run while drawn.
This makes us very hard to hit for wyverns.  Of course, you've got to know how
to use these techniques for them to save your tail during a fight.
ROLL
====
-Can be done with weapon out or not.
-Press Circle and a direction on the Left Analog stick.
-Uses about 1/4 of your Stamina bar unless you're drinking Power/Mega Juice.
-Ineffective when a really BIG monster is about to hit you; it'll hit you even
if you roll!
-The dodge I use most often.
BLOCK
=====
-Press R1 to hold up your shield and block.
-Consumes Stamina and a little tiny bit of HP when an attack is successfully
blocked.
-Amount of Stamina consumed depends on the power of the attack.
-Most wyverns' physical attacks are blockable.
-Some projectile attacks from wyverns are blockable (Gypcero's flash for one)
-Good for dodging charging Bullfango.
RUN AWAY!
=========
-You can move pretty quickly with your weapon drawn.
-Press R2 to sheathe your weapon and run.
-Running consumes double Stamina if a wyvern has spotted you.
-Slower than rolling, but better for dodging slower attacks.
-Not really a dodge, but still...
The above techniques will hopefully help you stay alive in the dog-eat-dog world
of Monster Hunter.
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Section IV. SWORD AND SHIELD LINES         (SSLN)
Ah, now for the fun part.  This is the reason I made this guide; to recommend to
you the best Swords for every situation.  There certainly are a lot to
choose from! For now, I will only be doing the final upgrades for each line, but
in the future, I might work on the Swords in between.  I also will not cover
duals; you can use Akubarix's guide for that.  Enjoy!
Oh, yeah, the format:
=============================
SWORD NAME
ATTACK POWER + ELEMENTAL DAMAGE
OTHER BONUSES (if applicable)
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Average
Orange: Short
Yellow: Long
Green: Short
PATH TO WEAPON
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Blah
Blah
Blah
TOTAL COST: ____z
SHORTCUT MATERIALS: (if applicable)
Blah
Blah
Blah
SHORTCUT COST: ____z
RATING: Something/10
NOTES:
Blah blah blah.  Blah blah, blah blah.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Yadda, yadda, yadda.
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Section IVa. HUNTER'S KNIFE LINE       (HRKE)
=============================
Poison Battleaxe
238 ATK + 28 Poison
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Very Long
Orange: Extremely Short
Yellow: Short
Green: Long
Hunter's Knife --> Hunter's Knife+ --> Hunter's Dagger --> Hunter's Dagger+ -->
Assassin's Dagger --> Poison Axe --> Poison Battleaxe
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
11 x Iron Ore
9  x Earth Crystal
10 x Med Monster Bone
6  x Rubbery Hide
6  x Poison Sac
TOTAL COST: 58,740z
RATING: 7/10
NOTES:
This is a decent beginner's Sword.  It has good sharpness, Poison element, and
relatively high attack for a Sword.  Many people have used this to down their
first Rathalos.  Its materials are also pretty easy to obtain.  The one bad spot
is the monstrous cost of this weapon.  Chances are, if you've been playing
offline only so far, this weapon will be out of reach for a long while.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Most wyverns (not Lao *shudders*).  Rathalos especially doesn't like to be
poisoned while flying around in circles.
=============================
Deathprize
210 ATK + 26 Stun
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Long
Orange: Average
Yellow: Long
Green: Average
Hunter's Knife --> Hunter's Knife+ --> Serpent Bite --> Serpent Bite+ --> Viper
Bite --> Viper Bite+ --> Deathprize
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
2  x Iron
12 x Sm Monster Bone
10 x Velociprey Fang
5  x Velociprey Hide
30 x Genprey Fang
5  x Genprey Hide
6  x Stun Sac
2  x Monster Fluid
1  x Med Monster Bone
TOTAL COST: 24,960z
RATING: 7/10
NOTES:
I love this thing.  It's one of the three swords bearing likeness to 'prey.
Stun is a great element.  It keeps the wyvern still so you can smack it or eat
something.  You'll be doing a few Genprey runs to get this guy.  If you do it
right and carve every Genprey you kill/get the chance to, you should end up with
at least 10 Fangs per quest, not counting the rewards.  This is also a great
support weapon for online.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Anything but Kirin and Lao.  Those negate stun.  Otherwise, feel free to
sit back and watch the wyvern convulse while your stunning might is coursing
through its veins!
=============================
Deadly Poison
168 ATK + 36 Poison
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Average
Orange: Short
Yellow: Long
Green: Average
Hunter's Knife --> Hunter's Knife+ --> Serpent Bite --> Serpent Bite+ --> Hydra
Bite --> Hydra Bite+ --> Deadly Poison
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
2  x Iron
12 x Sm Monster Bone
1  x Med Monster Bone
10 x Velociprey Fang
5  x Velociprey Hide
30 x Ioprey Fang
5  x Ioprey Hide
TOTAL COST: 61,020z
RATING: 7/10
NOTES:
This is a pretty good weapon for bug runs, but not much else.  It has nice
sharpness, good poison element, and OK attack.  If you want poison to fight a
wyvern, go for Poison Battleaxe.  You should probably get this to do bug runs
anyway.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Bug runs only.  There's not enough of a poison element increase over PBA to make
it effective for anything else.
=============================
That's the Hunter's Knife line.  Those will probably be some of the first
weapons you make as a Swordsman.  They're not that bad, either, and relatively
easy to obtain.
Next up is the Bone Kris line, where Fire is the dominant element...
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Section IVb. BONE KRIS LINE       (BOKR)
=============================
Monoblos Club
196 ATK + 31 Fire
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Long
Orange: Long
Yellow: Long
Green: Nonexistant
Bone Kris --> Bone Kris+ --> Crimson Club --> Monoblos Club
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
2  x Sm Monster Bone
2  x Crimson Horn
6  x Monoblos Shell
1  x Flame Sac
TOTAL COST: 7,140z
RATING: 4/10
NOTES:
This is a pretty bad sword.  It has pretty low attack, NO GREEN SHARPNESS, and
bad element.  It's relatively cheap, though, and the only reason you'd want this
is if you're a collector.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Nothing.  Especially not Rathalos/Rathian.  Well, maybe Gypceros, but by the
time you can get this, Gypceros is faaar behind in difficulty.
=============================
Blazing Falchion
238 ATK + 38 Fire
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Average
Orange: Average
Yellow: Long
Green: Long
Bone Kris --> Bone Kris+ --> Bonepick --> Bonepick+ --> Bonespike --> Red Saber
--> Red Saber+ --> Flame Falchion --> Blazing Falchion
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
20 x Sm Monster Bone
30 x Sm Bone Husk
4  x Rathalos Shell
9  x Rathalos Scale
6  x Wyvern Marrow
9  x Flame Sac
TOTAL COST: 69,300z
RATING: 9/10
NOTES:
This sword rocks.  It has high attack, great Fire element, and good sharpness.
It's not too hard to get except for the cost and maybe the wyvern marrow,
either.  Out of the three Bone Kris Fire Swords, this one is probably the best.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Gypceros, Plesioth, Kut-Ku, Cephalos/Drome, Khezu, and even Basarios will wilt
under this blade.  Be sure to make it!  You won't be disappointed.
=============================
Corona
168 ATK + 44 Fire
+2 DEF
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Average
Orange: Average
Yellow: Long
Green: Long
Bone Kris --> Bone Kris+ --> Bonespike --> Bonespike+ --> Bonepick --> Corona
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
20 x Sm Monster Bone
30 x Sm Bone Husk
15 x Rathalos Shell
10 x Flame Sac
5  x Wyvern Marrow
TOTAL COST: 54,660z
SHORTCUT MATERIALS:
10 x Silver Ticket
1  x Kirin Hide
1  x Gendrome Hide
1  x Iodrome Hide
SHORTCUT COST: 48,000z
RATING: 8/10
NOTES:
This is a pretty good sword.  It has the most Fire element of any sword in the
game and nice sharpness.  The attack is fairly low for a sword of its caliber,
though.  It's also fairly hard to obtain; you'll be fighting a lot of Rathalos
for all those Shells.  It's a little bit cheaper than the Blazing Falchion,
but I think the Falchion is an overall better blade against anything but
Gypceros and Plesioth.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Anything weak to fire, notably Gypceros, Plesioth, and Cephalos/drome.  You
could also try it on Basarios and Khezu; maybe even Kut-Ku!
=============================
Sandman Finsword
168 ATK + 23 Sleep
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Short
Orange: Very Short
Yellow: Very Long
Green: Short
Bone Kris --> Bone Kris+ --> Weary Finsword --> Weary Finsword+ --> Sandman
Finsword
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
2  x Sm Monster Bone
9  x Plesioth Fin
6  x Cephalos Fin
6  x Sleep Sac
TOTAL COST: 19,200z
RATING: 6/10
NOTES:
This sword is OK, but it could be better.  Its only real strength is that it's
pretty easy on the wallet and supply stores to make.  It has really bad element,
mediocre sharpness, and suffers from the same attack problems as the Corona.
Plus, there are better elements to put on wyverns than Sleep.  Only make this if
you want to have fun with it or are a collector.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Not much, really.  There are no glaring weaknesses to Sleep in any wyvern, so
really only use this if you're just having fun with your friends.
=============================
That concludes the Bone Kris line.  It's the Gravios of Sword lines; mostly Fire
with a little bit of sleep element.  The Blazing Falchion is quite possible one
of the top three Swords in the game.  You'll also be looking at this line during
your newbie period because of the easy-to-make-and-effective Bonepick.
Next, we'll look at a little freebie: the Hero's Blade line!
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Section IVc. HERO'S BLADE LINE          (HRBL)
=============================
Master's Blade
280 ATK
+3 DEF
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Extremely Short
Orange: Extremely Short
Yellow: Very Short
Green: Extremely Long
Hero's Blade --> Master's Blade
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Beat offline Rathalos Urgent Quest
1  x Hunter's Citation
1  x Commendation
1  x Monoblos Heart
TOTAL COST: 48,000z
RATING: 8.5/10
NOTES:
This is a great sword.  It has great attack and extremely good sharpness.  Its
only downsides are that there's no element to add extra damage and the materials
are hard to acquire for people who have bad luck with Monoblos.  This is a great
all-around blade to use once you enter the online world.  It means something
when you're an HR0/HR1 walking around with full Monoblos and a Master's Blade.
Definitely make this.  It also looks like Link's sword.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Anything.  You probably will only have to bring one Whetstone if you're planning
on using this for a fight because the sharpness is so good.
=============================
That's the Hero's Blade line.  The Hero's Blade is a good sword that you might
use just to try out the Sword and Shield if you're a lancer or something, or
you could use it as you go online to show people how much you've accomplished
offline.  Make this one for sure.
Next up, we have the Rusted Sword line: all you need is a Ruststone, some Earth
Crystals, and a whole lot of cash!
NOTE: I'll do the Legendary Sword and Eternal Strife for this one because
they're both very good at something.
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Section IVd. RUSTED SWORD LINE          (RDSS)
=============================
Legendary Sword
350 ATK
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Extremely Long
Orange: Microscopic
Yellow: Very Short
Green: Microscopic
Rusted Sword --> Tarnished Sword --> Legendary Sword
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1  x Ruststone (Sword and Shield)
60 x Earth Crystal
TOTAL COST: 36,000z
RATING: 8/10
NOTES:
This is a unique sword.  Yes, I know it has the highest attack for any Sword in
the game, but look at that little sliver of Green Sharpness.  You would probably
hit a wyvern like 10 times and the sharpness would decrease.  Other than that,
this would be a usable sword.  It probably looks cool (though I haven't seen it)
because most rusted weapons look awesome.
WYVERN RECCOMENDAITONS:
You're going to be doing either a) A lot of sharpening or b) A lot of fighting
in Yellow Sharpness if you use this thing.  Be prepared for either, though you
could probably take it on most wyverns.
=============================
Eternal Strife
84 ATK + 63 Dragon
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Extremely Long
Orange: Microscopic
Yellow: Very Short
Green: Average
Rusted Sword --> Tarnished Sword --> Legendary Sword --> Eternal Strife
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1   x Ruststone (Sword and Shield)
120 x Earth Crystal
TOTAL COST: 96,000z
RATING: 9/10
NOTES:
Eternal Strife catches a lot of flak from ignorant newbies and "all-knowing
vets" because of its 84 attack.  Yes, I see that, thank you for pointing it out.
What people don't see is that it has 63 Dragon element.  That's the most element
in any weapon IN THE GAME.  There are many wyverns that hate Dragon, and
remember, elemental damage has many less dividers than raw damage, so if a
wyvern is weak to Dragon, this is the Sword to use against them.  Rathalos is
almost one-hit lockable with this thing.  But don't use it to headlock.  That's
very bad.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Rathalos, Rathian, Gravios, Basarios, Lao, and even Fatalis can take a beating
from the awesome Dragon damage of Eternal Strife.  Notice how that list is made
of most of the hardest wyverns in the game.
=============================
ETERNAL STRIFE DOES NOT SUCK.  Raw attack power does not always translate to
more damage.  Please, get it through your heads, people.  Plus, I'll bet it
looks cool, too.  You might want to have two Sword ruststones so you can make
both of these weapons to have.
Next up: the Studded Club line; another batch of Diablos weapons with horrible
sharpness and brutal attack!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section IVe. STUDDED CLUB LINE          (STDC)
=============================
Spiked Bat
306 ATK
+5 DEF
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Very Short
Orange: Very Short
Yellow: Very Long
Green: Short
Studded Club --> Studded Club+ --> Spiked Bat
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
3  x Diablos Spine
2  x Twisted Horn
1  x Majestic Horn
3  x Diablos Shell
30 x Wyvern Fang
10 x Wyvern Claw
TOTAL COST: 28,610z
RATING: 8/10
NOTES:
For a Diablos weapon, the sharpness actually isn't that bad.  It has great
attack and a big defense boost (for a weapon, anyway).  The Diablos Spines are
all that's keeping us offliners from making this good weapon.  You should make
it when you get the chance; plus, this set has some pretty awesome duals.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
It has great attack but bad sharpness.  Those two will likely cancel each other
out and make your wyvern battles of average length.  Just be sure to bring
plenty of Whetstones.
=============================
The sharpness on this guy is good for a Diablos weapon; plus, it has high
attack.  This is a good weapon to add to your collection.
Next up, we have the Thunderbane line: high attack and Thunder element!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section IVf. THUNDERBANE LINE          (TRBE)
=============================
Thundertip
308 ATK + 28 Thunder
+2 DEF
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Average
Orange: Average
Yellow: Long
Green: Long
Thunderbane --> Thunderbane+ --> Frightbane --> Thundertip
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
9  x Union Ore
5  x Dragonite Ore
22 x Rubbery Hide
20 x Thunderbug
16 x Electro Sac
TOTAL COST: 160,150z
SHORTCUT MATERIALS:
15 x Silver Ticket
1  x Pale Bone
1  x Monoblos Heart
1  x King Meat
SHORTCUT COST: 100,000z
RATING: 9/10
NOTES:
Yowch.  This is probably one of the hardest Swords to make, up there with
Eternal Strife and Kirin Bolt Ultimus.  It's really good, though; Thunder is a
nice element and there's a heck of a lot of attack on this baby.  The sharpness
is nothing to laugh at, either.  Look into this guy for your equipment
collection; it's worth it.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Kut-Ku, Cephadrome, Rathian (Rathalos not so much), Plesioth, Monoblos all wilt
under Thunder element.  You could also bring this out on about anything but
Khezu and Kirin because of the high attack.
=============================
That's the Thunderbane line.  The Thundertip is one of the better Swords in the
game, but also one of the hardest to get.  Good luck with it!
Next up is the Dragonbuster line, with quite possibly the best Sword in the
game!
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Section IVg. DRAGONBUSTER LINE          (DRBR)
=============================
Black Dragon Sword
322 ATK + 32 Dragon
+4 DEF
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Average
Orange: Average
Yellow: Long
Green: Long
Dragonbuster --> Dragonblood --> Black Dragon Sword
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1  x Fatalis' Eye
3  x Fatalis' Horn
3  x Fatalis' Crust
2  x Fatalis' Shell
5  x Dragonite Ore
10 x Gold Ticket
TOTAL COST: 300,000z
RATING: 10/10
NOTES:
This is, in my opinion, the best Sword in the game.  It has the highest attack
of a usable (note USABLE) Sword and Dragon element, which, as you found out
by reading about Eternal Strife, kicks butt majorly.  It's a real pain to make,
though, and you'll be fighting Fatalis a bit to make it.  It also costs a whole
lot.  You should make it, though; it's worth it.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Anything, but especially Rathalos, Rathian, Gravios, Basarios, Lao, and Fatalis.
Yes, you can use Fatalis' own sword against him.
=============================
That's the Dragonbuster line.  It has, in my opinion, the best sword in the
game.  You'll be making this as a Swordsman sometime between HR17 and HR20.
You just have to be patient.
Next up is the Kitchen Knife line.  Just don't cut yourself!
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Section IVh. KITCHEN KNIFE LINE          (KNKN)
=============================
Iron Chefblade
168 ATK
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Very Long
Orange: Microscopic
Yellow: Short
Green: Short
Kitchen Knife --> Iron Chefblade
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1  x Old Lady's Note
1  x Egg Ticket
10 x Earth Crystal
5  x BBQ Ticket
TOTAL COST: 2,400z
RATING: 6/10
NOTES:
This is a pretty bad sword.  Despite having the same raw attack as the Corona
and Sandman Finsword, it has really cruddy sharpness.  This is probably going to
be the first sword I make when I come online.  Just for grins, of course.  Oh,
yeah, another good thing about this guy is that I have reason to believe it's
the official sword of the Suicide Chefs!  Wooo!...  >_>
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Just for fun.  Don't use this thing for any serious fighting.
=============================
That's the Kitchen Knife line.  Just don't run with it; you might cut yourself.
Next up is the Kirin Bolt line; another great Kirin sword!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section IVi. KIRIN BOLT LINE          (KBLT)
=============================
Kirin Bolt Ultimus
224 ATK + 34 Thunder
+4 DEF
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Short
Orange: Very Short
Yellow: Long
Green: Very Long
Kirin Bolt --> Kirin Bolt+ --> Kirin Bolt Mega --> Kirin Bolt Ultimus
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
7  x Kirin Horn
15 x Kirin Mane
3  x Kirin Hide
6  x Rubbery Hide
5  x Dragonite Ore
TOTAL COST: 23,490z
RATING: 8.5/10
NOTES:
This is a great sword.  It has high element (Thunder, which is cool), awesome
sharpness, and it's really cheap.  The only problem is all the Kirin stuff.
You'll be doing Kirin runs all day to get the stuff you need.  And there's the
Dragonite Ore.  Otherwise, this is a really good sword.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
This has higher element but lower attack than Thundertip, so it relies on the
element more than it, but you should still use this on Kut-Ku, Cephadrome,
Rathian (Rathalos not so much), Plesioth, and Monoblos; all wilt under Thunder
element.
=============================
That's the Kirin Bolt line: the poor HR13+'s Thundertip.  Pull out your hammer!
Next up is the Catspaw line; low attack but plenty of stun!
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Section IVj. CATSPAW LINE          (CPAW)
=============================
Catburglar
28 ATK + 30 Stun
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Very Long
Orange: Microscopic
Yellow: Very Short
Green: Very Short
Catspaw --> Catburglar
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
50 x Pawprint Stamp
1  x Barrel Lid
5  x Gold Ticket
3  x Felvine
TOTAL COST: 45,810z
RATING: 5/10
NOTES:
This thing stinks.  It has reaaaaally bad attack (worse than Eternal Strife) and
an element that barely does anything.  The sharpness is also horrid.  This is a
joke weapon and nothing else; it's only for running around looking like a
Melynx.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Nothing.  Especially Kirin and Lao.  *shudders*
=============================
That's the Catspaw line... not much to say but that it really sucks.  :/
Next up are the more exciting Unique Swords; they're actually pretty good!
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Section IVk. UNIQUE SWORDS         (UESS)
=============================
Ninja Sword
294 ATK
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Extremely Short
Orange: Microscopic
Yellow: Very Short
Green: Long
Ninja Sword
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1  x Fatalis' Crust
1  x Guild Ticket
5  x Egg Ticket
TOTAL COST: 150,000z
RATING: 9/10
NOTES:
Shinobi Moon armor + this = ninja.  People might say there's no shield, but
there is; zoom in on your character's shield arm.  WRIST SHIELD!  Not only
is there the coolness factor of being a ninja, but this thing has awesome
sharpness and great attack.  Downsides?  Guild Ticket and Fatalis Crust.  Those
are kind of hard to get.  If you're going to make Shinobi Moon armor, make
this to go with it.
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Anything.  You won't need many Whetstones, either.
=============================
Odyssey
280 ATK + 30 Water
SHARPNESS METER:
Red: Long
Orange: Very Short
Yellow: Long
Green: Very Long
Odyssey
TOTAL MATERIALS REQUIRED:
10 x Gold Ticket
1  x Gravios Wing
1  x Rathalos Wing
1  x Basarios Wing
TOTAL COST: 150,000z
RATING: 9.5/10
NOTES:
This sword rocks.  Water is quite possibly the best element in the game.  Not
many wyverns are strong against it, and this is the only Water Sword in the
game.  If that doesn't convince you to make this, how about the awesome
sharpness, high attack, and great element?
WYVERN RECCOMENDATIONS:
Anything but Plesioth really, but especially Diablos, Kut-Ku, Rathalos, Gravios,
and Monoblos.
=============================
That's the Unique Swords.  They both rock for different reasons.  Make them.
You won't be sorry.
=============================
That concludes the Sword and Shield Lines section of this guide.  Next up:
Sword and Shield Superlatives!
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Section V. SWORD AND SHIELD SUPERLATIVES  (SSSS)
=============================
This is a handy reference spot.  Here, you'll find the Swords with the
most Green sharpness, highest attack power, highest element, etc...  There are a
number of categories.  The format will be like so:
=============================
**************
First Place: Yadda.
**************
Runner-ups:
2) Blah.
3) Blah blah.
4) Blah, blah.
5) Blah-dee-dee-blah.
=============================
Ready?  It's time to see who's the best!
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Section Va. HIGHEST RAW ATTACK POWER       (HRAP)
=============================
This is the category that most of you want to see.  Who has the highest attack
power in the game?  Who's the winner?  Let's have a look:
=============================
************************
First Place: Legendary Sword ( 350 ATK )
************************
Runner-ups:
2) Black Dragon Sword ( 322 ATK )
3) Thundertip         ( 308 ATK )
4) Spiked Bat         ( 308 ATK )
5) Ninja Sword        ( 294 ATK )
Yup, it's the prequisite to Eternal Strife, the Legendary Sword!  Its sharpness
makes it practically unusable, though, so you're better off going with Black
Dragon Sword.  Unfortunately, only the Legendary Sword is avaliable offline.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section Vb. HIGHEST ELEMENT                (HELE)
=============================
This is a good category for strategists.  Here, you figure out which sword has
the highest element added to its raw attack power.  Let's see who the lucky
winner is:
=============================
***********************
First Place: Eternal Strife ( +63 Dragon )
***********************
Runner-ups:
2) Corona             ( +44 Fire    )
3) Blazing Falchion   ( +38 Fire    )
4) Deadly Poison      ( +36 Poison  )
5) Kirin Bolt Ultimus ( +34 Thunder )
It's Eternal Strife!  Duh.  It has the highest element of any weapon in the
game.  And, no, it doesn't suck.  Geez.  All these weapons but Kirin Bolt
Ultimus are avaliable offline.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section Vc. HIGHEST DEFENSE BOOST     (HDFB)
=============================
This one is kind of pointless becuase Sword defense boosts are like wearing a
piece of Bone armor, but I did it anyways...
=============================
*******************
First Place: Spiked Bat ( +5 DEF )
*******************
Runner-ups:
2) Kirin Bolt Ultimus ( +4 DEF )
3) Black Dragon Sword ( +4 DEF )
4) Master's Blade     ( +3 DEF )
5) Thundertip         ( +2 DEF )
Spiked Bat!  Wait, this is the Defense competition.  It means nothing.  *yawn*
Let's move on.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section Vd. BEST SHARPNESS            (BTSS)
=============================
This was a hard one.  There's no scientific way to tell what has the best
sharpness except just counting pixels... and I'm too lazy to do that.
=============================
***********************
First Place: Master's Blade
***********************
Runner-ups:
2) Kirin Bolt Ultimus
3) Ninja Sword
4) Odyssey
5) Thundertip
Yup, it's the Master's Blade without a doubt.  That thing's sharpness is GODLY.
The rest of the runner-ups are prettty much ties.  They all have great
sharpness.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Section Ve. BEST IN SHOW          (BTSW)
=============================
Finally, the moment you've been waiting for: the best Sword in the game! Let's
have a look:  (Note: This is my opinion, though it is based on a few facts.)
=============================
***************************
First Place: Kirin Bolt Ultimus
***************************
Runner-ups:
2) Black Dragon Sword
3) Thundertip
4) Odyssey
5) Eternal Strife
This is a surprising find.  Most people thought the best weapon is the Black
Dragon Sword, but the Kirin Bolt Ultimus placed in all but one of the contests.
The Black Dragon Sword placed in only two.  The difference is barely noticable;
those two are both great weapons.
=============================
There you have it, folks.  Those are the Sword and Shield Superlatives.  That's
pretty much all the informative parts of this guide.  Thanks for reading, and
good luck, brave Swordsman!
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Section VI. LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO      (LMJO)
=============================
Uggh, I hate this.
This document may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal
or private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission from me. Use of this guide on any
other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a
violation of copyright.
Basically, don't take my guide or any part of it and use it without giving me
credit.  I worked hard on this guide.  Oh, yeah:
All names, places, items and everything else contained in the video game Monster
Hunter are the sole property of Capcom.
In English: Don't take something out of this game and say anyone did it but
Capcom.  They worked hard and they deserve credit.
Currently, GameFAQs and Neoseeker are allowed to host this FAQ.  If you see it
on any other site, please e-mail me at the address listed in Section VII.
Copyright 2006-2007 Jason Nance.
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Section VII. CLOSING REMARKS    (CGRS)
=============================
Thanks for reading.  Here's the thanks list.
Thanks to:
You, for reading.
Sanjuro333, for making that great Sword line guide.
Lord_Grahf, for finding the elemental damages of weapons.
bomberdude999, for pointing out Swords have weak blocking.
Allrejectedblondes, for pointing out swords have fast attack speed.
KILLOZOID, for pointing out that Swords have bad reach.
Maigun/Axis_of_Nobody, for pointing out Khezu doesn't negate stun.
God, for making us all.
Capcom, for making this great game.
If you need to contact me for some reason, here's my e-mail address:
acro6spino9 (at symbol) yahoo (dot) com.
Send me: Fixes/ideas/constructive criticism.
Don't send me: Flames/spam/viruses/information already in my guide.
Put MH SnS/Sword/Sword and Shield Guide or something along those lines in the
subject line so I know what it's about.  I will try to update the guide as
soon as possible if your bit of info is worth anything.
If you have a question, first make sure it's not answered in the guide.
Posting the question on the GameFAQs boards is preferable.  Look for
Acrospino.
I finally got online, and, as of this update, I'm HR8.  Look for Acrospino.
See you on!
=============================
Well, I'm off to hunt some more.  Rathalos shall wilt under my Deathprize.  Good
luck, and happy hunting!
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