What is the best Sword & Shield progression build?

At mid HR the Sword & Shield moves to Rathian Saber (Poison) with G. Ebony Helm β (head), Rathalos Mail β (chest), G. Ebony Braces α (arms), G. Ebony Coil β (waist), G. Ebony Greaves β (legs).

Which pieces of the Sword & Shield progression set survive into endgame?

G. Ebony Braces α is the most reused piece across recorded Sword & Shield sets, so craft it first.

What HR does the Sword & Shield progression set cover?

It is recorded for the mid-HR bracket.

Back to Sword & Shield guide

Sword & Shield · melee · dps

Sword & Shield Progression Build

The Sword & Shield progression set at mid HR swaps the starter armor for G. Ebony Helm β (head), Rathalos Mail β (chest), G. Ebony Braces α (arms), G. Ebony Coil β (waist), G. Ebony Greaves β (legs) and moves to Rathian Saber (Poison). The point of this stage is Burst 5, Critical Boost 3, Quick Sheathe 3 and Divine Blessing 3 — skills that keep paying off after you replace them with endgame pieces.

mid

HR Mid-Game

Weapon

Rathian Saber (Poison)

Armor

Head: G. Ebony Helm β
Chest: Rathalos Mail β
Arms: G. Ebony Braces α
Waist: G. Ebony Coil β
Legs: G. Ebony Greaves β

Activated Skills

Burst 5Critical Boost 3Quick Sheathe 3Divine Blessing 3

Damage profile from Critical Boost Lv3: approximately 1× raw, or 1× against weak points (approximate model, white sharpness assumed).

Sword & Shield Progression FAQ

What is the best Sword & Shield progression build?: At mid HR the Sword & Shield moves to Rathian Saber (Poison) with G. Ebony Helm β (head), Rathalos Mail β (chest), G. Ebony Braces α (arms), G. Ebony Coil β (waist), G. Ebony Greaves β (legs).
Which pieces of the Sword & Shield progression set survive into endgame?: G. Ebony Braces α is the most reused piece across recorded Sword & Shield sets, so craft it first.
What HR does the Sword & Shield progression set cover?: It is recorded for the mid-HR bracket.