Learn how the MH Wilds Guard Up skill works, where to get it, and which builds benefit most. Block unlockable like a true hunter!
Let me take you back to a time I’ll never forget.
This was the third hunt of the night. I was really into Monster Hunter Wilds and was playing with a Lance build that I knew how to use. My team had just come across a huge, armored monster that appeared like it had come out of a lava pit with a purpose. I set myself up like a good tank, with my shield up and ready to take the hit. And then it occurred.
Boom. A bright ray of electricity shot across the field.
I was ready for the impact because I was sure of my Guard Level 5, but… I was flattened. Not a chance. That thing went right through my guard like it wasn’t even there.
That was when I learned how important one of the most undervalued and misunderstood talents in the game is:
Keep your guard up. If you’ve ever felt the same sting, this MH Wilds Guard Up guide breaks down exactly what you need to master blocking like a pro.
What You'll Discover:
What does “Guard Up” mean in MH Wilds?
If you’re here, you probably have experienced a similar experience or are attempting to avoid one. So let’s make things clear:
Guard Up is a defensive talent in Monster Hunter Wilds that lets you block assaults that would otherwise be “unblockable,” even when your Guard Level is at its highest. You might have the best shield in the game, with every guard skill added to it… however some monster attacks are programmed to go through even your strongest defenses. That’s where Guard Up comes in.
It doesn’t make you unbeatable. But it helps you get through times when you would ordinarily be hauled off and rethinking your build decisions.
Why You Should Always Have Guard Up in MH Wilds
I understand. We all love coming in with builds that do a lot of damage and show off large DPS stats. If you have a shield weapon, such as a Lance, Gunlance, Charge Blade, or Sword & Shield, your role is not merely to attack hard. To stay alive. To keep safe. To be the bulwark between the monster and your squad.
But what about monsters in MH Wilds? They don’t play by the rules.
Unblockable energy beams. Explosive tail spins. Shockwave stomps. Acidic sprays. Roars that injure you physically.
These strikes don’t pay attention to normal guards. You won’t make it without Guard Up. With it? You are the best.
If you’re aiming to dominate the hardest fights in the game, integrating mh wilds guard up into your build becomes a survival necessity, not just a luxury.
What is the difference between Guard Up and Guard?
Let’s make it easy to understand.
| Feature | Guard Skill | Guard Up Skill |
| Reduces knockback | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Reduces stamina consumption | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Blocks all attacks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Required for special monster attacks | ❌ No | ✅ Essential |
Guard is like putting armor on your defenses, while Guard Up is like putting a force field around your next-level moves. You don’t need both in every setup, but if you’re up against certain monsters, you definitely require Guard Up.
When You Really Need Guard Up in MH Wilds
Let’s talk about real life.
Elder Dragons?
Expect things that can’t be blocked.
Monsters in the lava biome?
Think beams, sprays, and shockwaves that do a lot of damage.
Monsters like those in Apex or bosses at the end of the game?
They will try every part of your defense, especially when they are angry.
I learned the hard way fighting a volcanic serpent boss (you’ll know which one if you’ve been there). Every time it went underground and came back up with the glowing aura, my standard guard didn’t work. I was able to survive long enough to fight back and aid my team take it down only after I put Guard Up.
If you’re serious about building an unshakable defense in MH Wilds, Guard Up is non-negotiable. Don’t just think of it as an extra perk, think of it as the core of your mh wilds guard up strategy.
How to Get Guard Up in MH Wilds
How do you get Guard Up now that you’re sure you want it?
You can get the talent in three different ways right now:
1. Sets of Armor
Some pieces of armor give you the passive skill Guard Up. Watch out for:
- Monsters that are defensive and come out in the middle to late game (typically reptiles or armored)
- Gear with the words “Sentinel” or “Bulwark” on it
💡 Pro Tip: Chest or arm parts are usually the best for defensive talents like Guard Up.
2. Ornaments
If you’ve unlocked jewel crafting:
- Find Guard Up Jewels (these are usually hard to find)
- Put in 2 or 3 slots for decorations, depending on how rare they are
- Farm creatures with moves that can’t be blocked; they usually drop the things you need
3. Talismans (Charms)
These are reliant on RNG, but you can roll a talisman with Guard Up.
One night as I was farming resources, I was lucky and found a charm that awarded me Guard Up Lv1 and Divine Blessing. A must-have in my loadout.
Whether you’re optimizing through gear or charms, a true mh wilds guard up build starts with knowing where to get these key pieces.
Best Weapons to Use When Guarding
Guard Up doesn’t help all weapons, but it can make a big difference if you’re using one of them.
Lance
Your main skill. Lets you tank through everything. Use with Offensive Guard to counterattack.
Gunlance
Shelling makes you vulnerable. Guard Up lets you charge your shots while staying safe from unblockables.
Charge Blade
Shield mode gets hurt when huge monsters use their AOE attacks. Guard Up allows you to charge Phial strikes in the middle of a combat without being interrupted.
Sword and Shield
Usually quick, although you can utilize Guard Up to change to a tanky style. Very helpful when playing alone or with a glass-cannon team.
My Favorite Guard Up Build (That Saved My Hunt)
Let’s discuss builds.
This is one I’ve been using a lot for high-rank and endgame quests:
“Wall That Can’t Be Broken” Lance Build (with Guard Up)
| Slot | Gear Piece | Skills Given |
| Head | Sentinel Helm | Guard Level 2, Defense Boost |
| Chest | Bulwark Mail | Guard Up Level 1, Guard Level 1 |
| Arms | Fortress Vambraces | Guard Level 2, Offensive Guard |
| Waist | Bastion Coil | Stamina Surge, Defense Boost |
| Legs | Ironheart Greaves | Guard Up Lv1, Divine Blessing |
| Charm | Fortified Charm III | Guard Lv1, Guard Up Lv1 |
| Decorations | — | Guard Up Jewel, Guard Jewel, Physique Jewel |
All in all:
- Level 3 of Guard Up
- Level 5 Guard
- Level 2 Offensive Guard
- Level 1 Divine Blessing
This build provides me just enough health to withstand most unblockables while still letting me play offensively with a focus on counters. I can fight apex monsters without flinching.
Let’s Be Honest: Is Guard Up Always Worth It?
Short answer? No.
Here’s the deal:
If you’re:
- Using weapons that don’t have shields, like the Great Sword, Dual Blades, or Bow, skip it
- Speedrunning or damage-stacking, you may prefer evade builds
- Playing with reliable tanks, it’s optional
BUT.
Guard Up is a must-have if you’re soloing monsters with unblockables or using a shield weapon in the front line.
It’s not showy. It doesn’t make your crit rate go up. But what if that blazing meteor comes at you and you don’t fly across the map?
That’s power. That’s Guard Up.
Honestly, when I first started crafting my mh wilds guard up build, I underestimated how often unblockable attacks would catch me off guard. Now? I won’t enter high-rank hunts without it.
Pro Tips: How to Master Guard Up in the Field
- Don’t depend on it too much.
Guard Up lets you block, but it still takes away your stamina. Combine it with Constitution or Stamina Surge. - Learn how your enemies act.
Know when things that can’t be blocked are coming. If you don’t time your blocks, Guard Up won’t help. - Move with Counter Moves.
Lance’s power guard and Guard Up make a wall that can’t be broken. The guard points on Charge Blade become even more deadly. - Work on your timing.
If you don’t time your block just right, some unblockables will still knock you back. Frame data matters.
Key Takings
- In Monster Hunter Wilds, staying alive isn’t only about recovering and avoiding danger. It’s about being ready for the storm and being strong in the middle of it.
- Guard Up is the secret skill that turns you from a mediocre tank into a legendary one.
- Not everyone will like it. But if you take pride in being a defender, in standing up for your team, and in facing the most dangerous monsters head-on.
- Then a mh wilds guard up loadout should be your next priority. It’s not about flexing. It’s about lasting through the toughest moments, and coming out of them with your team still standing.
Additional Resources
- MH Wilds Guard and Guard Up Skill Guide: This in-depth guide breaks down how Guard Up works in Monster Hunter Wilds, including how it differs from the standard Guard skill, what weapons benefit most, and how to unlock it. A must-read for anyone looking to build a solid defense strategy and block even the “unblockables.”
