The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, each offering unique gameplay experiences. For those looking to dominate in *Monster Hunter Wilds* with the Great Sword, this comprehensive guide will pave your path to mastery.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword is a formidable weapon in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, known for its slow but devastatingly powerful attacks. Mastering the timing and positioning of your swings can turn the tide of battle in your favor. With future upgrades, the Great Sword will not only increase in raw power but also gain elemental bonuses, enhancing its effectiveness against various monsters.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An overhead attack that doesn’t need to be charged. It can be chained into a charge for further combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A slashing attack that becomes more powerful the longer it is charged. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, the attack knocks the monster down. Press Triangle/Y to follow up with a Cross Slash. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A slashing attack that covers a wide area. You can chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, and a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A slashing attack that can reach high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, the attack knocks the monster down. Press Triangle/Y to follow up with a Cross Slash. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move that utilizes the blade of the Great Sword to guard. The direction of the guard can be changed using Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Press Triangle/Y while guarding to perform a Kick. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack that is effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s wound or weak point will land multiple hits dealing massive damage. Press R1/RB during the attack to finish the attack early. |
Combos
Mastering combos with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly enhance your damage output and control over the battlefield.
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and conclude with the True Charged Slash. You can hold down the attack button to charge each slash, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red, which increases the damage dealt. Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further boosting damage. A shortcut can be used after hitting the True Charged Slash Combo: immediately dodge and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the first Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker and more effective damage.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo starts with three presses of the Circle/B button, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds, maximizing your damage potential.
Stationary Combo
When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, utilize this combo, which involves a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster effectively.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* allows players to block damage and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing.
Offset Rising Slash
The Rising Slash is excellent for reaching taller enemies, but its true potential lies in countering. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, and hold to charge it. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is crucial to prevent taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. While not ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, a well-timed Perfect Guard negates all damage. Achieve this by guarding the moment an attack connects, accompanied by visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.
With these strategies and techniques, you're well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
