The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique gameplay experiences. For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword is a formidable weapon known for its slow but devastating attacks. A single well-timed swing can inflict massive damage, making it crucial to understand the optimal moments and techniques for unleashing its power. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its strength and introduce elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness.
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 the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos that can significantly impact a monster's health.
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in 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 output. 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 is initiated with three presses of the Circle/B button, involving a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for targeting elusive enemies, covering a large area while maintaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
When a monster is affected by status effects like paralysis, utilize this combo, which consists of a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While it's not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster.
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
While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, it shines as a countering mechanic. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, and hold the buttons 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 essential 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. Achieving a Perfect Guard at the moment an attack connects results in visual and sound effects, though it doesn't stop the monster. Chain these guards if the monster is using a combo. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing the Circle/B button 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.
