One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse arsenal of weapons at hunters' disposal. For those aiming to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide is your roadmap to success.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword, true to its name, is a formidable weapon known for its heavy impact but slower swing speed. A single, well-timed strike can deliver devastating damage, making it crucial to master the timing and positioning to maximize its potential. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power 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 increases in power the longer it is charged. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. If timed correctly, it can knock the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A broad slashing attack. Can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash or Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A vertical slash ideal for reaching high areas on a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A charged rising slash that can counter monster attacks, knocking them down if timed correctly. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive stance using the Great Sword's blade. Adjust the direction with Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Perform a Kick while guarding by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds and weak points, causing multiple hits for massive damage. Press R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding various combos that can significantly impact a monster's health, giving you an edge in battle.
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession, starting with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminating in the True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash for increased damage, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red. Hitting a monster's soft spot with the True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. After executing the combo, quickly dodge and press Triangle/Y to skip the initial Overhead Slash and transition directly into the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker, more effective attacks.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo begins with three presses of Circle/B, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for targeting elusive monsters, this combo covers a wide area while maintaining potency. Use Focus Mode to ensure hits on weak spots and wounds, maximizing damage output.
Stationary Combo
When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, employ this combo, which consists of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a swift four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it keeps pressure on the monster effectively.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Great Sword enables players to block incoming damage and launch powerful counterattacks with precise timing.
Offset Rising Slash
While the Rising Slash is effective against tall enemies, it shines as a countering move. By holding Triangle/Y and Circle/B, you charge the attack, releasing it just as the monster strikes to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering this timing is key to disrupting monster attack chains.
Guarding
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. With perfect timing, you can achieve a Perfect Guard, negating all damage and triggering visual and sound cues. However, this doesn't stop the monster, so chaining Perfect Guards is necessary during monster combos. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win the struggle and knock down the monster, opening it up 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 Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
