The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly enhance your hunting prowess. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to wield this mighty weapon effectively, ensuring you dominate your encounters with the game's fearsome beasts.
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. A single, well-timed swing can deliver massive damage, making it essential to master the timing and positioning of your strikes. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness on the battlefield.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An immediate overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for extended combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack that gains strength with prolonged charging. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Charging and releasing at the right moment can knock down a monster, followed by a Cross Slash. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A broad slashing attack, chainable into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash from a Strong Charged Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A vertical slash ideal for reaching high targets on a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A charged rising slash that can counter monster attacks, leading to a knockdown and a follow-up Cross Slash. |
| R2/RT | Guard | Defensive stance using the Great Sword's blade, adjustable with Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A kick performed while guarding, initiated by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack targeting wounds or weak points for multiple hits. Can be finished early with R1/RB. |
Combos
Mastering the Great Sword's combos in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly impact your battle strategy, allowing you to inflict substantial damage and control the flow of combat.
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this powerful combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminate in the True Charged Slash. Holding down the attack button during each slash increases the charge level, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red, boosting the damage output. Landing a True Charged Slash on a soft part of the monster triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further enhancing damage. After executing the combo, a quick dodge followed by Triangle/Y allows you to skip the initial Overhead Slash and directly perform a Tackle into a Strong Charged Slash, speeding up your attack sequence and closing the gap to the monster.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo starts with three presses of Circle/B, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's perfect for covering large areas and hitting elusive targets. When combined with Focus Mode, you can target weak spots and wounds more effectively, maximizing your damage output.
Stationary Combo
Ideal for immobilized monsters, this combo consists of two sets of Wide Slash followed by Rising Slash. This rapid four-hit sequence keeps the pressure on the monster but offers less damage compared to other combos.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* not only delivers massive damage but also allows for defensive strategies through blocking and counterattacks. Here's how you can leverage these mechanics:
Offset Rising Slash
While the Rising Slash is excellent for reaching high targets, its true potential lies in its countering ability. By pressing and holding Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously, you charge the Rising Slash. Releasing it just as a monster attacks can knock it down, followed by a Cross Slash. Timing is crucial; premature or late release can leave you vulnerable to further attacks.
Guarding
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. A well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, completely negating damage and accompanied by distinctive visual and auditory cues. While a Perfect Guard doesn't stop the monster, it can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down for additional attacks.
With these techniques at your disposal, you're well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore The Escapist's extensive coverage of the game.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
