The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique ways to tackle the challenging beasts you'll encounter. For those looking to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword is a powerhouse weapon, slow but devastatingly effective. A single swing can deliver massive damage, but timing and strategy are key to maximizing its potential. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, making it an even more formidable tool in your hunting arsenal.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An overhead attack that doesn’t require charging. 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 offset monster attacks. If timed correctly during a monster's attack, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A slashing attack that covers a wide area. Chain it into a Tackle for a Leaping Wide Slash or into a Strong Charged Slash for a Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A slashing attack that reaches high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A rising slash that, when released during a monster's attack, knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade to guard. Change the guard direction with Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Perform a Kick by pressing Triangle/Y while guarding. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s weak point deals massive damage. Press R1/RB to finish the attack early. |
Combos
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 finish with a True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the attack button, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red to indicate the charge level, increasing damage with each hit. Hitting a monster's soft spot with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further boosting damage. After executing the combo, dodge and press Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, skipping the Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash for quicker, more effective attacks.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo, started by pressing Circle/B three times, includes a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode alongside this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds for maximum impact.
Stationary Combo
Use this combo when a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis. It involves a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence that keeps pressure on the monster, though it's less potent in terms of damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
Offset Rising Slash
While the Rising Slash is excellent for reaching high targets, it shines as a counter in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, or hold them down to charge it. Release it just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. This move is crucial for interrupting monster attack chains but requires practice to time correctly.
Guarding
Guarding with the Great Sword is done by holding R2/RT, reducing damage at the cost of stamina. While not ideal for extended battles due to chip damage, a well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage and accompanied by distinctive visual and sound cues. Unlike the Offset Rising Slash, a Perfect Guard doesn't stop the monster, requiring you to chain guards during its combos. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard leads to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.
With this guide, you're well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
