One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the array of weapons at a hunter's disposal, each designed to tackle the game's challenging monsters in unique ways. If you're eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge 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 devastatingly powerful attacks. Mastering the timing and strategic use of its mighty swings can significantly enhance your gameplay. With future upgrades, the Great Sword can gain even more power and elemental bonuses, making it an even more lethal tool in your arsenal.
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 attack that can offset monster attacks. Charging and releasing it as a monster attacks can knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A slashing attack covering a wide area. Chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A slashing attack capable of reaching high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A rising slash that can offset monster attacks. Charging and releasing it as a monster attacks can knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move utilizing the blade of the Great Sword to guard. The direction can be changed using 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 wound or weak point lands multiple hits dealing massive damage. Press R1/RB during the attack to finish early. |
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
There are several combos to master when using the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, each capable of significantly reducing a monster's health.
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times consecutively, starting with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminating in the True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the attack button, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red to indicate the charge level, increasing damage with each hit.
Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. Once you've successfully executed the True Charged Slash Combo, you can dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the first Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash, closing the distance and dealing more damage quickly.
Forward Lunging Combo
Start this combo with three presses of the Circle/B button, involving a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for targeting harder-to-reach enemies, this combo covers a large area while maintaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
Use this combo when a monster is under status effects like paralysis. It consists of a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a four-hit combo. While quick and pressuring, it's less effective in terms of raw damage compared to other combos.
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 allows players to block damage and initiate 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, but hold the buttons to charge it. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down and 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. Achieving a Perfect Guard at the moment an attack connects triggers 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, requiring you to mash the Circle/B button to win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down and 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 visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
