How To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* franchise is the diverse arsenal of weapons available to hunters. 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 dominate the battlefield.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword, aptly named, is a heavy weapon that may be slow to swing but delivers devastating damage with each strike. Mastering the timing and strategic use of its powerful attacks can significantly enhance your performance. As you progress, future upgrades will not only increase its power but also introduce elemental bonuses, making the Great Sword even more formidable.

All Moves

Combos

When wielding the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds, mastering various combos is crucial for maximizing damage output and efficiency.

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 conclude with a True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash to increase its power, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red. Hitting a soft spot with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further amplifying damage. A useful shortcut involves dodging immediately after the True Charged Slash, allowing you to press Triangle/Y for a Tackle, bypassing the initial Overhead Slash and transitioning directly into a Strong Charged Slash, thus closing the gap and delivering damage faster.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo starts with three presses of the Circle/B button, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's perfect for covering large areas against elusive enemies. Combining this with Focus Mode ensures you hit weak spots and wounds effectively, maximizing your damage output.

Stationary Combo

Ideal for when a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, this combo involves two sets of Wide Slash and Rising Slash, resulting in a swift four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Great Sword allows players to block damage and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing.

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is excellent for reaching high targets, its real power lies in countering. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash it, or hold the buttons to charge. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down, followed by a Cross Slash. Mastering this timing can prevent monsters from chaining dangerous attacks, though it requires practice to get right.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword is straightforward: hold R2/RT to mitigate incoming damage, though it consumes stamina and can't be sustained indefinitely due to chip damage. Achieving a Perfect Guard by timing your guard perfectly as an attack lands will negate all damage, indicated by visual and auditory cues. However, it won't halt the monster, so you may need to chain multiple Perfect Guards. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can trigger a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower 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 tricks, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.