One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at hunters' disposal, each offering unique gameplay styles. For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you harness its power effectively.
The Great Sword is a formidable weapon known for its slow but devastating attacks. Mastering its use involves understanding when and how to leverage its immense power, which can drastically change the outcome of battles. With future upgrades enhancing its strength and adding elemental bonuses, the Great Sword becomes an even more potent tool in your arsenal.
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An uncharged overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for further combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack that increases in strength the longer it is charged. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. Timing it correctly with a monster's attack can knock it down, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A broad slashing attack that can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A high-reaching slash perfect for targeting elevated parts of a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A charged rising slash that, when released at the right moment, can knock down a monster. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive stance using the Great Sword's blade. Adjust the guard 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, causing multiple hits and massive damage. Press R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Mastering combos is crucial for maximizing the Great Sword's potential in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. These sequences can significantly impact a monster's health and increase your effectiveness in battle.
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in the True Charged Slash. You can charge each attack by holding the button, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red to indicate increasing charge levels and damage.
Striking a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further boosting damage. After executing this combo, dodging immediately allows you to press Triangle/Y for a Tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash. This shortcut helps close distances and deliver more damage quickly.
This combo, initiated by pressing Circle/B three times, consists of a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for targeting elusive monsters, covering a large area while maintaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode during this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, use this combo consisting of two sets of Wide Slash followed by Rising Slash. This four-hit sequence is quick and keeps pressure on the monster, though it's not the most damaging option.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* allows players to block attacks and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing, enhancing your defensive and offensive capabilities.
While the Rising Slash is excellent for reaching higher targets, its real strength lies in countering monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash. Holding these buttons charges the attack, and releasing it just as the monster strikes can knock it down, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is crucial to prevent taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. It's not ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, but timing it perfectly can result in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage with distinct visual and sound cues. Unlike the Offset Rising Slash, a Perfect Guard doesn't stop the monster, so chaining these moves is necessary during monster combos.
Occasionally, a Perfect Guard leads to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash Circle/B to overpower the monster, knocking it down and setting up further attacks.
This guide covers everything you need to know about mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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