The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and the Great Sword stands out as a formidable choice for hunters in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This guide is designed to help you master this powerful weapon, enhancing your gameplay and ensuring you're well-equipped to tackle any challenge the wilds throw at you.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword is a heavy weapon known for its slow but devastating attacks. A single swing can deal massive damage, making timing and strategy crucial for maximizing its potential. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more effective tool in your hunting 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 becomes more powerful the longer it is charged. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A slashing attack that covers a wide area. Chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, and a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A slashing attack that can reach high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. Charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks to knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move that utilizes the blade of the Great Sword to guard. The direction of the guard can be changed using Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Press Triangle/Y while guarding to perform a Kick. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s wound or weak point will land multiple hits dealing massive damage. Press R1/RB during the attack to finish early. |
Combos
Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos effectively. Here are some key combos to enhance your hunting prowess:
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates 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), further boosting damage. A shortcut can be used after hitting the True Charged Slash Combo: immediately dodge and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the first Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing you to close the distance and inflict more damage quickly.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo involves a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash, initiated by pressing Circle/B three times. It's ideal for targeting harder-to-reach enemies, covering a large area while maintaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
When a monster is affected by status effects like paralysis, use this combo, which involves a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While it's not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* allows players to block damage and initiate powerful counterattacks with precise timing. Here's how you can utilize these mechanics:
Offset Rising Slash
While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, it's even more potent 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 essential to prevent taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces damage taken at the cost of stamina. It's not ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, but a well-timed Perfect Guard negates all damage. Guarding at the moment an attack connects results in a Perfect Guard, accompanied by visual and sound effects. It doesn't stop the monster, so chaining these guards is necessary during monster 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 these strategies and techniques, you're now equipped to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
