Mastering the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

One of the most exhilarating 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 to dominate the battlefield.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is the epitome of power in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. As a heavy weapon, it demands patience due to its slow swing speed, but the payoff is immense. A single, well-timed swing can deliver devastating damage, and with future upgrades enhancing its power and elemental effects, it becomes an even more formidable tool in your arsenal. Understanding the timing and application of this power is crucial for players looking to excel.

All Moves

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves utilizing several key combos to maximize your damage output and control the fight.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, transition to a Strong Charged Slash, and finish with the True Charged Slash. You can hold down the attack button to charge each slash, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red, which increases the damage. Hitting a monster's soft spot with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), amplifying the damage further. A shortcut can be employed post-True Charged Slash by dodging and then pressing Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash, facilitating quicker engagements.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo begins with three Circle/B button presses, executing a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for targeting elusive enemies, this combo covers a wide area while maintaining high damage output. Employing Focus Mode during this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

For immobilized monsters under status effects like paralysis, the Stationary Combo, consisting of two sets of Wide Slash and Rising Slash, delivers a quick four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster, maintaining control over the fight.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* offers robust defensive options that can lead to powerful counterattacks with precise timing.

Offset Rising Slash

The Rising Slash is excellent for reaching high targets, but its true strength lies in its countering potential. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to initiate the Rising Slash, and hold to charge. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down and follow with a Cross Slash. Mastering the timing is key to preventing monster combos and minimizing your own damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the expense of stamina. Perfect Guard, achieved by guarding at the exact moment of impact, negates all damage and is signaled by distinct visual and audio cues. While it doesn't stop the monster's attack, chaining Perfect Guards can be effective against monster combos. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard leads to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash Circle/B to overpower the monster, resulting in a knockdown.

This guide covers everything you need to know to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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