The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon arsenal, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a prime example of devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this heavy hitter.
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The Great Sword, as its name implies, is a slow but incredibly powerful weapon. A single well-timed swing can inflict massive damage, but mastering its nuances is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Upgrades will further enhance its power and elemental capabilities.
All Great Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | A quick overhead attack, chainable into charged attacks. |
| Holding Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack; damage increases with charge time. |
| Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. A perfectly timed release stuns the monster, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A wide-sweeping attack, chainable after Tackle or Strong Charged Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Attacks high areas on monsters. |
| Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A timed counter-attack that stuns monsters on a successful hit, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT | Guard | Blocks attacks; directional guarding available in Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A kick performed while guarding. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A powerful sweeping attack effective against wounds. Pressing R1/RB early shortens the attack. |
Mastering Great Sword Combos
Effective combo usage significantly increases your damage output. Here are some key combos to learn:
True Charged Slash Combo
This three-hit combo (Triangle/Y x3) begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in a True Charged Slash. Charging each attack (holding Triangle/Y) increases damage. Hitting a weak point with the True Charged Slash triggers the even more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut involves dodging after the True Charged Slash Combo and immediately using a Tackle (Triangle/Y) to skip the Overhead Slash and transition directly to the Strong Charged Slash.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash, ideal for covering ground and attacking harder-to-reach enemies. Using Focus Mode enhances accuracy.
Stationary Combo
Best used against paralyzed monsters, this four-hit combo (Wide Slash and Rising Slash repeated twice) provides consistent pressure, though damage is lower than other combos.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Defense and Counterattacks
Offset Rising Slash (Counter)
Timing is crucial for this counterattack. Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B charges the Offset Rising Slash; releasing it just as a monster attacks stuns it, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). Mastering this requires practice.
Guarding
Holding R2/RT guards against attacks, consuming stamina. A perfectly timed guard (Perfect Guard) negates all damage and may trigger a Power Clash (mash Circle/B to win and stun the monster).
This comprehensive guide provides the foundation for Great Sword mastery in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Explore The Escapist for more gaming insights.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
