The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is no exception. For those eager to dominate with this heavy-hitting weapon, this comprehensive guide will steer you towards mastering its use and maximizing your damage output.
Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword is a formidable weapon, known for its slow but devastating attacks. A single, well-timed swing can deal massive damage, making it crucial to understand the optimal moments and strategies for wielding this powerhouse. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An overhead attack that doesn’t require charging. It can be seamlessly chained into a charge for extended combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A slashing attack that increases in power the longer it's charged. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. If timed correctly with a monster's attack, it knocks them down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A sweeping attack covering a wide area. Can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash from a Tackle, or a Strong Wide Slash from a Strong Charged Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A high-reaching slash ideal for targeting elevated monster parts. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A rising slash that counters monster attacks when released at the right moment, knocking them down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. The guard direction can be adjusted with Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Perform a kick by pressing Triangle/Y while guarding. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds and weak points, capable of multiple hits for significant damage. Press R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Combos
Mastering combos with the Great Sword is key to dealing significant damage to monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds. Here are some essential combos to consider:
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 a True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the attack button, with visual cues (white, yellow, red) indicating the charge level and corresponding damage increase.
Landing a True Charged Slash on a monster's soft spot triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. A shortcut exists post-True Charged Slash Combo: immediately dodge and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and swiftly transitioning to a Strong Charged Slash for quicker, more aggressive damage.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo starts with three presses of Circle/B, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's perfect for covering larger areas and reaching harder-to-target enemies. Combining this with Focus Mode ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
For monsters immobilized by status effects like paralysis, the Stationary Combo is ideal. It consists of two sets of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, resulting in a quick, four-hit sequence that keeps pressure on the monster, albeit with lower damage output compared to other combos.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
The Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds not only excels in offense but also in defense, allowing players to block attacks and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing.
Offset Rising Slash
While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, its true potential lies in its countering capabilities. By holding down Triangle/Y and Circle/B to charge, then releasing just as a monster attacks, you can knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering this timing is essential to prevent taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding
Holding R2/RT activates the Great Sword's guard, reducing incoming damage at the cost of stamina. This isn't ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, but executing a Perfect Guard at the precise moment an attack lands negates all damage, accompanied by distinctive visual and sound effects. A successful Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash Circle/B to overpower the monster and knock it down, setting up for further attacks.
By mastering these techniques and combos, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Great Sword user in Monster Hunter Wilds. Keep exploring The Escapist for more tips and strategies to enhance your gameplay experience.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
