One of the most exhilarating aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse arsenal of weapons available to players, and the Great Sword stands out as a formidable choice in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This guide is designed to help you master the use of the Great Sword, setting you on the path to becoming a skilled hunter.
The Great Sword is renowned for its heavy hits and slow speed, making it a weapon that demands precision and timing. A single swing can deliver massive damage, but understanding when and how to utilize its power is crucial for success. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness.
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An uncharged overhead attack that can be seamlessly chained into a charge for additional combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack that increases in strength with longer charge time. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Timing the release just as a monster strikes will knock it down, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A sweeping attack covering a broad area, chainable into a Leaping Wide Slash or Strong Wide Slash from other moves. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | An upward slashing attack ideal for reaching high, difficult-to-access monster parts. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A charged rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Releasing just as the monster attacks knocks it down, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. Direction can be adjusted in Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A quick kick executed while guarding, activated by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds and weak points, delivering multiple hits. Press R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding various combos that can significantly impact a monster's health.
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and finish with the True Charged Slash. Holding down the attack button during each slash allows charging, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red, increasing the damage output. Striking a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. After landing the combo, dodging immediately and pressing Triangle/Y enables a quick tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash, facilitating faster, more effective attacks.
This combo begins with three presses of the Circle/B button, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering larger areas and targeting elusive enemies. Combining this with Focus Mode ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Utilize this combo when monsters are affected by status effects like paralysis. It involves alternating between a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, creating a four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it's quick and keeps pressure on the monster.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* offers robust defensive capabilities, allowing players to block damage and launch counterattacks with perfect timing.
While effective against taller enemies, the Rising Slash shines as a countering tool. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash it, and hold to charge. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is essential to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. Timing your guard perfectly results in a Perfect Guard, which negates all damage and is accompanied by visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.
That's everything you need to know to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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