The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon selection, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a prime example of powerful, albeit slow, weaponry. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this behemoth of a blade.
The Great Sword's defining characteristic is its devastating single-hit potential. One well-timed swing can inflict immense damage, but mastering its nuances is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Future upgrades enhance its power and imbue it with elemental bonuses, further amplifying its destructive capabilities.
All Great Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | A quick overhead attack. Can be chained into charged attacks for extended combos. |
| 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 with Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) and Strong Charged Slash (Strong Wide Slash). |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Attacks high areas on monsters. |
| Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A timed counterattack that stuns the monster upon successful execution, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT | Guard | Blocks incoming attacks. Guard direction is adjustable in Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A kick performed while guarding. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A powerful sweeping attack, especially effective against wounds and weak points. Releasing R1/RB early shortens the animation. |
Mastering Great Sword Combos
Effective combo execution is crucial for maximizing damage output. Here are some key combos to learn:
True Charged Slash Combo
Executed by pressing Triangle/Y three times. This begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in a True Charged Slash. Charging each slash (holding the button) increases damage. A successful True Charged Slash on a weak point triggers a True Charged Slash (Power) for even greater damage. A shortcut involves dodging after the initial Overhead Slash, allowing a direct transition to the Strong Charged Slash, closing the distance quickly.
Forward Lunging Combo
Initiated by pressing Circle/B three times (Wide Slash, Tackle, Leaping Wide Slash). Ideal for covering ground and attacking wide areas, particularly effective when combined with Focus Mode to target weak points.
Stationary Combo
Best utilized against paralyzed monsters. This four-hit combo (Wide Slash, Rising Slash, repeated) is quick but less damaging than other options.
Defense and Counterattacks
Offset Rising Slash (Counter)
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B charges this counterattack. Releasing it precisely as a monster attacks stuns it, enabling a follow-up Cross Slash. Mastering the timing is crucial to avoid taking damage.
Guarding
Holding R2/RT guards against attacks, consuming stamina. Perfect Guards (perfectly timed blocks) negate all damage and can trigger Power Clashes, where mashing Circle/B wins a struggle against the monster, knocking it down.
With these techniques, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more *Monster Hunter Wilds* guides, be sure to explore The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
