Master the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: Essential Moves and Combos

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at your disposal, each offering a unique way to take down fearsome beasts. If you're looking to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide is your key to unlocking its full potential.

Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a powerhouse weapon known for its slow, yet devastatingly effective attacks. A single, well-timed swing can deal massive damage, making it crucial to understand when and how to use this weapon to its maximum effect. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more formidable tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Combos

Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding its various combos, which can significantly impact a monster's health and improve your chances of success.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, transition into a Strong Charged Slash, and finish with a True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the attack button, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red, which increases the damage output. Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), amplifying the damage. A useful shortcut is to dodge immediately after the True Charged Slash Combo and then press Triangle/Y to execute a Tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker and more efficient damage.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo is initiated by pressing Circle/B three times, resulting in a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's perfect for covering a large area and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode during this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

Use this combo when a monster is under status effects like paralysis. It involves a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a four-hit combo that applies continuous pressure, though it's less potent in terms of damage.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Great Sword allows players to block damage and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing.

Offset Rising Slash

The Rising Slash is great for reaching high targets, but it shines as a counterattack mechanic. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, and hold down the buttons to charge it. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. Mastering this timing is key to preventing monster attack chains, though it requires practice to execute perfectly.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword is as simple as holding R2/RT, which reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. While not ideal for extended battles due to chip damage, a well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage and accompanied by distinctive visual and sound cues. Unlike the Offset Rising Slash, a Perfect Guard doesn't stop the monster, so be prepared to chain multiple guards if needed. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash Circle/B to overpower the monster, resulting in a knockdown and an opportunity for further attacks.

That's everything you need to know about mastering 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.