How To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, each offering unique gameplay experiences. For those looking to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide will provide you with all the essential tips and strategies to become a formidable hunter.

Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a heavyweight weapon known for its slow yet devastating attacks. A single swing can inflict massive damage, but mastering the timing and technique is crucial for maximizing its potential. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more formidable tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An overhead attack that doesn’t require charging. Can be chained into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A slashing attack that increases in power the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Charge and release it just as a monster attacks to knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A slashing attack that covers a wide area. Can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	A high-reaching slash perfect for attacking elevated monster parts.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A charged rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Release at the right moment to knock down the monster and follow up with a Cross Slash.
R2/RT	Guard	A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. Change guard direction 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. Multiple hits on weak points cause massive damage. Press R1/RB to end the attack early.

Combos

Mastering combos with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly boost your effectiveness in battle. Here are some key combos to practice:

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times consecutively. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and conclude with a True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the attack button, with the hunter's color indicating the charge level: white, yellow, and red. Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), amplifying damage. After landing this combo, dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to perform a tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash for quicker, more effective damage.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo is initiated by pressing Circle/B three times, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive monsters, this combo remains powerful. Using Focus Mode during the combo ensures you hit weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

Use this combo when a monster is under status effects like paralysis. Perform it by pressing Circle/B and then Triangle/Y, repeating the set twice for a quick four-hit combo. While it may not deliver the highest damage, it keeps pressure on the monster, making it a useful tactic in specific situations.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Great Sword allows players to block incoming damage and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing. Here are the techniques to master:

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, its real power lies in its countering potential. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, but hold down the buttons to charge it. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Timing is crucial to avoid taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. While not ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, perfect timing can lead to a Perfect Guard, negating all damage with accompanying visual and sound effects. A Perfect Guard might also trigger a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down for more attacks.

With these techniques and strategies, you're well on your way to mastering 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.