The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon arsenal, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a prime example of powerful, albeit slow, combat. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this behemoth of a blade.
The Great Sword's defining characteristic is its devastating power. A single well-timed swing can inflict massive damage, but strategic use is key. Upgrades further enhance its potency, adding elemental bonuses and raw power.
All Great Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | A quick overhead attack, chainable into charged attacks. |
| Holding Triangle/Y | 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-ranging slash, chainable after a Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) or 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 charged rising slash that, when timed correctly with a monster's attack, stuns it, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
| R2/RT | Guard | Blocks attacks using the Great Sword's blade. Guard direction is adjustable via Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A kick performed while guarding. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack particularly effective against wounded areas. Hitting weak points triggers multiple hits for massive damage. Releasing R1/RB early shortens the attack. |
Mastering Great Sword Combos
Effective combo use is crucial for maximizing damage output. Here are some key combos to learn:
True Charged Slash Combo
This three-hit combo (Triangle/Y x3) starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, culminating in the devastating True Charged Slash. Charging each attack (holding Triangle/Y) increases damage, indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes. Landing a True Charged Slash on a weak point triggers the even more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut involves dodging after the initial hit and immediately tackling (Triangle/Y) to skip the Overhead Slash and transition directly to the Strong Charged Slash, closing distance effectively.
Forward Lunging Combo
This three-hit combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for covering ground and attacking hard-to-reach areas, especially when combined with Focus Mode for precise weak point targeting.
Stationary Combo
Best used against paralyzed or otherwise incapacitated monsters, this four-hit combo (Wide Slash and Rising Slash repeated twice) offers a quick, consistent damage stream, though its damage potential is lower than other combos.
Defense and Counter-Attacks
Mastering defense and counters is crucial for survival.
Offset Rising Slash (Counter)
Timing is critical for this counter. Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B and releasing just as a monster attacks stuns it, allowing a Cross Slash follow-up.
Guarding (Defense)
Holding R2/RT guards against attacks, consuming stamina. Perfect timing results in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage and sometimes triggering a Power Clash mini-game (mash Circle/B) that knocks down the monster.
With practice and a keen understanding of these techniques, you'll be wielding the Great Sword with devastating efficiency in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more *Monster Hunter Wilds* guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
