One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* franchise is the array of weapons available for hunters to master. For those aiming to dominate with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will pave your path to success.
The Great Sword is a formidable weapon known for its heavy, slow swings that deliver devastating damage. Mastering when and how to unleash its power can transform your gameplay. With future upgrades, the Great Sword will become even more potent, offering enhanced power and elemental bonuses to bolster your effectiveness in battle.
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An immediate overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for extended combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack that gains strength the longer it is charged. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Release just as a monster strikes to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | A broad slashing attack that can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A high-reaching slash ideal for targeting 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 the monster down and follow up with a Cross Slash. |
| R2/RT | Guard | A defensive stance using the Great Sword's blade. Change guard direction with Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Perform a Kick while guarding by pressing Triangle/Y. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds, dealing multiple hits on weak points. Press R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Leveraging the right combos with the Great Sword can significantly impact a monster's health, providing you with strategic advantages.
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminate with the True Charged Slash. Each slash can be charged to increase damage, signaled by white, yellow, and red flashes. Striking a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash can trigger the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. After executing the combo, dodge and press Triangle/Y to skip the Overhead Slash, directly performing a Strong Charged Slash for quicker damage.
This combo starts with three presses of the Circle/B button, initiating a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for targeting elusive monsters, this combo covers a wide area and remains potent. Combining it with Focus Mode ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, employ this combo. It consists of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a four-hit sequence. While quick, this combo is less damaging but keeps the pressure on the monster.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Great Sword allows players to block incoming attacks and execute powerful counterstrikes with precise timing.
The Rising Slash is excellent for reaching high targets, but its true value lies in its countering potential. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B together to unleash the Rising Slash, and hold to charge it. Release just as a monster attacks to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash. Mastering the timing is crucial to prevent taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. While not ideal for extended fights due to chip damage, a well-timed guard can lead to a Perfect Guard, negating all damage with distinctive visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard might trigger a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.
This guide encapsulates everything you need to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, keep exploring The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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