The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique gameplay experiences. For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will pave your way to becoming a formidable hunter.
The Great Sword is the epitome of raw power within Monster Hunter Wilds. As a heavy weapon, it demands patience due to its slow swing speed, but the payoff is immense damage with each strike. Timing your attacks effectively can turn the tide of battle. As you progress, upgrades will not only increase its raw power but also imbue it with elemental effects, enhancing its destructive potential.
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An immediate overhead attack that can be seamlessly transitioned into a charged attack for further combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slash that gains strength with longer charge times. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. Timing it perfectly with a monster's strike can knock them down, followed by a Cross Slash. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | Covers a broad area with a sweeping slash. Can be chained into various follow-up moves, including the Leaping Wide Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Targets high areas on a monster, ideal for reaching otherwise inaccessible spots. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | Similar to the Rising Slash but with the ability to counter monster attacks. A well-timed release can knock down a monster, leading to a Cross Slash. |
| R2/RT | Guard | Uses the Great Sword's blade to block incoming attacks. The guard direction can be adjusted with Focus Mode. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A quick kick performed while guarding, useful for repositioning. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A multi-hit attack targeting monster wounds or weak points. Can be prematurely ended for tactical advantages. |
Mastering combos with the Great Sword can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Initiate this combo with three consecutive presses of Triangle/Y, starting with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminating in the True Charged Slash. Holding down the attack button during each slash allows you to charge the attack, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red, with each level increasing damage. Striking a monster's soft spot with the True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. A tactical shortcut involves dodging immediately after the combo to skip the initial Overhead Slash and directly execute a Strong Charged Slash, enhancing your speed and efficiency.
This combo, initiated with three presses of Circle/B, combines a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering a wide area and targeting elusive monsters. Utilizing Focus Mode during this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
When a monster is incapacitated by status effects like paralysis, capitalize with this combo, consisting of two sets of Wide Slash and Rising Slash, delivering a swift four-hit sequence that keeps pressure on the monster, although it's less potent in terms of damage output.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds not only allows for devastating attacks but also for strategic defensive maneuvers.
While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, its real power lies in its counter potential. By holding Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously, you charge the move, aiming to release it just as a monster attacks. A successful counter knocks the monster down, setting up a follow-up Cross Slash.
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. A well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage and potentially leading to a Power Clash where mashing Circle/B can knock the monster down.
Mastering the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds requires practice and timing, but with these techniques, you'll be well on your way to dominating the battlefield. For more tips and strategies, continue exploring The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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