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

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and the Great Sword stands out as a formidable choice for hunters in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This guide is designed to help you master this powerful weapon, enhancing your gameplay and ensuring you're well-equipped to tackle any challenge the wilds throw at you.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a heavy weapon known for its slow but devastating attacks. A single swing can deal massive damage, making timing and strategy crucial for maximizing its potential. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more effective tool in your hunting arsenal.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An overhead attack that doesn’t need to be charged. It can be chained into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A slashing attack that becomes more powerful the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A slashing attack that covers a wide area. Chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, and a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	A slashing attack that can reach high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
R2/RT	Guard	A defensive move that utilizes the blade of the Great Sword to guard. The direction of the guard can be changed using Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	Press Triangle/Y while guarding to perform a Kick.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s wound or weak point will land multiple hits dealing massive damage. Press R1/RB during the attack to finish early.

Combos

Mastering combos with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly impact your hunting success. Here are some key combos to enhance your gameplay:

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and conclude with the True Charged Slash. You can hold down the attack button to charge each slash, 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), further boosting damage. After executing the 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 attacks.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo starts with three presses of the Circle/B button, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode during this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds, maximizing your damage potential.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is under status effects like paralysis, use this combo by alternating between a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeating the set twice for a quick four-hit combo. While it's not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster effectively.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* allows players to block damage and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing. Here's how you can leverage these mechanics:

Offset Rising Slash

The Rising Slash is excellent for attacking taller enemies, but it shines as a countering tool. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash. Hold the buttons to charge it, and release just as the monster attacks to knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is essential to prevent 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, a well-timed Perfect Guard negates all damage. Achieve this by guarding just as an attack connects, signaled by visual and sound effects. A Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.

With these strategies and techniques, you're well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.