Mastering Great Sword Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at your disposal, each offering a unique way to tackle the game's formidable creatures. For those aiming to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword, known for its heft and power, may be slow to swing but packs a punch that can deal devastating damage with a single hit. Mastering the timing and application of this weapon can significantly enhance your hunting prowess. As you progress, upgrades will not only boost its raw power but also introduce elemental advantages, making your Great Sword an even more formidable tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An immediate overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for additional combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A powerful slash that gains strength the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. If timed correctly with a monster's strike, it knocks them down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A broad-area slashing attack. Chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, or a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash for versatility.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	A high-reaching slash ideal for targeting elevated parts of a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	Similar to the Rising Slash but used as a counter. When timed with a monster's attack, it can knock them down, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y.
R2/RT	Guard	Use the Great Sword's blade to block incoming attacks. Adjust the guard direction using Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	Execute a kick while guarding by pressing Triangle/Y.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack effective against monster wounds and weak points. Multiple hits can be achieved by striking these areas. Press R1/RB to end the attack early.

Combos

The Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* boasts several combos that can significantly impact a monster's health, giving you the upper hand in battle.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession, starting with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminating in the True Charged Slash. You can charge each strike by holding the button down, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red to indicate increasing charge levels and damage. A successful True Charged Slash on a monster's soft spot triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), amplifying damage. After achieving the combo, a quick dodge followed by Triangle/Y allows you to skip the initial Overhead Slash, moving straight to the Strong Charged Slash for quicker, more effective damage.

Forward Lunging Combo

Execute this combo by pressing Circle/B three times, performing a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash. It's perfect for covering large areas against elusive monsters. Combining this with Focus Mode ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds, maximizing your damage output.

Stationary Combo

Utilize this combo when a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis. It consists of two sets of Wide Slash and Rising Slash, resulting in a quick four-hit sequence that keeps the pressure on the monster, though it's less potent in terms of damage compared to other combos.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

Mastering the art of guarding and counterattacks with the Great Sword can turn the tide of battle in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is effective for reaching higher parts of a monster, its real strength lies in countering. By pressing and holding Triangle/Y and Circle/B together, you initiate a charge. Release it just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Timing is crucial here; mistiming can leave you vulnerable.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. It's not ideal for prolonged engagements due to chip damage, but a well-timed Perfect Guard, executed as an attack connects, negates all damage with visual and auditory cues. Unlike the Offset Rising Slash, it doesn't stop the monster, so be prepared to chain multiple Perfect Guards against a monster's combo. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard may lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for more attacks.

That's everything you need to know to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides on the game, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.

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