The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* stands out as a formidable choice for hunters looking to master their craft. This guide is designed to help you harness the power of the Great Sword, turning you into a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword is a heavyweight weapon known for its slow, yet devastatingly powerful attacks. A single swing can deal massive damage, making timing and precision crucial. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness.
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 increases in power the longer it is charged. |
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can offset monster attacks. Charging and releasing just as a monster attacks can knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
Circle/B | Wide Slash | A slashing attack that covers a wide area. 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 attacking elevated monster parts. |
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | Similar to Tackle, this can knock down monsters if timed correctly. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. The guard direction can be adjusted in 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. Hitting weak points deals multiple hits with massive damage. Press R1/RB to finish early. |
Combos
Mastering the Great Sword involves understanding and executing various combos effectively. Here are some key combos to enhance your gameplay:
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and concludes with the True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the button, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red to indicate charge levels, each increasing the damage output.
Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash activates the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. After executing the combo, dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, skipping the Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker, more damaging 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 monsters. When combined with Focus Mode, this combo can ensure you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
Use this combo when a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis. It consists of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit combo that keeps the pressure on. While not the most damaging, it's effective for maintaining control.
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:
Offset Rising Slash
While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, it shines as a countering tool. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash it, or hold to charge. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is essential to avoid 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 can negate all damage. Achieving a Perfect Guard at the moment of impact triggers visual and sound cues, though it won't stop the monster's attack. Chain Perfect Guards to counter monster combos effectively.
Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash Circle/B to overpower 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 Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.