Master the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: Essential Moves and Combos

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique strategies to tackle fearsome beasts. If you're aiming to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide is here to steer you toward mastery.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword stands out as a formidable weapon in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, known for its heavy impact and slower swing speed. Mastering this weapon hinges on understanding its timing and power. A single well-timed swing can deliver devastating damage, but the key to success lies in knowing when and how to unleash its potential. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, making it an even more lethal tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Combos

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 charge each slash by holding down the attack button, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red to indicate the charge level, increasing damage with each hit.

Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further boosting damage. After executing the True Charged Slash Combo, you can dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash. This shortcut helps close the distance and inflict damage more quickly.

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. Combining this with Focus Mode ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, utilize this combo, which involves a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, it shines as a countering mechanic. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, but hold the buttons to charge it. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is crucial 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. Achieving a Perfect Guard at the moment an attack connects triggers visual and sound effects, though it doesn't stop the monster. Chain these guards if the monster is using a combo.

Occasionally, a Perfect Guard leads to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash the Circle/B button to overpower the monster, knocking it down and setting up 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.