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

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each designed to tackle the formidable beasts that roam its worlds. If you're eager to conquer the challenges in *Monster Hunter Wilds* with the Great Sword, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to do so effectively.

Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a formidable weapon known for its slow but devastating attacks. Mastering the timing and strategy of its use can significantly enhance your gameplay. A single swing from this heavy weapon can deal massive damage, and as you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more lethal tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Combos

Mastering combos with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly boost your effectiveness in battle. Here are some key combos to consider:

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in 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 will trigger the True Charged Slash (Power), further amplifying the damage. A shortcut exists after performing the True Charged Slash Combo; immediately dodge and press Triangle/Y to execute a Tackle, bypassing the initial Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash. This technique helps close distances and inflict damage more swiftly.

Forward Lunging Combo

Start this combo by pressing Circle/B three times, which sequences a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. This is ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive monsters. Using Focus Mode during this combo can ensure you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, you can utilize this combo, consisting of a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While not the highest in damage output, 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* offers robust defensive capabilities, allowing players to block damage and execute powerful counterattacks. Here's how you can leverage these mechanics:

Offset Rising Slash

The Rising Slash, while effective against taller enemies, is best utilized as a countering technique. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, but hold the buttons to charge it. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y.

This move is crucial for interrupting monster attack chains, but mastering the timing is essential. Misjudge the timing, and you might leave yourself vulnerable to further attacks.

Guarding

To minimize damage, hold R2/RT to guard with the Great Sword, which consumes stamina and still allows some chip damage through. Timing your guard perfectly can result in a Perfect Guard, which negates all incoming damage, signaled by distinct visual and sound effects.

A successful Perfect Guard might lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.

With this guide, you're now well-equipped to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.

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