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The *Monster Hunter* franchise excels at offering diverse weapon options, and the Great Sword stands out as one of the most impactful choices in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This guide will help hunters harness its full potential.
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Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
True to its name, the Great Sword delivers devastating blows at the cost of slower mobility. A single well-timed strike can cripple even the toughest monsters, but mastering its timing and positioning separates average hunters from true veterans. Upgrades further enhance its destructive power with elemental bonuses and improved stats.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | A baseline vertical attack that leads into chargeable combos without needing windup |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | Maximum damage scales with charge duration before release |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | Interrupts monster attacks when timed perfectly and chains into Cross Slash |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | Horizontal swing useful for crowd control and positioning |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Reaches elevated weak points like wings or crests |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | Counters incoming attacks and creates knockdown opportunities |
| R2/RT | Guard | Basic defensive stance with directional control |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Quick interrupting attack during guard |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | Multi-hit wound-targeting attack that can be canceled early |
Combos
These powerful combos maximize the Great Sword's destructive potential against any prey:
True Charged Slash Combo
The ultimate damage chain: Overhead Slash ➔ Strong Charged Slash ➔ True Charged Slash. Each attack can be charged further (indicated by white/yellow/red flashes) for increased impact. Hitting tenderized spots triggers an enhanced True Charged Slash (Power). Pro hunters can skip the initial Overhead Slash by dodging and tackling after landing a full combo.
Forward Lunging Combo
Ideal for mobile targets: Wide Slash ➔ Tackle ➔ Leaping Wide Slash. This sweeping combination maintains offensive pressure while covering significant ground. Pair with Focus Mode to pinpoint weak spots effectively.
Stationary Combo
Best against immobilized monsters: Wide Slash ➔ Rising Slash (repeated twice). Though it sacrifices raw damage for speed, this four-hit sequence keeps disabled foes under constant pressure.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
The Great Sword provides surprising defensive options for calculated aggression:
Offset Rising Slash
Transform a Rising Slash into a devastating counter by releasing it as the monster attacks. Successful execution knocks prey down and enables follow-up Cross Slashes. This advanced technique requires precise timing to interrupt enemy combos.
Guarding
Basic blocks reduce damage at stamina cost, but Perfect Guards completely nullify attacks when timed to impact. These occasionally trigger Power Clash minigames - winning these struggles by rapidly tapping Circle/B creates prime attacking opportunities.
With these techniques mastered, you'll be carving through *Monster Hunter Wilds'* most fearsome beasts. Visit The Escapist for more expert hunting guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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