The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon selection, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a prime example of devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this heavy hitter.
The Great Sword, as the name implies, is a slow but incredibly powerful weapon. A single well-timed swing can inflict massive damage, but mastering its nuances is crucial. Future upgrades will further enhance its power and elemental capabilities.
All Great Sword Moves
Command | Move | Description |
---|---|---|
Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | A quick overhead attack. It can be chained into charged attacks for extended combos. |
Holding Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack whose strength increases with charge time. |
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. A perfectly timed release during a monster attack stuns it, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
Circle/B | Wide Slash | A wide-ranging slash. Chainable with Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) and Strong Charged Slash (Strong Wide Slash). |
Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Attacks high areas on monsters. |
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A timed counter-attack that stuns monsters on successful hit. Follow up with a Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
R2/RT | Guard | Blocks attacks using the Great Sword's blade. Guard direction can be adjusted using Focus Mode. |
R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A kick performed while guarding. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack highly effective against wounded areas. Hitting weak points delivers multiple hits and massive damage. Release R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Mastering Great Sword Combos
Effective Great Sword combat hinges on mastering its combos. Each can significantly impact a monster's health.
True Charged Slash Combo
Executed by pressing Triangle/Y three times. This starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, culminating in a True Charged Slash. Charging each slash (holding the button) increases damage, indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes. Hitting a weak point with the True Charged Slash triggers the more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut involves dodging after the first hit and immediately tackling (Triangle/Y) to skip the Overhead Slash and transition directly to the Strong Charged Slash, improving efficiency.
Forward Lunging Combo
This three-hit combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for covering ground and attacking hard-to-reach areas, especially when combined with Focus Mode.
Stationary Combo
Best used against paralyzed monsters, this four-hit combo (Wide Slash and Rising Slash repeated twice) provides quick, sustained pressure, although its damage output is lower than other combos.
Defense and Counter-Attacks
Offset Rising Slash (Counter)
While a useful attack against taller enemies, the Offset Rising Slash excels as a counter. Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B and releasing just as a monster attacks stuns it, allowing a Cross Slash follow-up (Triangle/Y). Mastering the timing is key to avoid taking damage.
Guarding
Holding R2/RT guards against attacks, reducing damage but consuming stamina. Perfect Guards, achieved by perfectly timing a block, negate all damage and may trigger a Power Clash, requiring mashing Circle/B to knock down the monster.
This comprehensive guide provides the foundation for mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more gaming insights, explore The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.