How To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon selection, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a prime example of powerful, albeit deliberate, combat. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this behemoth of a blade.

The Great Sword, as its name implies, is a heavy hitter. Its slow swing speed is compensated by its immense damage output. A single well-timed strike can inflict devastating damage, but mastering its mechanics is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Upgrades further enhance its power and add elemental properties, making it even more formidable.

All Great Sword Moves

Mastering Great Sword Combos

Effective Great Sword combat relies on mastering several key combos:

True Charged Slash Combo

Executed by pressing Triangle/Y three times, this combo starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in the devastating True Charged Slash. Charging each slash increases damage, indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes. Landing a True Charged Slash on a weak point triggers the True Charged Slash (Power) for even greater damage. A shortcut involves dodging after the first hit, then using Triangle/Y for a Tackle, skipping the Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash for faster damage output.

Forward Lunging Combo

This three-hit combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for covering ground and attacking less accessible targets, especially when combined with Focus Mode to ensure weak point targeting.

Stationary Combo

Useful against paralyzed or otherwise incapacitated monsters, this combo alternates between Wide Slash and Rising Slash for a four-hit sequence. While quick, its damage output is lower than other combos.

Defense and Counterattacks

Offset Rising Slash (Counter)

While a standalone attack, the Offset Rising Slash excels as a counter. Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B and releasing at the precise moment of a monster's attack stuns it, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash. Mastering the timing is key to avoiding damage.

Guarding

Holding R2/RT allows guarding, mitigating damage at the cost of stamina. Perfect Guards, achieved by guarding at the exact moment of an attack, negate all damage and may even trigger a Power Clash, requiring button mashing (Circle/B) to knock down the monster.

With these techniques, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more *Monster Hunter Wilds* guides, check out The Escapist.

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