The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, and for those looking to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you hone your skills and dominate the battlefield.
Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Great Sword stands out as a formidable weapon due to its sheer power and the potential for devastating damage with each swing. However, its slow attack speed means timing and strategy are key. Understanding when to strike and how to maximize the weapon's potential through upgrades and elemental bonuses can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat.
All Moves
Command | Move | Description |
---|---|---|
Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An uncharged overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for extended combos. |
Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slash that increases in strength the longer it is charged. |
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. If timed correctly during a monster's attack, it will knock them down, allowing for a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. |
Circle/B | Wide Slash | A broad slashing attack that can be chained into various other moves, including a Leaping Wide Slash and a Strong Wide Slash. |
Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | A vertical slash ideal for reaching high areas on a monster. |
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A charged rising slash that, when released at the moment of a monster's attack, will knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
R2/RT | Guard | A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. Adjust the guard direction with Focus Mode. |
R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Perform a Kick by pressing Triangle/Y while guarding. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack effective against wounds and weak points. Press R1/RB during the attack to end it early. |
Combos

Mastering combos with the Great Sword can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Here are some key combos to practice:
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in the True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash to increase damage, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red. Hitting a monster's soft part with a True Charged Slash will trigger the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. A useful shortcut after the True Charged Slash involves dodging and then pressing Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, bypassing the initial Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash for faster, more damaging attacks.
Forward Lunging Combo
This combo, started with three presses of Circle/B, includes a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's perfect for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode alongside this combo can ensure you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, use the Stationary Combo, which involves two sets of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash. This quick four-hit combo keeps the pressure on but isn't the most damaging option.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Great Sword's ability to block damage and execute counterattacks is crucial. Here's how to leverage these techniques:
Offset Rising Slash
The Rising Slash, activated by pressing Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously, is excellent for countering. By holding the buttons down to charge and releasing at the exact moment a monster attacks, you can knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash. Mastering the timing is essential to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding
Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. A well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage with distinctive visual and sound cues. Though it doesn't stop the monster's attack, chaining Perfect Guards can help manage prolonged fights. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard may lead to a Power Clash, requiring you to mash Circle/B to overpower the monster and knock it down.
By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Great Sword expert in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, keep exploring The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.