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Mastering Great Sword Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Complete Moves and Combos Guide

By AnthonyMay 13,2025

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique gameplay mechanics and challenges. For those eager to dominate with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel.

Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword stands out as a formidable weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, characterized by its slow but devastatingly powerful attacks. A single well-timed swing can unleash massive damage, making it crucial for players to understand the optimal moments and techniques to maximize its potential. As you progress, future upgrades will enhance the weapon's power and introduce elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YOverhead SlashAn overhead attack that doesn't need to be charged. An Overhead Slash can be chained into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/YCharge/Charged SlashA slashing attack that becomes more powerful the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/BTackleA rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, the attack knocks the monster down. Press Triangle/Y to follow up with a Cross Slash.
Circle/BWide SlashA slashing attack that covers a wide area. You can chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, and a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/BRising SlashA slashing attack that can reach high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/BOffset Rising SlashA rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, the attack knocks the monster down. Press Triangle/Y to follow up with a Cross Slash.
R2/RTGuardA defensive move that utilizes the blade of the Great Sword to guard. The direction of the guard can be changed using Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/YKickPress Triangle/Y while guarding to perform a Kick.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Slash/PerforateA sweeping attack that is effective against wounds. Hitting a monster's wound or weak point will land multiple hits dealing massive damage. Press R1/RB during the attack to finish the attack early.

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering combos with the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds can significantly enhance your damage output and control over battles. Here are some essential combos to master:

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and finish with the True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding down the attack button, with the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red to indicate the increasing charge level and damage. Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. A useful shortcut after achieving the True Charged Slash Combo is to immediately dodge and press Triangle/Y to skip the initial Overhead Slash, directly transitioning to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker and more effective attacks.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo, initiated by pressing Circle/B three times, includes a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Utilizing Focus Mode alongside this combo ensures you hit weak spots and wounds, maximizing damage.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is affected by status effects like paralysis, the Stationary Combo becomes viable. It consists of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While it's not the highest damage output, it keeps the pressure on the monster.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

Monster Hunter Wilds Guard and Counters Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

The Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds not only delivers powerful attacks but also offers defensive capabilities through guarding and counterattacks. Here's how to leverage these mechanics:

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, its real value lies in its countering potential. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to execute the Rising Slash, but hold the buttons to charge it. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down, allowing for a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. Mastering this timing is crucial to interrupt monster attacks and avoid taking damage.

Guarding

Holding R2/RT activates the Guard, reducing incoming damage at the cost of stamina. While not ideal for prolonged battles due to chip damage, executing a Perfect Guard at the exact moment of an attack impact negates all damage, accompanied by visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down for more attacks.

With these strategies and techniques, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more tips and guides on the game, be sure to explore The Escapist's resources.

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

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