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One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse range of weapons at a hunter's disposal. For those eager to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to excel.
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The Great Sword is renowned for its massive damage output, though it requires patience due to its slow swing speed. Mastering this weapon means understanding the perfect moment to unleash its devastating power. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its strength and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more formidable tool in your arsenal.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | An immediate overhead attack that can be seamlessly transitioned into a charge for advanced combos. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | This attack increases in power the longer it is charged, offering a significant boost to damage. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. Time it correctly with a monster's attack to knock it down, then follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. |
| Circle/B | Wide Slash | Covers a broad area, ideal for sweeping attacks. Can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash for versatility. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Effective for reaching higher parts of monsters, enhancing your attack range. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | Charge this move and release it to counter monster attacks, knocking them down and allowing a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. |
| R2/RT | Guard | Use the Great Sword's blade to block incoming attacks. Adjust the guard direction with Focus Mode for better protection. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | Perform a Kick while guarding by pressing Triangle/Y, adding an offensive option to your defensive stance. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack that maximizes damage on monster wounds and weak points. Press R1/RB to end the attack early. |
Combos
True Charged Slash Combo
Initiate this combo with three consecutive presses of Triangle/Y, starting with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminating in the True Charged Slash. Each strike can be charged by holding down the attack button, with visual cues (white, yellow, red) indicating the charge level and increasing damage. Hitting a soft spot with the True Charged Slash triggers the enhanced True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage further. A shortcut after hitting the combo involves dodging and then pressing Triangle/Y for a quicker Tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash for faster damage application.
Forward Lunging Combo
Start this combo by pressing Circle/B three times for a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash sequence. Ideal for targeting elusive enemies, this combo covers a wide area while retaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode alongside this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.
Stationary Combo
When a monster is under status effects like paralysis, utilize this combo by pressing Circle/B and then Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice for a four-hit sequence of Wide Slash and Rising Slash. While quick, it's less potent in terms of damage but keeps pressure on the monster.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Guard and Counters
Offset Rising Slash
The Rising Slash, while effective for attacking tall monsters, shines as a counter mechanic. Pressing Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously initiates the Rising Slash, but holding them charges it. Release the charge as a monster attacks to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash. Perfect timing is crucial to prevent taking unnecessary damage.
Guarding
Hold R2/RT to guard with the Great Sword, reducing incoming damage at the cost of stamina. Though not ideal for extended fights due to chip damage, executing a Perfect Guard at the precise moment an attack lands negates all damage. This move, while faster than the Offset Rising Slash, does not stop the monster, requiring you to chain Perfect Guards during monster combos. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.
That’s everything you need to know to master the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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