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, true to its name, is a heavy hitter. Its slow swings pack a devastating punch, capable of inflicting immense damage with a single, well-timed strike. Mastering its use, however, is key to maximizing its potential. Future upgrades will enhance its raw power and add elemental bonuses, making it even more formidable.
Command | Move | Description |
---|---|---|
Triangle/Y | Overhead Slash | A quick overhead attack that can be chained into charged attacks. |
Holding Triangle/Y | Charge/Charged Slash | A powerful slashing attack; damage increases with charge time. |
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Tackle | A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. A perfectly timed release stuns the monster, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
Circle/B | Wide Slash | A wide-sweeping attack. Chainable with Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) and Strong Charged Slash (Strong Wide Slash). |
Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Rising Slash | Attacks high on a monster, useful for reaching vulnerable areas. |
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Offset Rising Slash | A charged rising slash that, if timed correctly with a monster's attack, stuns it for a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). |
R2/RT | Guard | Blocks incoming attacks; directional guarding is possible with Focus Mode. |
R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Kick | A kick performed while guarding. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Slash/Perforate | A sweeping attack especially effective against wounds and weak points, dealing massive damage with multiple hits. Releasing R1/RB early ends the attack. |
Effective Great Sword combat relies on understanding and executing these combos:
This three-hit combo (Triangle/Y x3) begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, culminating in the devastating True Charged Slash. Charging each attack (holding Triangle/Y) increases damage, indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes. Hitting a weak point with the True Charged Slash triggers the even more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut exists: after a True Charged Slash, dodging and immediately pressing Triangle/Y skips the Overhead Slash, leading directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker attacks.
This combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash, covering a wide area and making it ideal for less predictable targets. Using Focus Mode enhances accuracy and damage.
Best utilized against paralyzed or stunned monsters, this four-hit combo (Wide Slash and Rising Slash repeated twice) is quick but less damaging than other options.
While useful for attacking high areas, the Offset Rising Slash (hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B) shines as a counter. Releasing the buttons just as a monster attacks stuns it, allowing a Cross Slash follow-up (Triangle/Y). Precise timing is crucial to avoid taking damage.
Holding R2/RT guards, reducing incoming damage at the cost of stamina. A perfectly timed guard (at the moment of impact) results in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard triggers a Power Clash, requiring rapid Circle/B button presses to knock down the monster.
With these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Explore The Escapist for more helpful guides. *Monster Hunter Wilds* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.