The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and the Great Sword stands out as a formidable choice for hunters in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This guide is designed to help you master the Great Sword, enhancing your gameplay and ensuring you're well-equipped to tackle the toughest monsters.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a powerhouse weapon, known for its slow but devastating attacks. A single well-timed swing can deal massive damage, making it crucial to understand the optimal moments to strike. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental bonuses, making it an even more lethal tool in your hunting arsenal.

All Moves

Combos

Mastering combos with the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds can significantly boost your damage output and effectiveness in battle.

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 conclude with the True Charged Slash. You can hold down the attack button to charge each slash, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red, increasing the damage with each level.

Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further increasing damage. After executing the combo, dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash. This shortcut helps close the distance and inflict damage more quickly.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo starts with three presses of the Circle/B button, executing a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for targeting elusive enemies, covering a large area while maintaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode during this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, use this combo, which involves two sets of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash. This quick four-hit combo keeps the pressure on the monster, though it's less effective in terms of raw damage.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

The Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds allows players to block damage and execute powerful counterattacks with precise timing.

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, it shines as a countering mechanic. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, but hold the buttons to charge it. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is essential to prevent taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. It's not ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, but a well-timed Perfect Guard negates all damage. Achieve this by guarding the moment an attack connects, accompanied by visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.

Mastering the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds requires practice and understanding of its mechanics. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore The Escapist's comprehensive guides.

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