How To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon arsenal, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a prime example of devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to wield this behemoth effectively.

The Great Sword, a slow but immensely powerful weapon, delivers colossal damage with a single, well-timed swing. Mastering its nuances, however, is key to maximizing its potential. Future upgrades will further enhance its raw power and imbue it with elemental advantages.

All Great Sword Moves

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-ranging slash attack. Chainable with Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) and Strong Charged Slash (Strong Wide Slash).
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	Attacks high areas on monsters.
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A timed counter-attack that stuns the monster upon successful execution, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y).
R2/RT	Guard	Blocks attacks, stamina dependent. Guard direction adjustable in Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	A kick performed while guarding.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack highly effective against wounds and weak points. Pressing R1/RB during the attack allows for an early finish.

Mastering Great Sword Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Effective Great Sword combat relies on mastering several key combos:

True Charged Slash Combo

Executed by pressing Triangle/Y three times. This combo starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in a True Charged Slash. Charging each attack (holding the button) increases damage. A successful True Charged Slash on a weak point triggers the even more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut involves dodging after the first hit to immediately transition to the Strong Charged Slash, improving speed and efficiency.

Forward Lunging Combo

This three-hit combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for covering ground and attacking wider targets, especially when combined with Focus Mode to target weak points.

Stationary Combo

Best used against paralyzed monsters, this combo (Wide Slash and Rising Slash repeated twice) is a quick, four-hit attack. While not the highest damage output, it maintains pressure on the monster.

Defense and Counter-Attacks

Monster Hunter Wilds Guard and Counters

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Offset Rising Slash (Counter)

Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B charges the Offset Rising Slash. Releasing it just as a monster attacks stuns the creature, enabling a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). Mastering the timing is crucial for success.

Guarding

Holding R2/RT guards against attacks, consuming stamina. Perfect Guarding (timing your guard precisely with an incoming attack) negates all damage and can sometimes trigger a Power Clash, a button-mashing mini-game that stuns the monster.

With this knowledge, you're 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.