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

Author : Noah

Apr 08,2025

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at hunters' disposal. For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you wield this powerful weapon effectively and dominate your hunts.

Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a formidable 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 and techniques for unleashing its power. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its strength and add elemental bonuses, further boosting its effectiveness.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An overhead attack that doesn’t need to be charged. It can be chained into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A slashing attack that becomes more powerful the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A slashing attack that covers a wide area. Chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, and a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	A slashing attack that can reach high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. Charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks to knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
R2/RT	Guard	A 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/Y	Kick	Press Triangle/Y while guarding to perform a Kick.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack 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 early.

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos that can significantly impact a monster's health.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in 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, which increases the damage output. Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further boosting 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, allowing for quicker and more effective damage.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo is initiated by pressing Circle/B three times, resulting in a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds, maximizing your damage potential.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is affected by status effects like paralysis, use this combo, which involves a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While it's not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster effectively.

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* 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, and hold the buttons to charge it. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down, then 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. While not ideal for prolonged fights due to chip damage, a well-timed Perfect Guard negates all damage. Achieve this by guarding just as an attack connects, accompanied by visual and sound effects. A Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down for further attacks.

With these strategies and techniques, you're well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.

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