"Mastering Great Sword Moves and Combos in Monster Hunter Wilds"

One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the variety of weapons at hunters' disposal, each offering unique strategies to take down monstrous foes. For those aiming to become adept with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will pave the way to mastery.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is the epitome of raw power in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, designed for those who favor strength over speed. Its slow but mighty swings can deliver devastating damage, making timing and positioning crucial. As you progress, future upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, further amplifying its effectiveness.

All Moves

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves leveraging various combos that can significantly impact a monster's health, increasing your chances of success.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. It begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, culminating in the True Charged Slash. You can enhance each strike by holding down the attack button to charge it, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and then red, each level boosting the damage output.

Striking a monster's soft spot with a True Charged Slash will trigger the True Charged Slash (Power), further increasing damage. A useful shortcut after hitting the True Charged Slash Combo is to dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the Overhead Slash and going straight to the Strong Charged Slash. This maneuver helps close distances and inflict damage more rapidly.

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 covering larger areas against elusive targets. Using Focus Mode concurrently ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, this combo becomes effective. It involves a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence that keeps pressure on the monster, though it's less optimal for high damage output.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Guard and Counters

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Utilizing the Great Sword's ability to block and counter is essential in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Here are the key techniques:

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is effective against taller enemies, it's best used as a counter. By pressing and holding Triangle/Y and Circle/B, you charge the attack, releasing it just as a monster strikes to knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is crucial to prevent taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Holding R2/RT activates the guard, reducing incoming damage at the cost of stamina. Although not ideal for long fights due to chip damage, perfect timing can lead to a Perfect Guard, negating all damage. This requires guarding just as an attack hits, signaled by specific visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can occasionally initiate a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can win the struggle and knock the monster down for further attacks.

With this guide, you're now equipped to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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