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

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

Author : Hazel Update : May 02,2025

One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at a hunter's disposal, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those aiming to become adept at wielding the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to excel.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is renowned for its sheer power and weight, delivering devastating blows with every swing. While it may be slow to wield, mastering the timing and placement of its attacks can drastically enhance your performance in hunts. Future upgrades will not only amplify its raw power but also introduce elemental bonuses, making it an even more formidable tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YOverhead SlashAn immediate overhead attack that can be seamlessly chained into a charge for more advanced combos.
Holding down Triangle/YCharge/Charged SlashA powerful slashing attack that gains strength the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/BTackleA rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Timing the release just as a monster strikes can knock it down, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y.
Circle/BWide SlashA broad slashing attack that can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash after a Tackle or into a Strong Wide Slash after a Strong Charged Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/BRising SlashA vertical slash designed to reach high targets on a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/BOffset Rising SlashA charged rising slash capable of countering monster attacks, knocking them down if timed correctly, followed by a Cross Slash with Triangle/Y.
R2/RTGuardA defensive stance using the Great Sword's blade, with the ability to adjust guard direction using Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/YKickA quick kick executed while guarding, initiated by pressing Triangle/Y.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Slash/PerforateA sweeping attack that excels against wounds, delivering multiple hits when targeting a monster's weak points. Press R1/RB to end the attack 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 with three consecutive presses of Triangle/Y, starting with an Overhead Slash, transitioning into a Strong Charged Slash, and culminating in the True Charged Slash. Holding down the attack button during each slash charges the attack, indicated by the hunter flashing white, yellow, and red, each stage increasing the damage output. Striking a soft part of the monster with the True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), further boosting damage. After executing this combo, a quick dodge followed by Triangle/Y allows you to skip the initial Overhead Slash, directly engaging with the Strong Charged Slash, enhancing your ability to close gaps and deliver damage more efficiently.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo, initiated by pressing Circle/B three times, includes a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. It's ideal for covering large areas against elusive targets. Utilizing Focus Mode alongside this combo ensures that you hit all weak spots and wounds effectively, maximizing damage.

Stationary Combo

Effective against monsters afflicted with status effects like paralysis, this combo consists of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a four-hit sequence. While it's quick and keeps pressure on the monster, it's not the most damaging option available.

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* offers robust defensive capabilities and powerful counterattacks, which can turn the tide of battle when executed with precision.

Offset Rising Slash

While the Rising Slash is excellent for reaching high targets, it shines as a countering tool. By pressing Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously and holding them, you charge the attack. Releasing it at the precise moment a monster strikes can knock it down, allowing for a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y. Mastering this timing is crucial to prevent taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. For prolonged engagements, this isn't ideal due to chip damage. However, executing a Perfect Guard by timing your guard perfectly as an attack lands negates all damage, accompanied by distinctive visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can sometimes initiate a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower the monster, knocking it down and setting up further attacks.

This guide covers everything you need to know about mastering 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.