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Master the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: Essential Moves and Combos

By JacobMay 07,2025

One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* franchise is the diverse arsenal of weapons available to hunters. For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to dominate the battlefield.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword, true to its name, is a formidable weapon known for its slow yet devastating power. Mastering the timing and application of its mighty swings can significantly enhance your gameplay. With future upgrades, this weapon will gain even more power and elemental advantages, making it a force to be reckoned with.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YOverhead SlashAn overhead attack that doesn’t require charging. You can chain it into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/YCharge/Charged SlashA slashing attack that gains power the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/BTackleA rising slash that can counter monster attacks. If timed correctly, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
Circle/BWide SlashA slashing attack that covers a broad area. Chain it into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/BRising SlashA high-reaching slash ideal for hitting elevated monster parts.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/BOffset Rising SlashA charged rising slash that can counter monster attacks. When timed right, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y.
R2/RTGuardA defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. Change the guard direction with Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/YKickPerform a Kick while guarding by pressing Triangle/Y.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Slash/PerforateA sweeping attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s weak point causes multiple hits with massive damage. Press R1/RB to finish early.

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering combos is crucial for dealing significant damage with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in a row. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and finish 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, which increases the damage dealt.

Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), boosting damage even further. After landing the combo, you can dodge and then press Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, skipping the initial Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing for quicker and more effective damage.

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. Ideal for hard-to-target enemies, it covers a large area while maintaining high damage potential. Use Focus Mode to hit all weak spots and wounds efficiently.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is immobilized by status effects like paralysis, use this combo, which involves two sets of Wide Slash and Rising Slash, totaling four quick hits. While not the most damaging, it keeps 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 great for taller enemies, it's even better as a counter. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B together to unleash the Rising Slash. Holding down the buttons charges it, and releasing at the moment of a monster's attack knocks it down, allowing for a follow-up Cross Slash with Triangle/Y.

Timing is key to stopping dangerous monster attacks, and practice is essential to get it right. Misjudge the timing, and you risk taking more damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT reduces damage at the cost of stamina. It's not ideal for extended fights due to chip damage, but a well-timed Perfect Guard negates all damage. Executing a Perfect Guard at the exact moment an attack lands results in visual and sound cues.

A Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, where mashing the Circle/B button can win a struggle against the monster, knocking it down and opening it up for further attacks.

With these tips, you're well on your way to mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guidance, check out The Escapist.

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

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