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

Author：Kristen Update：Apr 26,2025

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is no exception. For those eager to harness the power of this formidable weapon, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to become a master of the Great Sword.

Best Ways to Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a powerhouse weapon, known for its slow but devastating attacks. A single swing can deliver massive damage, making timing and positioning crucial. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and add elemental effects, further boosting its effectiveness.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An uncharged overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A slashing attack that gains power the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Timing the release with a monster's attack can knock it down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A broad slashing attack. Can be chained into a Leaping Wide Slash or a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	A high-reaching slash perfect for targeting elevated areas on a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Timing the release correctly can knock the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y.
R2/RT	Guard	A defensive move using the Great Sword's blade. Adjust the guard direction with Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	Perform a Kick while guarding by pressing Triangle/Y.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack effective against wounds and weak points. Press R1/RB to finish the attack early.

Combos

Mastering combos with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly increase your damage output and control over battles.

True Charged Slash Combo

Initiate this combo by pressing Triangle/Y three times in succession. Start with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and conclude with a True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash by holding the attack button, indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes, which increase the damage. Hitting a soft spot with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), amplifying the damage further. After hitting the True Charged Slash Combo, dodge immediately and press Triangle/Y to perform a Tackle, skipping the Overhead Slash and moving directly to the Strong Charged Slash for quicker and more effective damage.

Forward Lunging Combo

Execute this combo by pressing Circle/B three times. It includes a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash, perfect for covering large areas and targeting elusive monsters. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds.

Stationary Combo

Ideal for monsters affected by status effects like paralysis, this combo involves two sets of a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash. It delivers a quick four-hit combo that keeps the pressure on, though it's not the most damaging option.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds

Guard and Counters

With the Great Sword, *Monster Hunter Wilds* players can 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 tool. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, but hold the buttons to charge it. Release the charge just as the monster attacks to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash using Triangle/Y. Mastering the timing is crucial to avoid taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Hold R2/RT to guard, reducing incoming damage at the cost of stamina. A well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, which negates all damage and is accompanied by visual and sound cues. A Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can overpower 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 visit The Escapist.

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