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How To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

by Zachary Mar 01,2025

Mastering the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Comprehensive Guide

The Monster Hunter series shines in its diverse weapon arsenal, and the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds is a prime example of powerful, albeit slow, combat. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to effectively wield this heavy hitter.

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The Great Sword's strength lies in its devastating single swings. However, mastering its timing and techniques is crucial for maximizing its potential. Upgrades enhance its power and add elemental effects for even greater effectiveness.

Move Set Breakdown

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	A quick, uncharged overhead attack, chainable into charged combos.
Holding Triangle/Y	Charged Slash	A powerful slash whose strength increases with charge time.
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash that can interrupt monster attacks. A perfectly timed release stuns the monster, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y).
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A wide-ranging slash, chainable after a Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) or Strong Charged Slash (Strong Wide Slash).
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	Attacks high areas on monsters.
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A charged rising slash that, if timed correctly during a monster attack, stuns it, allowing a Cross Slash follow-up.
R2/RT	Guard	Blocks attacks using the Great Sword's blade. Guard direction is adjustable in Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	A kick performed while guarding.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack particularly effective against wounded areas. Hitting weak points delivers multiple hits and massive damage. R1/RB early cancels the attack.

Combo Strategies

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering these combos significantly increases your damage output.

True Charged Slash Combo (Triangle/Y x3):

This combo begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, culminating in a True Charged Slash. Charging each slash increases damage (indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes). Hitting a weak point with the True Charged Slash triggers the more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A dodge after the initial Overhead Slash allows a direct transition to the Strong Charged Slash, improving speed and efficiency.

Forward Lunging Combo (Circle/B x3):

This three-hit combo (Wide Slash, Tackle, Leaping Wide Slash) covers a wide area, making it ideal for less predictable targets. Utilizing Focus Mode enhances accuracy against weak points.

Stationary Combo (Wide Slash, Rising Slash x2):

Best used against paralyzed monsters, this four-hit combo provides consistent pressure but offers lower damage compared to other options.

Related: Mastering Monster Captures in Monster Hunter Wild

Defensive Strategies and Counters

Monster Hunter Wilds Guard and Counters

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Effective defense and counter-attacks are essential.

Offset Rising Slash Counter:

This move, while useful for attacking high areas, excels as a counter. Holding Triangle/Y and Circle/B, then releasing just as a monster attacks, stuns it for a Cross Slash follow-up. Precise timing is crucial.

Guarding (R2/RT):

Holding R2/RT guards, mitigating damage at the cost of stamina. Perfect Guards (perfectly timed blocks) negate all damage, sometimes triggering a Power Clash (mash Circle/B to win and knock down the monster).

This guide provides a solid foundation for mastering the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore further resources on The Escapist for additional game tips.

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

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