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

Author : Daniel

Apr 24,2025

The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and for those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide is your key to success.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a formidable weapon known for its heavy impact and slow swing speed. Mastering its timing can lead to devastating damage with just one swing. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, making it an even more effective tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An immediate overhead attack that can be chained into a charge for more combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A powerful slash that gains strength the longer it's charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash that can counter monster attacks. Time it right to knock the monster down and follow up with a Cross Slash.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A broad area slash that 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 monster parts.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A charged rising slash that, when timed correctly, can knock monsters down for a follow-up Cross Slash.
R2/RT	Guard	A defensive move that uses the Great Sword's blade to block attacks. Adjust direction with Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	A kick performed while guarding, useful for creating distance.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack effective against wounds and weak points, causing multiple hits and massive damage.

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Understanding the Great Sword's combos in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly boost your damage output and improve your chances of success.

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 conclude with the True Charged Slash. You can charge each slash to increase its power, signaled by white, yellow, and red flashes. Hitting a soft part of the monster with a True Charged Slash triggers the True Charged Slash (Power), amplifying damage. After mastering this combo, you can dodge immediately after a True Charged Slash and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the Overhead Slash and moving straight to the Strong Charged Slash for quicker, more effective attacks.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo, activated by pressing Circle/B three times, includes a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for hard-to-target enemies, it covers a large area while maintaining strong impact. Using Focus Mode alongside this combo ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds, maximizing damage.

Stationary Combo

Use this combo against monsters affected by status effects like paralysis. It consists of a Wide Slash followed by a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While not the highest in damage, 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 and counterattack effectively with precise timing.

Offset Rising Slash

The Rising Slash, while effective against taller enemies, shines as a countering tool. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B together to unleash it, and hold to charge. Release just as the monster attacks to knock it down and follow up with a Cross Slash. Timing is critical to prevent taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword is done by holding R2/RT, which reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. A well-timed guard can result in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage with visual and sound cues. However, it won't stop the monster's combo, so chaining Perfect Guards is necessary. Sometimes, a Perfect Guard initiates a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can knock the monster down, opening it up for further attacks.

That’s everything you need to know about mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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