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

by Eleanor Mar 16,2025

The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse weapon selection, 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 master this heavy hitter.

The Great Sword's defining characteristic is its devastating single-hit potential. One well-timed swing can inflict immense damage, but mastering its nuances is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Future upgrades will further enhance its power and add elemental bonuses.

All Great Sword Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	A quick overhead attack. It can be chained into charged attacks for extended combos.
Holding Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A powerful slashing attack 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 attack. Chainable with Tackle for a Leaping Wide Slash, or a Strong Charged Slash for a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	An upward slash ideal for hitting a monster's high points.
Holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A charged rising slash that, if timed correctly during a monster attack, stuns it, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y).
R2/RT	Guard	Blocks incoming 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 or wounds results in multiple hits and massive damage. Releasing R1/RB early shortens the attack.

Mastering Great Sword Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Effective Great Sword combat relies on mastering several key combos:

True Charged Slash Combo

This three-hit combo (Triangle/Y x3) begins with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, and culminates in the devastating True Charged Slash. Charging each slash (holding the button) increases damage, indicated by the hunter's glow (white, yellow, red). Hitting a weak point with the True Charged Slash triggers the even more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut involves dodging after the initial Overhead Slash to immediately perform a Tackle into a Strong Charged Slash, closing the distance efficiently.

Forward Lunging Combo

The Forward Lunging Combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, Tackle, and Leaping Wide Slash. Ideal for larger, more mobile monsters, it covers significant ground while maintaining high damage output. Using Focus Mode enhances accuracy against weak points and wounds.

Stationary Combo

Best utilized against stunned or paralyzed monsters, the Stationary Combo (alternating Wide Slash and Rising Slash) is a quick, four-hit sequence that maintains pressure but prioritizes speed over raw damage.

Defense and Counterattacks

Monster Hunter Wilds Guard and Counters

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Offset Rising Slash Counter

The Offset Rising Slash (holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B) is a powerful counter. Releasing the buttons precisely as a monster attacks stuns it, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y). Mastering the timing is crucial to avoid taking damage.

Guarding and Perfect Guards

Holding R2/RT activates a guard, mitigating damage at the cost of stamina. A perfectly timed guard (at the exact moment of impact) results in a Perfect Guard, completely negating damage. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard triggers a Power Clash, a button-mashing mini-game to knock down the monster.

With practice and these strategies, you'll become a Great Sword master in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more *Monster Hunter Wilds* guides, check out The Escapist.

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

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