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

by Liam Apr 28,2025

One of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse arsenal of weapons at hunters' disposal, and the Great Sword stands out as a powerhouse within *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This guide is designed to help you harness the full potential of this formidable weapon and excel in your hunts.

Best Ways To Use the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Great Sword is a heavy-hitting weapon known for its slow but devastating attacks. Mastering the timing and positioning of your swings can turn the tide of battle, allowing you to deal massive damage with just one well-placed hit. As you progress, upgrades will enhance its power and introduce elemental bonuses, making it an even more lethal tool in your arsenal.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	An overhead attack that doesn’t need to be charged. It can be chained into a charge for further combos.
Holding down Triangle/Y	Charge/Charged Slash	A slashing attack that becomes more powerful the longer it is charged.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Tackle	A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
Circle/B	Wide Slash	A slashing attack that covers a wide area. Chain a Tackle into a Leaping Wide Slash, and a Strong Charged Slash into a Strong Wide Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Rising Slash	A slashing attack that can reach high, hard-to-reach areas on a monster.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Offset Rising Slash	A rising slash attack that can offset monster attacks. If you charge a Rising Slash and release it just as a monster attacks, it knocks the monster down. Follow up with a Cross Slash by pressing Triangle/Y.
R2/RT	Guard	A defensive move that utilizes the blade of the Great Sword to guard. The direction of the guard can be changed using Focus Mode.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Kick	Press Triangle/Y while guarding to perform a Kick.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Slash/Perforate	A sweeping attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s wound or weak point will land multiple hits dealing massive damage. Press R1/RB during the attack to finish early.

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

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

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 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), further boosting damage. A shortcut can be used after hitting the True Charged Slash Combo: immediately dodge and press Triangle/Y to tackle, skipping the first Overhead Slash and transitioning directly to the Strong Charged Slash, allowing you to close the distance and deal damage more quickly.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo involves a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash, initiated by pressing Circle/B three times. It's ideal for covering large areas and targeting elusive enemies. Using Focus Mode simultaneously ensures you hit all weak spots and wounds, maximizing your effectiveness.

Stationary Combo

When a monster is affected by status effects like paralysis, use this combo, which consists of a Wide Slash and a Rising Slash, repeated twice for a quick four-hit sequence. While not the most damaging, it keeps the pressure on the monster.

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 effective against taller enemies, it shines as a countering mechanic. Press Triangle/Y and Circle/B simultaneously to unleash the Rising Slash, and hold to charge. Release 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 prevent taking unnecessary damage.

Guarding

Guarding with the Great Sword by holding R2/RT 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 doesn't stop the monster, so chaining Perfect Guards is necessary during monster combos. Occasionally, a Perfect Guard can lead to a Power Clash, where mashing Circle/B can knock the monster down, opening it up 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 explore the rest of The Escapist.

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

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