Home News Master Monster Hunter Rise: Great Sword Guide

Master Monster Hunter Rise: Great Sword Guide

Author : Aurora Update : Mar 13,2025

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 deliberate, combat. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this heavy hitter.

The Great Sword, as the name suggests, is a slow but incredibly powerful weapon. A single well-timed swing can inflict massive damage, but mastering its timing and techniques is crucial. Future upgrades will further enhance its power and elemental capabilities.

All Great Sword Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Overhead Slash	A quick overhead attack that can be chained into charged attacks.
Holding Triangle/Y	Charged Slash	A powerful slashing attack; damage 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-sweeping attack. Chainable with Tackle (Leaping Wide Slash) and 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, when timed correctly with a monster attack, stuns the monster, allowing a follow-up Cross Slash (Triangle/Y).
R2/RT	Guard	Blocks attacks; direction 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 wounds and weak points, dealing massive damage with multiple hits. Release R1/RB to end the attack early.

Mastering Great Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Effective combo execution is key to maximizing the Great Sword's potential. Here are some essential combos:

True Charged Slash Combo

This three-hit combo (Triangle/Y x3) starts with an Overhead Slash, followed by a Strong Charged Slash, culminating in a devastating True Charged Slash. Charging each attack (holding the button) increases damage, indicated by white, yellow, and red flashes. Hitting a weak point with the True Charged Slash triggers the even more powerful True Charged Slash (Power). A shortcut involves dodging after the first hit to immediately transition to the Strong Charged Slash with Triangle/Y, closing distance quickly.

Forward Lunging Combo

This combo (Circle/B x3) consists of a Wide Slash, a Tackle, and a Leaping Wide Slash, ideal for covering ground and attacking hard-to-reach areas. Using Focus Mode enhances accuracy and damage.

Stationary Combo

Best utilized against paralyzed or stunned monsters, this four-hit combo (Wide Slash and Rising Slash repeated twice) offers quick, consistent damage, though less potent than other options.

Defense and Counterattacks

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering defensive techniques is as vital as offensive prowess.

Offset Rising Slash (Counter)

Timing is key with this counterattack. By charging the Offset Rising Slash (holding Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and releasing it precisely as a monster attacks, you'll stun the creature, enabling a follow-up Cross Slash.

Guarding

Holding R2/RT guards against attacks, consuming stamina. Perfect timing results in a Perfect Guard, negating all damage. A Perfect Guard can sometimes lead to a Power Clash, requiring rapid Circle/B button mashing to knock down the monster.

This comprehensive guide should help you dominate Monster Hunter Wilds with the Great Sword. For more gaming guides, visit The Escapist.

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