Great Sword Weapon Guide and New Moves

The Great Sword is a heavy, hard-hitting weapon that deals massive damage in a single hit in Monster Hunter Wilds. See what new actions the Great Sword can perform, how to use it, and what its controls are in this guide!

New Great Sword Moves

Upwards Counter Slash

The Upwards Counter Slash is a rising attack that can be timed to deflect an incoming monster's attack. The above clip from the weapon trailer shows the move being used to intercept a Doshaguma's attack.

It is then followed-up with a dashing attack, meaning that this move is great for creating openings and moving in to attack afterwards.

Power Clash

Guarding against monster attacks can trigger the new Power Clash mechanic that pits the hunter against their foe in a brief struggle. Succeeding in this mechanic causes the monster to stagger backwards, allowing for attacks.

Note that all weapons that can guard can trigger a Power Clash, including the Great Sword.

How to Use the Great Sword

Disclaimer: The guide presented here includes info from previous games in the series.

Great Sword Gameplay Tips
Sheathe the Sword for Maneuverability Look for Openings to True Charge Slash Tackle to Avoid Roars and Attacks Guard When Necessary Use Concentration and Stun Resistance

Sheathe the Sword for Maneuverability

One tactic players can employ with the Great Sword is cycling through sheathing the weapon, then going in for an unsheathe attack once an opportunity presents itself. This allows for greater mobility, as the hunter moves faster while the Great Sword is sheathed.

However, to fully utilize the Great Sword's abilities, players will have to get used to fighting with the weapon drawn instead of repeatedly sheathing it.

Look for Openings to True Charge Slash

When to True Charge Slash
When the Monster is Stunned or Impaired While the Monster is Stuck in a Slow Attack If a Monster is Immobilized With Traps After Using the Tackle to Tank Attacks

The Great Sword's most powerful attack is the True Charge Slash. This action requires a lot of charging to execute, and is prone to missing or being stopped if the monster moves or attacks.

To properly land it, a thorough understanding of the monster's patterns is required. Look for openings wherein the foe is recovering from an attack, or is otherwise stunned or incapacitated, to land a big hit.

Tackle to Avoid Roars and Attacks

The Great Sword has a Tackle action that can be used while charging attacks; the tackle has super armor, meaning that it can tank through roars and less powerful attacks, then follow up with a True Charge Slash.

Hunters can use this to True Charge Slash aggressively, as they can tackle through attacks and follow-up. In particular, the start of a fight often has the monster roar, which presents a great opportunity for this combo.

Guard When Necessary

Remember that the Great Sword has access to guarding as well! If uncertain about tackling through an attack, players can opt to defend against it by guarding instead.

Guarding has also been shown to initiate the Power Clash mechanic, wherein the hunter and the monster enter a brief struggle. Winning the clash will push the monster back and stagger it, giving a window of opportunity for attacks.

Use Concentration and Stun Resistance

The skills Concentration and Stun Resistance are staple skills for the Great Sword in previous titles, and can be expected to become essential in Monster Hunter Wilds as well.

The former decreases the time needed to charge for the True Charge Slash, while the latter improves the hunter' resistance against being stunned by attacks.

Great Sword Controls

Basic Controls for Controller

Action	Button
Vertical Slash Attack
Charge	(Press and Hold)
Tackle	While Holding
Sweep Attack
Upwards Slash	+
Upwards Counter Slash	(Press and Hold) + (Press and Hold)
Guard
Kick	, (While Guarding)

Monster Hunter Wilds Related Guides

List of All Weapons and Weapon Types

All Weapon Guides

All Individual Weapon Guides
Great Sword	Long Sword	Sword & Shield
Dual Blades	Hammer	Hunting Horn
Lance	Gunlance	Switch Axe
Charge Blade	Insect Glaive	Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun	Bow	-