Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword Guide: Master New Focus Mode and Combos
Note: This article is based on pre-release information for 'Monster Hunter Wilds' (scheduled for release on February 28, 2025). There are no seasonal updates or changes from confirmed patches. The commands and skill performances described are predictions based on official announcements and trailer footage, and may differ in the final product.
To the hunters who stake everything on a single blow in the vast world of 'Monster Hunter Wilds.' The Great Sword, an iconic weapon of the series, evolves further with new actions. The new 'Focus Mode' system, a key feature of this title, may revolutionize the Great Sword's traditional playstyle. Based on the latest revealed information, this article thoroughly explains everything from the Great Sword's basic controls and new actions to effective playstyles for both beginners and veteran hunters in 'Monster Hunter Wilds.'
Great Sword Core Philosophy and Playstyle in MH Wilds
The Great Sword in 'Monster Hunter Wilds' is expected to continue pursuing the "weight of a single blow," just like in previous titles. It boasts top-tier single-hit damage among all weapon types, with the basic strategy being to land powerful "Charged Slashes" during a target monster's brief openings. Since its mobility is high when sheathed, the usual approach requires a hit-and-run style, keeping the weapon put away, dodging target monster attacks, and waiting for opportunities.
Additionally, the "Tackle" with its super armor effect is expected to remain. It allows hunters to continue actions unfazed by target monster roars or low-damage attacks, making it crucial for an aggressive playstyle, such as forcibly maintaining charge levels or shortening combos to connect into a "True Charged Slash." When a large opening appears, unleash overwhelming damage with the traditional combo: "Charged Slash" → "Strong Charged Slash" → "True Charged Slash."
Differences from Previous Titles (World/Rise)
Building upon the impactful playstyle of 'Monster Hunter: World,' 'Wilds' is expected to introduce unique new elements. Specifically, the addition of the new "Focus Mode" system may allow for more flexible attacks than ever before and potentially ease the difficulty of landing Charged Slashes. Conversely, high-speed movement and special counter skills, like the Wirebug techniques found in 'Rise,' are thought to be either re-designed to fit this title's system or replaced with entirely new skills.
New Actions Explained! 'Focus Mode' and Derived Skills
When discussing the Great Sword in 'Monster Hunter Wilds,' the new "Focus Mode" system and its derived new actions are indispensable. Mastering these will be key to gaining an advantage in the hunt.
Focus Mode
"Focus Mode" is a new system that highlights target monster weaknesses and "wounds" inflicted by the hunter's attacks. This makes it visually clearer where to aim. The greatest benefit for the Great Sword is the ability to adjust direction by up to approximately 180 degrees during a Charged Slash. Previously, hunters had to anticipate target monster movements for a "pre-emptive charge," but now it will be possible to continuously aim at moving target monsters while charging, significantly increasing the ease of landing high-damage Charged Slashes. For beginners, it will be a powerful support feature, and for advanced players, it will be a strategic element enabling more precise positioning.
Focus Weakness Attack (Focus Strike)
"Focus Weakness Attack" is a special attack unleashed against "wounds" inflicted on a target monster while in Focus Mode. Overseas information also refers to it as "Focus Attack: Perforate." In the released footage, it's observed to slash along the target monster's wounds, bursting multiple wounds simultaneously to deal massive damage. Furthermore, it has been revealed that this attack can immediately link into a "True Charged Slash" afterwards, suggesting it will play a very important role as a starting point for new high-damage combos. It can be called a new era's ultimate skill to actively pursue when a target monster is downed or reveals a large opening.
Offset Rising Slash (Counter Skill)
Multiple media outlets predict the addition of a new counter skill, "Offset Rising Slash." This is believed to be a skill activated by inputting commands with precise timing just as a target monster's attack is received, parrying the attack while transitioning into a counterattack. Upon successful execution, it is said to lead into an even more powerful "Follow Up Cross Slash," making it a more aggressive defensive option, distinct from the traditional "Tackle." This is expected to introduce a third choice—"counter"—into situations previously limited to evasion or tackle, adding further depth to the Great Sword's playstyle.
Great Sword Combos and Action List
Here's a summary of the predicted main Great Sword actions and combos in 'Monster Hunter Wilds.' Commands are referenced from previous titles, but may change in the final product.
※Note: Motion values and various numerical data will become clear through verification after the game's release. This is not confirmed information at present.
| Action Name | Command (Predicted) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Charged Slash | (Sheathed) R2+△ / (Unsheathed) Hold △ | The Great Sword's fundamental and original skill. Power greatly increases by charging up to 3 stages. It serves as the starting point for all combos. |
| Strong Charged Slash | After Charged Slash or Tackle, Stick Input + Hold △ | A second-stage charged attack derived from Charged Slash. It acts as a bridge to True Charged Slash. |
| True Charged Slash | After Strong Charged Slash or Tackle, Stick Input + Hold △ | The Great Sword's maximum damage skill. Deals immense damage by hitting with both the first and second stages. |
| Tackle | During Charge ◯ / After Evade △ | Parries attacks with super armor. Can maintain charge level or skip one stage to link into the next Charged Slash. |
| Focus Mode | L2 | A new system that highlights target monster weaknesses and wounds, allowing for direction changes during a charge. |
| Focus Weakness Attack | During Focus Mode L2+R1, etc. | A powerful new skill that delivers special attacks to wounds, dealing great damage and allowing a link into True Charged Slash. |
| Offset Rising Slash | Timed with enemy attack R2+◯, etc. | A counter skill that parries enemy attacks and retaliates. Successfully hitting leads to "Follow Up Cross Slash." |
| Jump Charged Slash | From Select (Mount) during Jump, Hold △ | A charged attack from the air. In this title, it is expected to make mounting target monsters easier. |
Playstyle Guide | For Beginners to Advanced Hunters
With the addition of new actions, the Great Sword's playstyle becomes even broader. Here, we'll explain key playstyle points based on hunter proficiency.
Basic Playstyle for Beginners
First, thoroughly practice the Great Sword's fundamental "hit-and-run" approach. Rather than rushing into attacks, carefully observing the target monster's movements is the shortest path to improvement.
- Move around the target monster with your weapon sheathed: First, put away your weapon and focus on dodging target monster attacks, utilizing your high mobility. Wait until an opening appears, such as after an attack's recovery animation.
- Hit-and-run with an unsheathed Charged Slash: When a clear opening emerges, such as after a target monster unleashes a large attack, aim for a "Charged Slash" from an unsheathed attack. Don't be greedy; landing a Level 1 or Level 2 charge reliably is fine, then immediately evade and sheathe your weapon.
- Actively utilize "Focus Mode": If you're unsure where to aim, or if the target monster moves while you're charging, use "Focus Mode." Not only does it make it easier to target weaknesses, but it also allows you to adjust your direction while charging, which is extremely helpful for getting a feel for landing attacks.
- Unleash maximum combo when downed: When a target monster is downed, it's your biggest opportunity. Use the combo "Charged Slash" → "Tackle" → "True Charged Slash" to deal the maximum damage you can.
Advanced Techniques for Expert Hunters
Once you're accustomed to the basic playstyle, combine new and old actions to aim for a more aggressive and efficient hunt.
- Creating attack opportunities with Tackle: Instead of evading, use "Tackle" against target monster roars or low-power attacks. By mitigating damage and skipping a charge level to immediately link into a "Strong Charged Slash" or "True Charged Slash," you can forcibly create attack opportunities.
- Make "Focus Weakness Attack" a core combo element: Inflict wounds on the target monster yourself and use them as a starting point to activate "Focus Weakness Attack." Since it deals great damage and can immediately link into "True Charged Slash," it becomes possible to proactively aim for maximum damage even when the target monster is not downed.
- Aim for counters with "Offset Rising Slash": Discern the target monster's attack motions and actively aim for "Offset Rising Slash." A successful execution allows for a powerful counterattack with no damage taken, significantly increasing the hunting tempo. Differentiating its use from Tackle will be important.
- "Pre-emptive True Charged Slash" by anticipating target monster actions: As in previous titles, the technique of predicting where a target monster will move next or where it will be immobilized (e.g., by a breath attack) and pre-charging a "True Charged Slash" is expected to remain. When combined with the directional adjustment provided by "Focus Mode," its accuracy is likely to be further enhanced.
Summary
The Great Sword in 'Monster Hunter Wilds' is expected to inherit the impactful "Charged Slash" tradition while gaining unprecedented flexibility and offensive performance through new elements like "Focus Mode" and "Focus Weakness Attack." "Focus Mode" will serve as a reliable guide for beginners to acclimate to the Great Sword, while "Focus Weakness Attack" and "Offset Rising Slash" will present new challenges for advanced players aiming for greater heights. Enjoy the hunting world of Wilds to the fullest with the reborn Great Sword, blending the romance of a single powerful strike with the depth of strategy. More detailed guide information will be provided once comprehensive data becomes available after release.
