The first thing that players need to know about using the Great Sword is that players cannot use items while the sword is out, as the sword is held using both hands and limits what the hunter can do. Another thing to know about this heavy sword is that it can be used to block attacks, unlike many other weapons. By holding down ZR, players can lessen the impact of some attacks, but the stamina bar will quickly go down, as this move can’t be repeated over and over again.
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Great Sword Controls And Combos
The basic controls for the Great Sword are as follows:
X - Overhead Slash A - Wide Sweep X + A - Rising Slash A while charging - Tackle ZR in midair - Plunging Thrust Hold ZR - Guard
A powerful move that players should use when they can is a charged attack that can be performed by holding down the X button –the longer it’s held, the more powerful the attack. Great Sword users can also pull off a True Charged Slash if the charged-up attack hits against a soft, weak point on a monster, which deals massive damage. As for that tackle move with A, it essentially protects the player from flinching or being blown away for a second and can potentially stun a monster.
Some useful combos for the Great Sword are as follows:
True Charged Slash Combo - Hold X > Move left stick forward + Hold X > A > Hold X until fully charged Forward Lunging Attack Combo - A > A > A Stationary Combo - A > X+A > A
Great Sword Silkbind Attacks
Silkbind attacks are brand-new to Monster Hunter with this latest entry and they are different for every single weapon in the game. Each weapon will have two Silkbind attacks by default, but there are others that players can unlock and switch out once they progress through the game’s campaign. As for the two moves that Great Sword users will start off with, here they are down below. It’s worth noting that Silkbind attacks can only be used if a weapon is out and if players have Wirebugs, which are shown on the bottom of the screen. Players have up to three at a time and they will slowly recover once used up.
Hunting Edge - This move is performed by holding ZL and then pressing the X button. This will send the hunter flying through the air to unleash a powerful attack. Players can hold X to charge it for a few moments, and if the move hits the monster, players can even follow up with another attack with X or ZR. This move uses up two of the Wirebugs. Power Sheathe - This second move can be activated by pressing ZL and then the A button. It’s a quick maneuver that gets the hunter to safety while also boosting attack power for a moment. This move uses up one Wirebug.
Monster Hunter Rise is now available for the Nintendo Switch. A PC port is expected to release sometime in early 2022.
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