The Great Sword (GS) in Monster Hunter Wilds remains the undisputed king of wake-up hits and burst damage. However, Wilds introduces significant mechanical overhauls that change how veterans should approach the weapon. It is no longer just about "draw-and-run"; it represents a new era of positioning, timing, and mastering the new Focus Mode.
This MH Wilds Great Sword guide covers everything from the best early-game progression sets to the ultimate endgame meta builds, helping you land those True Charged Slashes (TCS) with surgical precision.
Why the Great Sword Changes in Wilds Matter
Before diving into the builds, it is crucial to understand the new mechanics. With updated charged animations and stronger synergy with Focus Mode, Great Sword players can now land massive hits more consistently without relying solely on traditional draw attacks.
New Actions & Wilds-Specific Changes:
Faster TCS Transition: The transition from Tackle to True Charged Slash is noticeably quicker.
Focus Mode Stability: This is the game-changer. It allows for mid-charge reorientation (new to Wilds).
Improved Hitboxes: Vertical reach on the TCS feels more generous, aiding in tail cuts.
Focus Mode: The New Meta for Great Sword
If you are looking for the best Great Sword builds, you must factor in Focus Mode. It isn't just a gimmick; it is a core DPS tool.
Focus Mode allows you to:
Target Wounds: Lock onto monster weak points during a charge to trigger special wound-breaking animations.
Reduce Whiffs: You can significantly alter your angle during the charge animation.
Extend Charges: Safely hold a charge slightly longer to wait for a monster's head to turn back into range.
Pro Tip: Activate Focus Mode right before your Lv3 Charge releases. This maximizes your accuracy on moving monsters without draining your Focus gauge prematurely.
Weapon Mechanics & Controls
For those new to the series, or veterans adjusting to the new flow, here are the essential inputs.
Basic Combos (Beginner Friendly)
The "Hit & Run": Roll → Sheathe → Draw Slash (Repeat).
Why: Safest way to learn monster patterns.
The Standard Punish: Draw Slash → Charge Slash (Lv2 or Lv3).
The Big Bang: Tackle → True Charged Slash (TCS).
Best Skills for Great Sword in MH Wilds
To create the best Great Sword builds, you need to prioritize specific skills. Unlike fast-hitting weapons, GS relies on raw numbers and timing.
| Skill | Priority | Why It Matters |
| Focus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The most critical skill. Faster charging equals more damage windows and safer TCS execution. |
| Weakness Exploit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mandatory for 50% increased affinity on weak points (Head/Tail). |
| Critical Boost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Amplifies your massive raw damage numbers by increasing critical hit damage. |
| Critical Draw | ⭐⭐⭐ | still viable for "Hit & Run" playstyles, though less meta than pure TCS builds. |
| Attack Boost | ⭐⭐⭐ | A flat DPS increase that scales well with GS's high motion values. |
Great Sword Progression Builds
Here is how to gear up from the moment you start your hunt until the credits roll.
1. Early Game Build (Low Rank)
Target: Stability and raw damage for clear speeds.
Weapon: Any High Raw GS (Bone or Ore Tree)
Head: Ore Helm
Chest: Hunter Mail
Arms: Alloy Vambraces
Waist: Bone Coil
Legs: Alloy Greaves
Talisman: Focus or Attack Boost
Verdict: This set is easy to craft and provides enough defense to survive early mistakes while you learn the Tackle timing.
2. Mid-Game Progression
Target: Introducing Focus and Critical mechanics.
Weapon: Element-aligned GS (match the monster weakness) or High Raw Defender style.
Key Skills: Aim for Focus Lv2–3 and Weakness Exploit (WEX) Lv1-2.
Decorations: Slot in Attack Jewels or Expert Jewels where possible.
3. Endgame Meta Build
Target: Maximum burst damage utilizing Focus Mode accuracy.
Weapon: Best Raw Option (Typically the flagship monster or final boss weapon).
Talisman: Weakness Exploit + Critical Boost.
| Slot | Recommended Skills |
| Helm | Focus Lv2 / Crit Eye |
| Chest | Weakness Exploit Lv2 |
| Arms | Critical Boost Lv1 / Focus Lv1 |
| Waist | Attack Boost Lv2 |
| Legs | Critical Boost Lv2 |
Build Goal: Focus 3, WEX 3, Crit Boost 3. This trinity ensures that when you land a True Charged Slash in Focus Mode, you are dealing maximum possible damage.
Conclusion & FAQ
Is Great Sword good for beginners in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Yes. While it looks intimidating, it is actually very forgiving. You have a shield for emergencies, high health pools, and simple combos. The "Hit and Run" tactic is the safest way to learn any new monster.
Is Focus Mode required for Great Sword?
While not mandatory to beat the story, Focus Mode is highly recommended for endgame content. The ability to re-aim your True Charged Slash prevents frustration and drastically increases your DPS.
