It has charging like the Hammer, but it works differently. Each swing of the Great Sword really plays to the fantasy of being a monster hunter, especially when hunting dragons.
I’m going to go over the basics and give some tips at getting better with the Great Sword. If you want general help with the game, check out my Monster Hunter Generations Beginner Tips and Tricks.
This guide will go over using the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Generations including:
Basic Controls - The different things you can do with the Great Sword. Charging - What it is and why it is important. Hunter Styles and Arts - The different styles and arts and which I use. Extra Tips - Tips to help you get better at using the Great Sword.
Basic Controls
X performs an Overhead Slash Holding it performs a Charged Slash A performs a Wide Slash X+A performs a Rising Slash R performs a Block Special Attack will do a kick
Charging
When you hold the X button, you can charge up your slash.
As you charge up, a light will appear on your character. It will blink up to 3 times to indicate the level of charge, let go after the 3rd time for maximum power. If you hold it for too long, you will overcharge and lose power.
You can also use a Charged Slash as a combo finisher, which can be followed by a Strong Wide Slash with A.
Hunter Styles and Arts
I won’t go over the general info on the 4 Styles – if you want you can check out my Beginner Tips and Tricks for more details – but I will let you know how they affect the Great Sword.
Guild is what you want for full access to all moves and getting familiar with the weapon.
Striker is an easier style that won’t make you lose power for overcharging. You won’t be able to do certain combos, or use charged finishers.
Aerial is great for mounting monster and air attacks. You get a new Leaping Slash attack that you can do when your weapon is sheathed, but you can only charge attacks from the air.
This Jumping Charged Slash will not overcharge.
Adept lets you perform counterattacks right after dodging at the last minute.
When you dodge, you can perform a Running Rising Slash, which can be chained into a Quick Charged Slash.
I prefer using the Guild style so I can control my charging as much as possible, but Aerial is nice if you want to jump a lot.
Arts
There are 3 specific Great Sword Arts:
Ground Slash - Scrapes the sword on the ground, then rushes forward for a massive swing and shock wave. Hitting with both the swing and shock wave does a lot of damage. Lion’s Maw - Performs a swing attack that raises the Attack of your next strike. You will have a demonic look in your eyes until you use the extra Attack. Brimstone Slash - Builds up power for a huge slash. If you get attacked while using this Art, you will absorb the hit and perform a counterattack.
I like using Brimstone Slash because it gives you a power move and counter at the same time.
I also like Lion’s Maw in certain situation to make your next Charged Slash really strong.
Extra Tips
Constantly sheathe your weapon You move extremely slow while the Great Sword is drawn, so get into the habit of sheathing your weapon to move around, then unleashing it again. I suggest getting armor that has Sheathing on it so you can do this faster. Save Charge attacks for when the monster is stunned, or right after it attacks Charging takes time, so be sure the monster won’t move or attack while you do it. Learn the delay of your attacks Since the Great Sword is so heavy, some swing leave a big delay afterwards before you can perform another action. Learning these delays will prepare you for combat, so you’ll know when to use certain moves.
that’s it for my Monster Hunter Generations Great Sword guide. Let me know if you have any questions!
