This is a guide to the Great Sword, a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Great Sword controls and combos, how to use Great Sword charged attacks, the Great Sword Power Sheathe as well as details on Great Sword Switch Skills.
| All Great Sword Guides | ||
|---|---|---|
 How to Use | Best Builds | |
List of Contents
- Balance Changes
- New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves
- How Good is the Great Sword?
- Controls
- Silkbind Attacks
- Switch Skills
- Attacks and Moves
- Recommended Combos
- Tips on How to Use the Great Sword
- Changes from MHW: Iceborne
- Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides
Great Sword Balance Changes
Update 15.0
| Great Sword Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 15.0) |
|---|
| ・Increased the power and elemental correction value for the great sword's Falling Slash, Vortex Slash, and Rising Slash in the Surge Slash Combo. ・Increased the power of the great sword's Adamant Charged Slash. ・Reduced the amount of damage taken while charging the Great Sword's Rage Slash. |
Update 13.0
| Great Sword Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 13.0) |
|---|
| ・An issue has been fixed where a True Charged Slash (chained from a Strongarm Stance successfully) to trigger a Large Barrel Bomb explosion would result in more explosion damage than intended. ・Followers: attack power has been increased with followers using the Great Sword weapon type. ・Followers: a bug has been fixed regarding Galleus failing to perform Strongarm Stance combos when using the Great Sword. |
Though there are only little updates with the Great Sword, we're going to be expecting more cautious use with Large Barrel Bombs and more damage potential following the fix of Galleus failing to perform Strongarm Stance combos.
Update 10.0
| Great Sword Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 10.0) |
|---|
| ・ Adjusted all of the following weapon actions: ・ Wide Slash: Elemental scaling increased; Status effect scaling increased ・ Rising Slash: Part damage increased ・ Plunging Thrust (Level 1): Elemental scaling increased; Status effect scaling increased ・ Plunging Thrust (Level 2): Elemental scaling increased; Status effect scaling increased ・ Plunging Thrust (Level 3): Elemental scaling increased; Status effect scaling increased ・ Strong Charged Slash (Level 3): Attack power increased ・ True Charged Slash (Level 3): Attack power increased ・ Jumping Charged Slash (Level 1): Part damage slightly increased ・ Jumping Charged Slash (Level 2): Part damage slightly increased ・ Jumping Charged Slash (Level 3): Part damage increased ・ Strong Wide Slash (Levels 0 and 1): Attack power increased ・ Strong Wide Slash (Level 2): Attack power increased ・ Strong Wide Slash (Level 3): Attack power increased ・ Rage Slash (Level 2): Attack power slightly increased ・ Rage Slash (Level 3): Attack power increased ・ Hunting Edge: You can now chain into Strong Wide Slash and Strong Charged Slash after landing on the ground with Hunting Edge. ・ Hunting Edge: This now only costs one Wirebug Gauge, and the Wirebug Gauge recovers more quickly. ・ Hunting Edge: Fixed a bug where it was unintentionally possible to immediately chain into a Strong Wide Slash and Hunting Edge after landing on the ground when you made attack inputs during the leap after connecting with Hunting Edge. ・ Rising Slash: Fixed a bug where the camera would not shake as intended when making contact with the ground. |
The Great Sword received a significant buff in almost all of its moves making it one of the best weapons out there.
The buff on True Charge Slash is even more prominent considering Hunters can easily land one using the new Strongarm Stance Switch Skill in Sunbreak.
What more, Hunting Edge now only costs 1 Wirebug and is greatly spammable. Great Sword is definitely one weapon to watch out for.
Weapon Changes in Sunbreak
Great Sword New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves
Official Great Sword Preview Video
Silkbind Attack: Strongarm Stance
Using Strongarm Stance, the hunter reinforces their arms and their weapon to fend off attacks. This move works like a counter, where getting hit in this stance while charging causes the hunter to quickly charge the Great Sword, allowing you to punish the monster!
Strongarm Stance Skips a Charge Level
Successfully executing Strongarm Stance skips one (1) Great Sword charge level so using it after the first charge will get you straight to True Charge Slash!
Switch Skill: Surge Slash Combo
This Switch Skill trades the traditional charging playstyle of the Great Sword for one that deals a combo of hits. In addition, the Surge Slash Combo needs proper footwork. But when done right, you can string together a large number of combos!
Silkbind Attack: Backslide
Backslide was not announce in any trailer but is included in the Sunbreak expansion. This move gives the Great Sword mobility options while maintaining aggressiveness as using this move preserve the charge level on your Great Sword!
Monster Hunter Rise: SunbreakRelease Date and New Monsters
How Good is the Great Sword?
Tier List Ranking
| MHRise Ranking | → | Sunbreak Ranking |
|---|---|---|
 (S - A - B)3 Level Tier |  (SS - S - A)3 Level Tier |
The Great Sword improved drastically in Sunbreak with the addition of Strongarm Stance that takes you straight to True Charged Slash. It is also as mobile as ever with the addition of Surge Slash Combo and Backslide. Try out the Great Sword and you won't be disappointed!
Weapon Tier List
Great Sword Strengths
Single-hit attack damage is unrivaled by other weapons.
Hit-and-Run is a viable gameplay style so it is very safe.
The Great Sword can guard.
Strong counter-attack move added in Sunbreak
Top Tier Single-Hit Weapon
The Great Sword is unrivaled by other weapons when it comes to single-hit attack damage. Using the Great Sword requires precise timing because that single attack needs to hit to effectively deal damage.
Hit-and-Run is a Viable Technique
Because of its high single-hit attack damage, the Hit-and-Run style of play is very viable for the Great Sword. With the introduction of Strongarm Stance in Sunbreak, this playstyle more relevant than ever before.
The Great Sword Can Guard
The Great Sword can guard against attacks from monsters. However, this depletes the sharpness of the Great Sword so just use this during emergencies.
Strong Counterattack Move
The addition of Strongarm Stance greatly improved the capability of the Great Sword to go toe-to-toe with any monster while dishing big damage. When done successfully while charging, you can counterattack with a quick-charged True Charged Slash!
Great Sword Weaknesses
Poor mobility makes continuous attacks difficult to execute.
Guarding consumes sharpness.
Poor Mobility
The introduction of various mobility silkbind moves and options gives the Great Sword the much needed mobility boost from Base MHRise. This mitigated one of the most pressing weakness it has - poor mobility.
Guarding Consumes Sharpness
Guarding using the Great Sword consumes sharpness. Take note, the sharpness it loses is greater than when attacking so only guard during emergencies!
Great Sword Builds
Great Sword Controls
| Controls | Action | |
|---|---|---|
| PC
| PS
| Overhead Slash |
| Switch
| Xbox
| |
| PC Hold | PS Hold | Charged Slash |
| Switch Hold | Xbox Hold | |
| PC
| PS
| Wide Sweep |
| Switch
| Xbox
| |
| PC
| PS
| Rising Slash |
| Switch
| Xbox
| |
| PC While Charging, | PS While Charging, | Tackle |
| Switch While Charging, | Xbox While Charging, | |
| PC
| PS
| Guard |
| Switch
| Xbox
| |
| PC While Mid-air,
| PS While Mid-air,
| Plunging Thrust |
| SwitchWhile Mid-air,
| XboxWhile Mid-air,
| |
| PC
| PS
| Hunting Edge |
| Switch
| Xbox
| |
| PC
| PS
| Power Sheathe |
| Switch
| Xbox
| |
+ 
+ 
+ 
+ Useful Combos
| True Charged Slash Combo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Charged Slash | Strong Charged Slash | Strong Wide Slash | True Charged Slash |
Hold, X | Hold, X |  A | Hold, X |
Hold, Left Click | Hold,
|  Right Click | Hold, Left Click |
Hold, Triangle | Hold,
|  Circle | Hold, Triangle |
Hold, Y | Hold,
|  B | Hold, Y |
+ 
+ 
+ | Forward Lunging Attack Combo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wide Sweep | Tackle | Leaping Wide Slash |
| A | A | A |
| Right Click | Right Click | Right Click |
| Circle | Circle | Circle |
| B | B | B |
| Stationary Combo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wide Sweep | Tackle | Leaping Wide Slash |
| A |
| A |
| Right Click |
| Right Click |
| Circle |
| Circle |
| B |
| B |
Great Sword Silkbind Attacks
Hunting Edge
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
Hunting Edge is a Silkbind Attack that launches the hunter upward and can be followed up with charged attacks. This is similar to the charging attack while airborne in Aerial Style from Monster Hunter Generations. This moves also requires two Wirebugs.
Strongarm Stance
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
This move can be switched out with Hunting Edge. The hunter consumes two Wirebugs and goes into a stance where they glow blue for a second. While they're in this stance, they can counter any attack. If they successfully counter an attack, they can quickly charge up their Great Sword for a devastating blow.
Adamant Charged Slash
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
Adamant Charged Slash is a newly-announced Silkbind Attack that was not featured in the January Switch Demo.
This attack can be switched out with Hunting Edge. The hunter uses the Wirebug to dash straight ahead, then unleashes a Strong Charged Slash.
Adamant Charged Slash also has the advantage of withstanding knockdown attacks while the attack is being executed. Take note that this only offers knockback protection and not damage immunity.
Power Sheathe
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
Power Sheathe sends you forward in the direction you're facing and then sheathes your weapon. This also temporarily increases your attack power for the next few seconds, indicated by a blue glow. Power Sheathe works well with this weapon because hunters usually sheath the Great Sword for better mobility.
Backslide
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
Backslide was not announce in any trailer but is included in the Sunbreak expansion. This move gives the Great Sword mobility options while maintaining aggressiveness as using this move preserve the charge level on your Great Sword!
Great Sword Switch Skills
Switch Skills are unlocked with different conditions as you progress in the game. Base game MHRise provides Hunters with three (3) slots of Switch Skills, with the Sunbreak expansion adding two (2) more.
Note: Skills in red are exclusive to the Sunbreak expansion.
| Skill Slot | Switch Skill Choices |
|---|---|
| 1 | ・Tackle ・Guard Tackle |
| 2 | ・True Charge Slash ・Rage Slash |
| 3 | ・Charged Slash Combo ・Surge Slash Combo |
| 4 | ・Hunting Edge ・Adamant Charged Slash ・Strongarm Stance |
| 5 | ・Power Sheath ・Backslide |
Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills
Guard Tackle
| Switched With | |
|---|---|
| Tackle | |
| Description | |
| A forward-dashing attack using the flat side of the blade. More cumbersome than your standard Tackle but strong and allows you to guard. | |
| Controls | |
| While charging,
While charging, A, Right Click, Circle, or B | |
A shoulder thrust move that allows you to withstand more powerful attacks than the usual Tackle. This allows you to charge more properly while tanking attacks that are bound to throw you off. The downside with this one is the longer tackle time, so you have to recalibrate your timings.
Rage Slash
| Switched With | |
|---|---|
| True Charged Slash | |
| Description | |
| Strike from a unique stance. Not as powerful as the True Charged Slash, but when met with an attack, Rage Slash will increase its damage. | |
| Controls | |
| |
+ Rage Slash is an improvement over the True Charged Slash so we recommend slotting it in when you get it. It absorbs some damage and uses them to strengthen the charge attack which is always good for the Great Sword!
Surge Slash Combo
| Switched With | |
|---|---|
| Charging Slash Combo | |
| Description | |
| An offensive style that combines speed with the weight of the weapon to unleash a stream of powerful slashes. Proper footwork is required, but allows for a large number of combos. | |
| Controls | |
Afterwards, hold Analog + X to perform a Strong Charged Slash
Afterwards, hold Directional + Left Click to perform a Strong Charged Slash
Afterwards, hold Analog + Triangle to perform a Strong Charged Slash
Afterwards, hold Analog + Y to perform a Strong Charged Slash | |
A replacement to the usual Charged Combo that Great Sword users love, this opens up the Great Sword to sniping gamestyles due to its fast, sweeping attacks that actually deal tons of damage per hit.
Adamant Charged Slash
| Switched With | |
|---|---|
| Hunting Edge | |
| Description | |
| Uses a Wirebug to dash forward, and deliver a Strong Charged Slash. Has knockback protection as you dash forth. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1 | |
| Controls | |
| |
Uses a Wirebug to dash forward to deliver a Strong Charged Slash. This move has knockback protection while dashing but will not negate all damage. Only use this for attacks you know you can survive.
Strongarm Stance
| Switched With | |
|---|---|
| Power Sheathe | |
| Description | |
| A technique that reinforces your arms with ironsilk, enabling you to fend off attack and let loose a devastating counterattack.Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2 | |
| Controls | |
| |
This move can be switched out with Hunting Edge. The hunter consumes two Wirebugs and goes into a stance where they glow blue for a second. While they're in this stance, they can counter any attack. If they successfully counter an attack, they can quickly charge up their Great Sword for a devastating blow.
Backslide
| Switched With | |
|---|---|
| Power Sheathe | |
| Description | |
| A quick evasive maneuver using a Wirebug. Maintains charge if using Surge Slash or and increases level while charging, making it an amazing repositioning tool.Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1 | |
| Controls | |
| |
This is purely an evasive maneuver using Wirebugs. Can also be used while charging as it retains charge levels while charging your Great Sword - balancing safety and aggressiveness perfectly. Use this whenever you're up against a really mobile monster.
Great Sword Attacks and Moves
True Charged Slash
| Switch Controls | Hold |
|---|---|
| PC Controls | Hold |
| PS Controls | Hold |
| Xbox Controls | Hold |
The True Charged Slash makes a return in Monster Hunter Rise! It's the strongest hitting move of the Great Sword and utilizing it properly is the key to mastering the Great Sword.
The True Charged Slash is the 3rd charging attack on the sequence (Charged Slash → Strong Charged Slash → True Charged Slash). Both Charged Slash and Strong Charged Slash can be canceled using a tackle, so it is not necessary to fully charge all these to use the True Charged Slash.
Wide Sweep and Leaping Wide Slash
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
The Wide Sweep and Leaping Wide Slash attacks return in Monster Hunter Rise! These moves can hit a wide area (hence the name) and apply ailments on multiple monsters! Leaping Wide Slash has also been changed to deal multiple hits if done after tackling out of charged attacks.
Recommended Combos for the Great Sword
Barrel Bomb Strongarm Slash
| Switch Controls | Place Small Barrel Bomb on the ground then, Quickly hold
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls | Place Small Barrel Bomb on the ground then, Quickly hold
|
| PS Controls | Place Small Barrel Bomb on the ground then, Quickly hold
|
| Xbox Controls | Place Small Barrel Bomb on the ground then, Quickly hold
| Required Switch Skills | Charged Slash Combo → Strongarm Stance |
This combo purposely initiates a self-inflicted damage using a Small Barrel Bomb to proc Strongarm Stance and deliver a devastating True Charged Slash. This is perfect for waking monsters up!
Charging Strongarm Counter
| Switch Controls | Hold
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls | Hold
|
| PS Controls | Hold
|
| Xbox Controls | Hold
|
| Required Switch Skills | Charged Slash Combo → Strongarm Stance |
to charge then, This combo primarily makes use of Strongarm Stance anytime while charging. The move goes straight to True Charged Slash to deal maximum damage!
Fastest Tackle-Dodge True Charged Slash
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
| Required Switch Skills | Block → Dodge → Tackle → Charge → Tackle → True Charged Slash |
→ 
→ 
→ A combo that allows players to get to True Charged Slash at the fastest time even when the weapon in sheathed. Useful for when the monster is down or you only have a small opening.
Guard Tackle to Rage Slash Combo
| Switch Controls | Tackle by pressing → Hold |
|---|---|
| PC Controls | Tackle by pressing |
| PS Controls | Tackle by pressing |
| Xbox Controls | Tackle by pressing | Required Switch Skills | Tackle → Guard Tackle True Charged Slash → Rage Slash |
This combo uses two Switch Skills with Super Armor to tank some enemy attacks. We recommend using this combo during enemy roars. If you are attacked while you have Super Armor, you will only receive reduced damage so you can use this on powerful enemy attacks as well. Be careful with chaining moves though as the Super Armor can only negate knockback for one move.
Fast True Charged Slash Combo
| Switch Controls | Press |
|---|---|
| PC Controls | Press |
| PS Controls | Press |
| Xbox Controls | Press |
Using this combo is one of the fastest ways to get to the True Charged Slash. It works by canceling both Charged Slash and Strong Charged Slash with tackles.
Max Charged Slash
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
+ This combo is similar to the Fastest Slash Combo—except you charge up your final hit to its strongest form. It's better to use this combo when the monster you are hunting is down on the ground, suitable for a punisher.
Jump Slash to True Charged Slash
| Switch Controls | Hold while jumping |
|---|---|
| PC Controls | Hold while jumping |
| PS Controls | Hold while jumping |
| Xbox Controls | Hold while jumping |
This combo allows you to utilize Wirebugs as you go in with a Jumping Slash and then end it with a True Charged Slash, doing a large amount of damage.
Adamant Rage Slash Combo
| Switch Controls |
|
|---|---|
| PC Controls |
|
| PS Controls |
|
| Xbox Controls |
|
This combo utilizes the two Switch Skills for the Great Sword Adamant Charged Slash and Rage Slash. Since these provide knockback protection and Super Armor, respectively, this combo can tank even multi-hit monster attacks while dishing out tons of damage at the same time!
Tips on How to Use the Great Sword
Aim for the True Charged Slash
Use Wirebugs for extra mobility
Use Power Sheath to increase your attack
Use Palamute Jump + Dismount for a full aerial charge slash
Hunting Edge can be chained into a Charged Slash
Avoid using Hunting Edge against small monsters
Only use Adamant Charged Slash on weak monster moves
Aim for the True Charged Slash
The True Charged Slash has the highest damage number in a single blow for the Great Sword. Achieving True Charged Slash requires certain combos so make sure that when you fully charge it, it hits the monster!
The Tackle is Back!
The Tackle from Monster Hunter World is back in Monster Hunter Rise! Use tackles to enter a Super Armor state and tank monster hits. Remember, tackles are also a viable bridge move to achieve True Charged Slash!
Use Wirebugs for Extra Mobility
The Great Sword is very slow, but the introduction of Wirebugs in Monster Hunter Rise has made the Great Sword very mobile. Use Wire Dashes effectively for devastatingly great swordplay!
Use Power Sheath To Increase Your Attack!
When drawn out, the Great Sword slows down your hunter to a crawl which leaves you open to monster attacks. Always try to sheath your weapon when looking for an opening, as this allows you to sprint and better position yourself!
Also, with the introduction of the new Silkbind Attack Power Sheathe, it is a great idea to get used to sheathing your Great Swords!
Hit-and-Run Play
The Great Sword has very slow attack animations, so beware of this whenever you try the hit-and-run style. Only try hitting the monster when there is an opening!
Use Palamute Jump + Dismount For Full Aerial Charged Slash
It missed.
When fighting monsters, it's better to initiate the fight by mounting the Palamute, jumping then dismounting into a Full Charged Slash. This allows you to squeeze more damage than a draw attack.
The Hunting Edge Can Be Chained Into a Charged Slash
Charged Slashes are where most of the Great Sword's damage comes from. It can easily topple large monsters and if the monster is large enough, chaining the new Hunting Edge move can make for one of the deadliest combos in the game!
Avoid Using Hunting Edge Against Small Foes
It hit... The Palico's healing bubble.
Hunting Edge's range can be hard to learn for players that are just starting to learn the biggest sword in the game. Trying to use it on small monsters will further increase its difficulty. If you wish to use Silkbind Attacks, it's better to use the Wirebug's mobility or Power Sheathe against smaller monsters instead.
Only Use Adamant Charged Slash On Weak Monster Moves
Monsters have moves that differ in damage dealt. If you're using the Switch Skill Adamant Charged Slash, only tank monster moves that do not deal significant damage. Adamant Charged Slash only gives knockback protection, not damage immunity.
Changes from MHW: Iceborne
No Super Armor at the start of a slash attack
Added a new way to bridge Strong Charge and True Charged Slashes
Added a Charged Plunging Thrust
Removed the Super Armor
The Super Armor present at the start of a slash attack has been removed. Because of this, you can now be knocked back by tripping attacks from your allies using a Long Sword, Gunlance, or Bowguns.
New Way to Bridge Strong Charged Slash and True Charged Slash
There is a new possible way in MH Rise to connect a Strong Charged Slash and True Charged Slash. This combo is part of the Useful Combos so check that out!
Charged Plunging Thrust
While the Plunging Thrust can be performed after sliding in Monster Hunter World, a charged version of this can be done mid-air after hitting a monster with Hunting Edge.
Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides
| Weapon Type Guides | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weapons and Weapon Types | Weapon Type Tier List | Builds for Each Weapon Type |
Melee Weapon Guides
| Melee Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
 Great Sword Guide | Weapon Tree |  Long Sword Guide | Weapon Tree |  Sword and Shield Guide | Weapon Tree |
 Dual Blades Guide | Weapon Tree |  Lance Guide | Weapon Tree |  Gunlance Guide | Weapon Tree |
 Hammer Guide | Weapon Tree |  Hunting Horn Guide | Weapon Tree | Melodies |  Switch Axe Guide | Weapon Tree |
 Charge Blade Guide | Weapon Tree |  Insect Glaive Guide | Weapon Tree | Kinsects | |
Ranged Weapon Guides
| Ranged Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
 Light Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree |  Heavy Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree |  Bow Guide | Weapon Tree |
