Best Build and Armor for Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Guide includes best weapon, equipment, skill, early game and high rank sets, and recommended armor.
| Great Sword Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Builds | High Rank Builds | Artian Builds |
| Great Sword Controls | Weapon Adjustments | |
Table of Contents
Great Sword's Best Builds
| Best Build | Rating |
|---|---|
| ▼Arch-Tempered Ray Dau Equipment [New] | ★★★★★ |
| ▼Zoh Shia Second Wind Build | ★★★★★ |
| ▼Super Recovery Build | ★★★★・ |
| Non-Artian Build | Rating |
| ▼Zoh Shia Weapon Second Wind Build | ★★★・・ |
| ▼Zoh Shia Weapon Super Recovery Build | ★★・・・ |
After the first update in Monster Hunter Wilds, the best Great Sword build includes the 'Second Wind' set and the 'Super Recovery' set, both utilizing the Zoh Shia armor.
Arch-Tempered Ray Dau Equipment
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 Varianza(Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 1104 | Sleep 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 | ||
| Element Type | Sleep Element Type ×3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x5 | ||
| Armor | Slot | Decoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rey Sandhelm Gamma | ③ーー | Challenger Jewel 3 |
| Gore Mail Beta | ③①ー | Challenger Jewel 3 Physique Jewel 1 |
| Rey Sandbrace Gamma | ③③ー | Challenger Jewel 3 Challenger Jewel 3 |
| Rey Sandcoil Gamma | ーーー | - |
| Gore Greaves Beta | ③①① | Challenger Jewel 3 Sane Jewel 1 Sane Jewel 1 |
| Counter Charm 3 | - | - |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended equipment set for the Great Sword using the Arch-tempered Rey Dau armor provides the skill Lord's Soul, which lets you survive lethal damage once and grants a consistent attack buff. Even without Second Wind, it is easy to maintain Maximum Might uptime with Stamina Surge and Latent Power Effect. On top of this, overcoming frenzy will increase Affinity to 100%.
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Varianza (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 1104 | Sleep 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 | ||
| Element Type | Sleep Element Type ×3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x5 | ||
| Armor | Slot | Decoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rey Sandhelm Gamma | ③ーー | Challenger Jewel 3 |
| Numinous Shroud Beta | ③ーー | Challenger Jewel 3 |
| Rey Sandbrace Gamma | ③③ー | Earplugs Jewel 2 Earplugs Jewel 2 |
| Rey Sandcoil Gamma | ーーー | - |
| Rey Sandgreaves Gamma | ③ーー | Challenger Jewel 3 |
| Counter Charm 3 | - | - |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
An alternative build for the Great Sword that uses the Arch-tempered Rey Day armor set with Earplugs. Not only does Lord's Soul provide a consistent attack buff and allows you to survive lethal damage once, but it also extends the duration of Latent Power with its 4 piece set effect. Even without Second Wind, it is easy to maintain Maximum Might uptime with Stamina Surge. This build also has Stun Resistance to prevent being knocked out of Tackles and has a total of 75% Affinity.
Second Wind Build with Zoh Shia Armor
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Varianza (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 1104 | Sleep 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 | ||
| Element Type | Sleep Element Type ×3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x5 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The optimal all-purpose, top-tier Great Sword build after the update features the Zoh Shia Equipment. Compared to pre-update, the maximum Affinity under optimal conditions is now 90%. But with skills like Second Wind, Maximum Might, and Counterstrike active in addition to Earplugs at Lv2, this build allows for smooth hunting of most monsters. If Earplugs is unnecessary, you can swap it out for other preferred decorations, like Ambush.
Super Recovery Build
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Varianza (Artian) | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 1104 | Sleep 280 | 5% | 0 |
| Decoration | Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Guardian-Handicraft Jewel 3 Critical Jewel III 3 | ||
| Element Type | Sleep Element Type ×3 | ||
| Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
| Reinforcement | Attack Boost x5 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This Great Sword build is a recovery-focused setup built around the Zoh Shia Equipment and its set bonus skill, Super Recovery. It achieves up to 75% affinity through synergized skill stacking and allows for rapid HP recovery from chip damage sustained during Tackle usage. When engaging monsters with large roars, such as Zoh Shia, it's recommended to swap Ambush Jewel 2 for Earplugs Jewel 2, enabling Earplugs Lv3 to maintain uninterrupted offensive uptime.
Zoh Shia Weapon Second Wind Build
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blazing Veiah | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 1056 | Dragon 300 | 5% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
| Decorations | Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Critical Jewel II 2 Critical Jewel 1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended forgeable build after the update for the Great Sword uses the Zoh Shia weapon. The other forgeable weapon Stalwart Lamorak has higher Dragon Element stats, but with 5% Affinity and the additional damage from Whiteflame Torrent, this build should be easier to use overall.
Zoh Shia Weapon Super Recovery Build
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blazing Veiah | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 1056 | Dragon 300 | 5% | 0 |
| Weapon | |||
| Decoration | Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Critical Jewel II 2 Critical Jewel 1 | ||
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
This is a recovery-focused, all-purpose Great Sword build centered around the Zoh Shia Equipment and its set bonus skill, Super Recovery. It achieves up to 75% affinity with various skills and allows for quick recovery of damage taken while blocking with tackle. When hunting monsters with large roars, like Zoh Shia, swap Ambush Jewel 2 for Earplugs Jewel 2 and set Earplugs to Lv3 for added convenience.
Great Sword's High Rank Builds (HR20-40)
| ▼ High Rank Beginning | ▼ Up to HR40 | ▼ Right after HR40 |
Great Sword Strongest Equipment for Early High Rank
Buster Sword III for the Weapon
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buster Sword III | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 912 | - | 0% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
The recommended weapon for Great Sword's early High Rank is "Buster Sword III", which can be made by upgrading your weapon from Chapter 4. As for the timing, you can get the materials when you go to "Ruins of Wyveria" at HR20. After the upgrade, Critical Draw will be level 3 and Affinity will be 100% with the weapon drawn.
Doshaguma Alpha Set for Armor
| Armor | Skill | |
|---|---|---|
| Doshaguma Helm Alpha | |
| Doshaguma Mail Beta | |
| Doshaguma Braces Alpha | |
| Doshaguma Coil Alpha | |
| Ajarakan Greaves Beta | |
| Hope Charm | |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended equipment for the Great Sword's early High Rank is equipment centered on Doshaguma Alpha Equipment, which can be made from Chapter 4. Once you start High Rank, the amount of damage you receive increases significantly, so it is recommended to update your equipment from this point onwards.
Great Sword Strongest Equipment up to HR40
Buster Sword III for the Weapon
| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buster Sword III | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 912 | - | 0% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
You can continue using the Buster Sword III up until you reach HR40 and it will still perform well.
Rathian Weapon Optional| Weapon | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Valkyrie Blade II | |||
| Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
| 912 | Poison 270 | 15% | 0 |
| Weapon Skills | |||
Once you've progressed to HR35 and hunted the High Rank Rey Dau, the Valkyrie Blade II is also a recommended option. It not only has a white sharpness gauge but also offers 15% Affinity and Poison Element. Additionally, it comes with a skill that enhances Poison status effects.
Jin Dahaad Set for Armor
| Armor | Skill | |
|---|---|---|
| Dahaad Shardhelm Alpha | |
| Doshaguma Mail Beta | |
| Dahaad Shardbraces Alpha | |
| Doshaguma Coil Alpha | |
| Dahaad Shardgreaves Beta | |
| Sheathe Charm II | |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
Recommended build for the Great Sword up to HR40 is Jin Dahaad and Doshaguma equipment. When a monster is angry, you can temporarily enhance your attack with two types of Set Bonus Skills, such as Agitatot and Power Clash.
Great Sword Strongest Equipment just after HR40
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stalwart Lamorak | |||
| Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
| 1056 | Dragon 500 | 0% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
| Decoration | Critical Jewel 1 Critical Jewel 1 Critical Jewel 1 | ||
| Armor | Slot | Decoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| G. Fulgur Helm Beta | ②ーー | - |
| Arkvulcan Mail Beta | ③②ー | - |
| G. Fulgur Vambrace Beta | ②②ー | - |
| Arkvulcan Coil Beta | ①①ー | Physique Jewel 1 Physique Jewel 1 |
| Dahaad Shardgreaves Beta | ②ーー | - |
| Exploiter Charm II | - | - |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended post-game build for the Great Sword is equipment based on the weapon "Stalwart Lamorak". In addition to high attack and white sharpness gauge, the Charged Slash will also become faster with Focus Lv.3. If the conditions are met, the maximum affinity when attacking wounds is 70%. Even if the Stamina added with Second Wind is consumed, the effect of Maximum Might will not end. For Decorations, use Critical Boost, Offensive GuardAgitator, Maximum Might, Counterstrike, etc. if available.
Great Sword's Low Rank Builds (HR1-8)
Weapon will Strengthen Buster Sword
| Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buster Sword Ⅰ | |||
| Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
| 576 | - | 0% | 0 |
| Weapon Skill | |||
The recommended low rank weapon for the Great Sword is the "Buster Sword". It can be forged from Chapter 1, and Critical Draw Skill increases affinity when the weapon is drawn, making it easier to deal damage from the beginning. By upgrading it, the sharpness level and draw skills also increase, so you can continue using it until you reach High Rank.
Forge 2 Types of Armor in Chapter 3
| Name | Skills | |
|---|---|---|
| G. Rathalos Helm | |
| G. Doshaguma Mail | |
| G. Rathalos Vambraces | |
| G. Doshaguma Coil | |
| G. Rathalos Greaves | |
| Hope Charm |
| Active Skills | |
|---|---|
The recommended equipment for the Great Sword early game is a combination of Guardian Doshaguma Equipment and Guardian Rathalos Equipment That can be created from Chapter 3. It is possible to increase the damage level with the skill effects "Weakness Exploit" and "Doshaguma's Might".
Best Low Rank Build Per WeaponGreat Sword Best Skills
| Table of Contents (Tap to Move) | |
|---|---|
| ▼Weapon Skills | ▼Armor Skills |
Recommended Weapon Skills
| Skill Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Increases the fill rate for weapons with gauges and the charge rate for weapons with charge attacks. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Temporarily increases attack power after executing a perfectly-timed guard. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Increases the damage of critical hits. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Increases affinity when performing draw attacks. (Not effective while riding.) | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Extends the weapon sharpness gauge. However, it will not increase the gauge past its maximum. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★・・Increases attack power. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★・・ Increases affinity. |
The recommended weapon skills for the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds are Focus, Offensive Guard, Critical Boost, and Critical Draw. In particular, Focus is essential as it speeds up the execution of each Overhead Slash, significantly improving your gameplay. Be sure to prioritize activating this skill.
Recommended Armor Skills
| Skill Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Increases attack power and affinity when large monsters become enraged. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Increases the affinity of attacks that exploit a monster's weak points and wounds. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Increases affinity if stamina is kept full for a period of time. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Temporarily increases attack power after being knocked back. | |
(G. Fulgur Set) | Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill. |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★★ Reduces fatal damage once. Before activation, Attack increases and Defense decreases. After activation, Defense and resistance increase. | |
(Gore Magala Set) | Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill. |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Once infected, makes it easier to overcome the Frenzy and increases affinity if cured | |
(Jin Dahaad Set) | Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill. |
(Zoh Shia Set) | Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill. |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Grants protection from large monsters' roars. | |
| Recommendation Rating: ★★・ Speeds up weapon sheathing. | |
(Doshaguma Set) | Recommendation Rating: ★・・ Activated by Armors that has the same set bonus skill or group skill. |
The recommended armor skills for the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds are Agitator, Weakness Exploit, Maximum Might, Counterstrike, and Fulgur Anjanath's Will. In particular, Counterstrike is great for the Great Sword as it activates when you counter monster attacks with Offset Attacks or Tackle, even when the attacks have knockback effects.
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Guides
Equipment Guides
| Beginner Armor | High Rank Builds | Artian Armor | Best Builds |
| Skill List | Set Bonus | Group Skill | Layered Armor List |
| Mantles List |
Recommended Equipment by Weapon
| Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield | Dual Blades |
| Hammer | Hunting Horn | Lance | Gunlance |
| Switch Axe | Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
| Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | ||
Equipment Guide by Monster
Mantles Guide
| Ghillie Mantle | Rocksteady Mantle | Mending Mantle |
| Evasion Mantle | Corrupted Mantle | - |
Equipment Related Guides
| Equipment Related Guides | |
|---|---|
| ▶ How to Hide Headgear? | ▶ Alpha & Beta Armor Guide |
| ▶ Guardian Armor List | ▶ How to Upgrade Armor |
| ▶ Melding Pot | ▶ Decoration Farming |
| ▶ Palico Equipment List | ▶ Best Palico Equipment |
| ▶ Immortal Equipment | - |
Great Sword
Long Sword
Sword and Shield
Dual Blades
Hammer
Hunting Horn
Lance
Gunlance
Switch Axe
Charge Blade
Insect Glaive
Bow
Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun