Monster Hunter Wilds: Complete Great Sword Build Guide - High Rank Progression 2025

Sammy Schnor

• 4 min read
Monster Hunter Wilds Great Sword weapon - Ultimate build guide and strategies

Master the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds with our comprehensive build guide covering early High Rank through endgame progression. Get the best armor sets, skills, and weapon paths for 2025.

Quick Answer: Best Great Sword Builds by Progression

Early High Rank: Rathalos Mail + Bone Helm focus on Attack Boost and Critical Eye

Mid High Rank: Diablos set with Focus + Critical Draw for True Charge optimization

Late High Rank: Mixed set prioritizing Critical Boost + Weakness Exploit + Focus

Requirements & Prerequisites

  • Completed Low Rank story progression
  • Access to High Rank expeditions
  • Basic understanding of Great Sword combos
  • Materials for crafting (listed per build)

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Time Investment: 15-30 hours for full progression
Applicable Version: Monster Hunter Wilds v1.0+ (February 2025)

Early High Rank Transition Build (HR 1-3)

When you first enter High Rank, your Low Rank gear becomes insufficient quickly. This build bridges that gap effectively:

  • Helm: Bone Helm S (Attack Boost +2)
  • Chest: Rathalos Mail S (Attack Boost +2, Weakness Exploit +1)
  • Arms: Rathalos Braces S (Attack Boost +1, Critical Eye +1)
  • Waist: Hunter's Coil S (Attack Boost +1, Slot +1)
  • Legs: Rathalos Greaves S (Attack Boost +1, Critical Eye +1)

Active Skills

  • Attack Boost Level 7
  • Critical Eye Level 2
  • Weakness Exploit Level 1

Weapon Progression

Primary: Iron Devil (upgrade from Iron Sword tree)
Alternative: Bone Sword S (high raw damage, easier materials)

Mid High Rank Optimization Build (HR 4-6)

This is where Great Sword really shines with proper skill synergy:

  • Helm: Diablos Helm S (Focus +2, Critical Draw +1)
  • Chest: Diablos Mail S (Focus +1, Critical Draw +2)
  • Arms: Kaiser Vambraces S (Weakness Exploit +2)
  • Waist: Diablos Coil S (Focus +1, Tremor Resistance +1)
  • Legs: Death Stench Heel S (Critical Draw +2, Slot +2)

Active Skills

  • Focus Level 4 (Essential for True Charge speed)
  • Critical Draw Level 5 (Guaranteed crits on draw attacks)
  • Weakness Exploit Level 2
  • Tremor Resistance Level 1

Weapon Recommendation

Diablos Crusher: Highest raw damage available, pairs perfectly with Critical Draw

Late High Rank Mixed Set Build (HR 7+)

The optimal endgame High Rank setup before Master Rank:

Mixed Armor Set

  • Helm: Rathalos Helm S (Attack Boost +2)
  • Chest: Kaiser Mail S (Critical Boost +2, Weakness Exploit +1)
  • Arms: Kaiser Vambraces S (Weakness Exploit +2, Critical Eye +1)
  • Waist: Diablos Coil S (Focus +2)
  • Legs: Death Stench Heel S (Critical Draw +2, Slot +2)

Active Skills

  • Critical Boost Level 2
  • Weakness Exploit Level 3
  • Focus Level 2
  • Critical Draw Level 2
  • Attack Boost Level 2
  • Critical Eye Level 1

Top Weapon Choices

Fatalis Blade (if available): Highest damage ceiling
Diablos Tyrannis: Excellent alternative with solid raw

Pro Tips & Advanced Strategies

Combat Optimization

  • True Charge Positioning: Always aim for monster weak points (head/tail) for maximum damage
  • Focus Skill Impact: Level 3 Focus reduces True Charge time by 20%, making it essential
  • Critical Draw Strategy: Use draw attacks frequently to maximize crit chance, then sheathe
  • Shoulder Bash Usage: Use tackle to power through monster attacks while charging

Skill Priority Explained

  1. Focus: Your #1 priority - makes True Charge Slash viable
  2. Critical Draw: Massive damage boost for hit-and-run tactics
  3. Weakness Exploit: 50% crit on weak points at Level 3
  4. Critical Boost: Increases crit damage from 1.25x to 1.4x
  5. Attack Boost: Raw damage increase, diminishing returns after Level 4

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Build Mistakes

  • Skipping Focus: Never build Great Sword without Focus Level 3 minimum
  • Ignoring Defense: Don't sacrifice all defense for offense in High Rank
  • Element Over Raw: Great Sword benefits more from raw damage than elemental
  • Wrong Sharpness: Maintain white/blue sharpness for optimal damage

Combat Mistakes

  • Over-committing: Don't always go for True Charge - sometimes Level 2 is safer
  • Wrong Positioning: Position for the next attack, not just the current one
  • Ignoring Shoulder Bash: This move provides hyperarmor and repositioning

Alternative Build Options

Crit Draw Speedrun Build

Focus on pure Critical Draw Level 5 with Quick Sheath for hit-and-run tactics. Best for monsters with small openings.

Tank Hybrid Build

Mix in Guard skills and Health Boost for survivability. Recommended for learning new monsters or multiplayer support.

Raw Damage Glass Cannon

Maximum Attack Boost + Critical Eye + Critical Boost. High risk, high reward for experienced players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the minimum Focus level for Great Sword?
A: Level 3 is essential. Level 2 is playable but noticeably slower.

Q: Should I use elemental Great Swords?
A: Generally no. Raw damage builds are more versatile and effective for Great Sword.

Q: What's better: Critical Draw or traditional crit builds?
A: Critical Draw is easier and safer. Traditional crit requires more skill but has higher damage potential.

Q: When should I upgrade from High Rank to Master Rank builds?
A: As soon as you can craft Master Rank armor. The defense difference is significant.

Next Steps & Related Content

Once you've mastered these High Rank builds, consider:

  • Master Rank Preparation: Farm Zenny and materials for the next tier
  • Weapon Mastery: Practice advanced combos and positioning
  • Monster Studies: Learn specific monster patterns for optimal True Charge timing
  • Decoration Farming: Start collecting the rare gems you'll need for endgame builds

These builds will carry you through High Rank content effectively while teaching you the fundamentals needed for Master Rank optimization. Focus on learning monster patterns and True Charge timing rather than just copying builds - skill development is just as important as equipment optimization.