Mastering the Art of the Greatsword in Monster Hunter Wilds: The Greatsword can appear deceptively complicated to wield, yet it offers remarkable damage output when used with precise timing and positioning.
Choosing the optimal Greatsword involves more than just glancing at the weapon stats, as the figures can often be misleading. As a committed Greatsword aficionado, your primary focus should be on maximizing raw damage.
While elemental damage plays a lesser role compared to other weapon types, many non-elemental Greatswords exhibit negative Affinity values, which can be a setback. Additionally, sharpness is a key factor, with higher-tier sharpness colors leading to noticeable damage boosts.
With these considerations in mind, let’s delve into the best Greatswords available, so you can make informed decisions about which blades to acquire.
Note that the top Greatswords are primarily located at the end of the weapon tree, which means some endgame content spoilers will be included in this guide.
8 The Hope Blade
A Reliable Starting Choice
Our journey begins with the Hope Blade, a weapon tree accessible right from the start that proves to be a steadfast companion throughout your journey.
While the Hope Blades might have a simple design, they offer substantial advantages. With no elemental properties, these Greatswords are also affordable to craft, requiring mainly Zenny and ores, which can be collected without going into battle.
Notably, both the Hope Blade and its counterpart, the Esparanaza Blade, do not incur negative Affinity, leading to more consistent damage output. Hope Blade IV features a bit of blue Sharpness, which, although it wears down quickly, provides additional damage. Although many swords are fan favorites, the Hope Blades stand out as reliable options at any stage of gameplay.
7 Sieglinde
Fear the Tail Spike
During my high-rank adventures, the Valkyrie Blade from the Rathian quickly became my preferred weapon, and it successfully carried me into the later stages of the game.
The Sieglinde, as the final evolution in that weapon tree, boasts numerous advantages for any Greatsword enthusiast. With a respectable Attack value of 1008 and a boosted 15% Affinity, this sword has a solid chance of landing critical hits.
Equipped with a generous amount of white sharpness, the Sieglinde can also introduce a poison debuff to your foes. Although I typically shy away from building into status effects with Greatswords, this blade’s built-in Poison Duration Up Equipment Skill provides compelling utility without needing additional investments.
6 Precipice Metallam
Freeze Your Enemies to Death
The Precipice Metallam stands as the pinnacle of the Jin Dahaad Greatsword line, reflecting the prowess of one of the game’s mightiest monsters.
This impressive sword delivers an Attack damage of 1008, even though the Ice element may not be the focus of your build. With substantial blue sharpness and a usable amount of white sharpness, you’ll need to keep your Whetstone handy to maintain its edge.
Moreover, this Greatsword features the Focus Equipment Skill at maximum level, making it incredibly effective for the player who desires a competitive edge.
5 Immolator Blade
The Forever Sleep
While I generally shy away from Elemental Greatswords, I find Status Blades to be more acceptable, and the Sleep effect stands out as one of the best options available.
The Immolator Blade represents the ultimate evolution of the Nerscylla Greatsword; although its damage sits at 960, it compensates for this in other compelling ways.
Most significantly, it carries a +15% Affinity, granting the potential for critical hits. Additionally, with a generous portion of white sharpness, you’ll consistently deliver solid damage output, even if the Equipment Skills may not be particularly exciting.
4 Dark Pride
Feel the Frenzy
The fearsome Gore Magala is not only one of the toughest adversaries in the game, but it also yields a formidable Greatsword—Düsterstolz.
This weapon features an Attack power of 1008 and boasts a remarkable 20% Affinity, ensuring you experience critical hits often. It also provides ample white sharpness, and while the Dragon element may not be the strongest option available, it does add versatility to your attack profile.
Equipped with the Critical Element skill, which I find to be situationally useful, Düsterstolz is certainly a sight to behold—making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing Greatswords in the game, reaffirming the notion that style is paramount in Monster Hunter.
3 Poison King
Time to Play Dead
I was taken aback by the formidable potential of the Greatsword from the Gypceros line, but the Poison King does not disappoint.
As the final Gypceros Greatsword, it boasts one of the highest base Attack values in the game at 1104. The weapon delivers an impressive 500 Poison damage, and the resulting damage over time (DoT) can be significant.
What truly excites me about this Greatsword are its skills. The Poison King includes two points each in Critical Draw and Punishing Draw, both of which are handy skills that require minimal resource investment to enhance. Coupled with the Focus Equipment Skill from a talisman or armor piece, you’ll find success almost effortlessly.
2 Prinvrilo’s Dissolution
An Unorthodox Powerhouse
Xu Wu distinguishes itself as a unique monster, the likes of which we haven’t encountered before in this franchise. Its Greatsword, Prinvrilo’s Dissolution, similarly deviates from traditional formulas.
Despite lacking an Affinity boost, its Attack damage of 1056 is commendable. There’s a healthy amount of white sharpness available too, but it’s the Equipment Skill that truly shines.
Prinvrilo’s Dissolution features maximum Critical Draw integrated, which makes it exceptionally effective with a quick-hit playstyle. This enables a mobility-focused approach, enhancing your potential despite the Water element being less impactful.
1 Stalwart Lamorak
Harness the Power of the White Wraith
Being the flagship monster of Monster Hunter Wilds, Arkveld’s Greatsword—Stalwart Lamorak—is unsurprisingly among the best in its class.
Similar to the Precipice Metallam, the Stalwart Lamorak possesses a maxed-out Focus skill, drastically improving Greatsword charge times for devastating True Charged Slashes.
With a strong raw damage output of 1056 and neutral Affinity, this sword is an excellent choice, and the small yet usable portion of white sharpness enhances its effectiveness. Although I tend to avoid Elemental Greatswords, I would favor the Dragon element, as many formidable foes exhibit weaknesses to it.
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