Expert analysis of Great Sword balancing issues in Monster Hunter Now with practical optimization strategies
Community Feedback and Player Frustrations
The Monster Hunter Now player base has expressed significant concerns about the Great Sword’s current performance, with many describing the weapon experience as fundamentally frustrating compared to other options.
Hunters have consistently voiced their dissatisfaction with various game mechanics, ranging from Potion availability concerns to Palico Paintball functionality. However, the Great Sword’s performance gap stands out as particularly problematic within the mobile gaming environment. This iconic weapon, beloved across the mainline series, fails to deliver its signature satisfaction in the current iteration.
The oversized blade has maintained popularity throughout Monster Hunter history due to its devastating damage potential against formidable monsters. While theoretically capable of delivering massive blows to even the most resilient creatures, the community consensus indicates the mobile adaptation falls short when measured against alternative weapon choices.
“I genuinely adore the Great Sword in traditional Monster Hunter titles, and I’ve continued upgrading several versions hoping the gameplay would eventually feel rewarding,” shared one dedicated player. “Unfortunately, the Bow consistently delivers superior performance with significantly reduced risk, making most encounters substantially more manageable while rarely putting my health in jeopardy unless I’m aggressively pushing my limits.”
Game Design Mechanics and Risk Assessment
Although the Great Sword remains a competitive choice in console and PC versions, it currently occupies the lowest position in Monster Hunter Now weapon tier rankings. The weapon delivers impressive damage output, but achieving maximum effectiveness requires accepting substantial health risks that other weapons avoid.
This risk-reward imbalance creates minimal issues in traditional Monster Hunter games where players can craft Potions and healing items freely. However, Monster Hunter Now’s restricted healing economy transforms this dynamic into a significant gameplay obstacle that penalizes Great Sword users disproportionately.
Absorbing damage to execute a fully charged True Charge Slash dramatically reduces hunting sustainability over extended sessions. This stands in stark contrast to more agile alternatives, particularly ranged options like the Bow and Light Bowgun that provide comparable damage output without exposing users to equivalent danger.
Multiple Great Sword enthusiasts have echoed similar sentiments regarding the weapon’s limited practicality in the mobile format. “Weapons requiring precise positioning and spacing, like the Great Sword, become exceptionally challenging with the simplified four-directional dodge mechanic,” explained an experienced Hunter. “Reduced enemy aggression provides some assistance, but the weapon still feels incomplete and unsatisfying compared to its mainline counterpart.”
Pro Tip: Master the shoulder tackle cancel technique to interrupt charge animations when you anticipate an incoming attack. This advanced maneuver can significantly reduce damage taken while maintaining offensive pressure.
Advanced Great Sword Optimization Strategies
Some dedicated players continue utilizing the Great Sword selectively for specific matchups where the weapon presents reduced risk. “I maintain both weapon types in my arsenal – Great Sword for fire-weak monsters and Bow for ice-vulnerable targets,” commented another community member. “Nevertheless, it’s discouraging to observe how much faster and simpler I can eliminate a Diablos using an under-leveled bow compared to defeating a Lumu or Legiana of equivalent difficulty with a significantly upgraded Great Sword.”
Strategic Positioning Techniques: Focus on attacking from diagonal angles rather than direct frontal assaults. Monster attack patterns often have blind spots at 45-degree angles, allowing for safer charge opportunities. Practice positioning yourself at these optimal angles during monster recovery animations.
Monster Selection Guide: Prioritize Great Sword usage against slower monsters with predictable attack patterns like Barroth and Radobaan. Avoid fast, aggressive monsters like Odogaron and Barioth where the weapon’s slow animation recovery puts you at constant risk.
Gear Optimization: Equip armor skills that complement the Great Sword’s playstyle. Focus on skills like Focus (reduces charge time), Critical Draw (increases affinity when drawing weapon), and Divine Blessing (reduces damage taken). Avoid skills that require rapid attacks to activate.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t greed for True Charge Slash on every opening. Often, a well-placed Strong Charge or even a basic charged slash provides better damage per second when considering the time spent recovering from animations and healing.
Future Updates and Community Hopes
Great Sword enthusiasts clearly feel neglected within Monster Hunter Now’s current ecosystem, though potential healing item leaks suggest possible survivability improvements forthcoming. Whether Niantic will implement specific Great Sword adjustments remains uncertain, but hunters must exercise additional caution when wielding this weapon in its present state.
Potential Balancing Solutions: Community suggestions include reduced charge times, increased motion values for earlier charge levels, improved defensive options during charges, or additional super armor frames to prevent interruption during key animations.
Upcoming Healing Economy Changes: Rumored additional healing sources could substantially improve Great Sword viability by reducing the penalty for trading hits. More accessible healing would make the weapon’s high-risk playstyle more sustainable for extended hunting sessions.
While awaiting potential adjustments, dedicated Great Sword users should focus on mastering positioning, selective engagement, and optimal skill combinations to maximize their effectiveness despite current limitations.
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