How Offset Attacks And Power Clashes Work In Monster Hunter Wilds

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In every Monster Hunter game, each title boasts its own distinctive weapon combinations, and this rule applies to Monster Hunter Wilds as well. Once you’ve mastered focus mode and the vulnerabilities of monsters, you might be interested in exploring the new techniques hidden within your weapon’s unique combos.

In the realm of Wilds, there are two strategic maneuvers known as Offset Attacks and Power Clashes that prove exceptionally useful. Not every weapon can perform these moves, but for those that can, they unlock a fresh and formidable tactic for combating relentless beasts in the Forbidden Lands. Dive into this text to learn the steps for deploying these potent attacks.

What Are Offset Attacks?

Offset attacks refer to strategic maneuvers that need perfect timing, designed to disrupt a monster’s attack pattern by either altering its momentum or even causing it to fall over. Performing an offset attack at the exact moment when a monster strikes with a specific move can change the direction of its attack, potentially shielding you from damage and offering temporary invincibility (hyper armor), making you resistant to interruptions and reducing the amount of damage you take.

Just as with status conditions, monsters can become resistant to repeated attacks, making them harder to overcome. Initially, a single attack might cause the monster to fall, but subsequent successful attacks may require up to three more before the monster falls again.

In simpler terms, using the Doshaguma armor set triggers an ability called “Doshaguma’s Might”, which boosts your attacks by 10 for a short period following a successful power clash or counterattack.

Although some physical assaults can be dodged, every monster has its own specific evasion requirements. Therefore, you’ll need to test different timing strategies to determine which attacks are dodgeable and which ones aren’t. When you successfully dodge an attack at the right moment, you will hear a chime and observe a burst of orange particles emanating from your weapon. The monster will then either be pushed back or stunned as a result.

Weapons capable of executing delayed attacks, also known as offset attacks, include the Great Sword, Switch Axe, Hunting Horn, Hammer, and Heavy Bowgun. Some weapons feature offset attacks as separate moves, while others integrate them into other combos. Here’s a guide on how to perform an offset with each weapon.

Weapons that can deliver delayed strikes (offset attacks) include the Great Sword, Switch Axe, Hunting Horn, Hammer, and Heavy Bowgun. While some weapons offer offset attacks as standalone moves, others incorporate them into other combos. Here’s a walkthrough on how to execute an offset with each weapon.

Weapon Offset Attack Inputs
Great Sword Offset Rising Slash Hold Y/Triangle+B/Circle to charge up and release right when the monster attacks.
Switch Axe Axe: Offset Rising Slash Press Y/Triangle+B/Circle when the monster attacks, then follow up with Y/Triangle for a heavy slam or RT/R2 for morph slash, transitioning into sword mode.
Hunting Horn Offset Melody Create an Echo Bubble RT/R2+A/Cross, then press Y/Triangle+B/Circle to perform the Offset Melody (only available on specific Hunting Horns).
Hammer
  • The final hit of the standard combo
  • Mighty Charge Upswing
  • Spinning Bludgeon
  • Press Y/Triangle three times, the third hit is the offset
  • Press Y/Triangle+B/Circle and release during the upswing, must be at charge level 3.
  • Press Y/Triangle+B/Circle after attacking, the final hit of the spin will offset.
Heavy Bowgun Wyverncounter Ignition Hold LT/L2+Y/Triangle to charge up. Must be in Ignition mode.

What’s A Power Clash?

Timing your defense precisely against specific monster attacks can trigger a flawless block. This results in a pleasant sound and bursts of white sparkling effects emanating from your shield. On certain occasions, this may lead to a Power Clash. During such an event, your hunter and the monster will momentarily match each other’s strength. Subsequently, your character could throw the monster back and even knock it down.

Just as with offset attacks, monsters grow increasingly resilient against Power Clashes with each use. The initial Power Clash during a perfect guard is almost certain, yet repeated Power Clashes necessitate several consecutive perfect guards to be effective.

Each of these weapons – The Sword & Shield, Lance, Gunlance, Charge Blade, Great Sword, and Heavy Bowgun – are capable of executing a special move known as the Power Clash. Let me explain how to initiate this move for each weapon:

1. For The Sword & Shield, you can perform the Power Clash by attacking an opponent while guarding with your shield.
2. With a Lance, approach an enemy and thrust at them twice in quick succession to execute the Power Clash.
3. Gunlance users can initiate this move by charging up their gun and then releasing it towards an enemy, followed by a close-range attack.
4. For Charge Blade users, activate the Adept Phial and then perform a series of attacks on your foe to unleash the Power Clash.
5. Great Sword wielders can initiate the Power Clash by charging up their blade and then slashing at an opponent with all their might.
6. Lastly, Heavy Bowgun users can perform this move by firing a special ammo type into an enemy and then following up with a melee attack at close range.

Weapon Inputs
Sword & Shield Hold RT/R2, then Y/Triangle to Counterslash.
Lance Hold RT/R2, follow up with RS/R1+Y/Triangle to dash, then Y/Triangle to Shield Attack or B/Circle to Leaping Thrust.
Gunlance Hold RT/R2, then Y/Triangle for Overhead Smash.
Charge Blade Hold RT/R2, then Y/Triangle for Savage Axe Slash.
Great Sword Hold RT/R2, then Y/Triangle to Kick.
Heavy Bowgun B/Circle+Y/Triangle (cannot auto-guard).

It’s possible you’ve observed that the weapons such as Long Sword, Dual Blades, Glaive, Light Bowgun, and Bow lack Offset Strikes and Power Clashes, however, don’t be alarmed since each of these weapons possess unique, intriguing abilities of their own.

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2025-02-27 19:05