Everything you need to know about Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Monster Hunter Wilds is the newest addition to the beloved Monster Hunter Series, and like every new addition to the series, it brings numerous changes to the gameplay system fans love.
Offset Attack is a new mechanic introduced in Monster Hunter Wilds. It functions as a parry, allowing you to counter monster attacks.
Like most counterattack mechanics, using Offset Attacks effectively requires you to study your enemy’s attack patterns.
Offset Attacks are high risk, high reward moves. That is, you will be punished if you cannot time it correctly. But, using Offset Attacks correctly lets you dish out massive damage, and also make monsters flinch.
However, Offset Attacks are exclusive to Heavy type weapons, which are the Greatsword, Switch Axe, Hunting Horn, Hammer, and Heavy Bowgun.
Moreover, each Offset Attack has different inputs and function differently.
Below, we’ve listed every Offset Attack in Monser Hunter Wilds, how to perform them, and tips on how to use them effectively.
All Offset Attacks
| Weapon | Offset Attack | Input |
|---|---|---|
| Great Sword | Offset Rising Slash | Hold Triangle (Y) and Circle (B) at the same time, then release. |
| Switch Axe | Offset Rising Slash (Only works in Axe Mode) | Press Triangle (Y) and Circle (B) at the same time. |
| Hunting Horn | Offset Melody | Prepare the following notes: Triangle (Y), Circle (B), Circle (B), Triangle (Y), Circle (B), Triangle (Y). Then, press Triangle (Y), Circle (B) and R2 (RT) at the same time. |
| Hammer | Mighty Charge Upswing (Final Hit of Standard Combo) | Press Triangle (Y) 3x in a row. The final hit is the offset attack. |
| Heavy Bowgun | Wyverncounter Ignition | Press Circle (B) to enter ignition mode. Then, Hold L2 (LT) and Triangle (Y) to charge the attack. |
Using Offset Attacks Effectively
Greatsword
Hold the input to charge up your attack until the enemy attacks to successfully counter.
However, keep in mind that the attack will proc automatically when you reach the level 3 charge.
Thus, it is important to understand the Greatsword’s movesets and animations to use this offset attack effectively.
You can also follow up the offset attack with a cross-slash using any of the attack buttons.
Switch Axe
Press the input right when a monster attacks to execute the rising slash.
You can then follow it up with a Heavy Slam (Triangle/Y) or a Morph Slash (RT/R2), which shifts into sword mode.
Hunting Horn
This is the trickiest offset move to pull as you have to prepare it in advance. As such, it isn’t always available in a pinch like the other offset attacks are.
Hammer
This offset attack is also tricky to perform though it may seem simple at first.
This is because only the final attack counts as the offset attack.
The trick here is to know when to dodge out of the combo and when to continue it to counter attacks.
The Upswing can also be followed up, allowing for deadly combos.
Heavy Bowgun
The heavy bowgun’s offset attack functions much like the Greatsword’s.
It can be charged to wait until an enemy attack. However, it also procs automatically after reaching max charge.
How to Make Enemies Flinch Using Offset Attacks
To make monsters flinch, you’ll need to build up Offset Damage using your Offset Attack.
Once you’ve built up enough damage, your Offset Attack will make the enemy flinch, allowing you to deal whatever combo you want to and dish out damage.
However, after you make a monster flinch once with an Offset Attack, it will be harder to do so again. As such, do not be overly reliant on your Offset Attack.
