Understanding Offset Attacks and Power Conflicts in Monster Hunter Wilds

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Each game in the Monster Hunter series introduces its own set of weapon combos, and Monster Hunter Wilds is no different. Once you familiarize yourself with focus mode and learn to identify monster wounds, consider exploring the weapon combos to uncover new techniques that have been introduced.

Two particularly valuable techniques in Wilds are Offset Attacks and Power Clashes. While not every weapon can utilize these moves, those that can have an amazing new strategy for taking on aggressive monsters in the Forbidden Lands. Keep reading to learn how to unleash these powerful attacks.

What Are Offset Attacks?

via Capcom

Offset attacks are precise maneuvers that are designed to stagger or redirect a monster’s assault. If you successfully execute an Offset Attack just as a monster strikes, you can shift the monster’s momentum or even knock it down. This allows you to avoid damage and gain the benefit of hyper armor, which makes you temporarily immune to interruptions while decreasing damage taken.

Similar to status effects, monsters will become more resistant to Offset Attacks the more frequently they’re executed. So, while your first Offset Attack may lead to a knockdown, it might take several more successful attempts to achieve the same effect again.

The Doshaguma armor set bonus, Doshaguma’s Might, grants a temporary attack boost of +10 after successfully executing a Power Clash or Offset Attack.

While many physical moves can be offset, every monster has specific conditions for which attacks can be interrupted, so you’ll need to experiment with timing to determine which attacks are suitable for an offset. A successful offset will be accompanied by a distinct chime and a burst of orange particles from your weapon. The monster will then be staggered or pushed back.

The following weapons can perform Offset Attacks: the Great Sword, Switch Axe, Hunting Horn, Hammer, and Heavy Bowgun. Some weapons have a designated offset move, while others incorporate offsets into broader combos. Here’s how to perform an offset with each weapon:

Weapon	Offset Attack	Inputs
Great Sword	Offset Rising Slash	Hold Y/Triangle+B/Circle to charge and release as the monster strikes.
Switch Axe	Axe: Offset Rising Slash	Press Y/Triangle+B/Circle when the monster attacks, then follow with Y/Triangle for a heavy slam or RT/R2 to switch to 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 (available only on certain Hunting Horns).
Hammer	The last 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 when at charge level 3. Press Y/Triangle+B/Circle after the attack; the final spin hit will offset.
Heavy Bowgun	Wyverncounter Ignition	Hold LT/L2+Y/Triangle to charge; must be in Ignition mode.

What’s A Power Clash?

A hunter performing a Power Clash in Monster Hunter Wilds. — via Capcom

Timing your guard against specific monster attacks can yield a perfect guard. When this occurs, you will hear a chime and see white particles burst from your shield. Depending on the monster’s attack, this may trigger a Power Clash. During a Power Clash, your hunter and the monster will match strength, and your hunter will push the monster back and possibly knock it down.

Much like Offset Attacks, monsters gain resistance to Power Clashes with repeated attempts. Your first Power Clash from a perfect guard is likely to succeed, but subsequent Power Clashes may require several perfect guards to trigger.

The Sword & Shield, Lance, Gunlance, Charge Blade, Great Sword, and Heavy Bowgun can all perform Power Clashes. Here’s how to execute this move with each weapon:

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

You may notice that the Long Sword, Dual Blade, Glaive, Light Bowgun, and Bow do not feature Offset Strikes or Power Clashes. However, these weapons have their own unique advantages to explore.