What is the best early game Great Sword build?

Start on Quematrice Espada III with G. Rathalos Helm β (head), G. Rathalos Mail β (chest), G. Doshaguma Braces α (arms), Ajarakan Coil β (waist), G. Rathalos Greaves β (legs). That combination activates Weakness Exploit Lv4, Punishing Draw Lv2, Iron Skin Lv2, Part Breaker Lv2 and Heroics Lv1.

Which skills matter most for an early game Great Sword?

Heroics Lv1, Iron Skin Lv2, Part Breaker Lv2 are what the starter sets stack — they work with the base weapon and need no rare decorations.

When should I drop the early game Great Sword set?

Replace it once you reach HR 9–34 or as soon as the progression pieces are craftable.

Back to Great Sword guide

Great Sword · melee · burst

Great Sword Early Game Build

The early-game Great Sword set below is built around Quematrice Espada III and G. Rathalos Helm β (head), G. Rathalos Mail β (chest), G. Doshaguma Braces α (arms), Ajarakan Coil β (waist), G. Rathalos Greaves β (legs). It activates Weakness Exploit Lv4, Punishing Draw Lv2, Iron Skin Lv2, Part Breaker Lv2 and Heroics Lv1, which is the cheapest skill package that still covers the weapon's core damage loop while you are short on decorations.

early

Weakness Exploit (HR 9-34)

HR 9–34

Weapon

Quematrice Espada III

Charm

Exploiter Charm I

Armor

Head: G. Rathalos Helm β
Chest: G. Rathalos Mail β
Arms: G. Doshaguma Braces α
Waist: Ajarakan Coil β
Legs: G. Rathalos Greaves β

Activated Skills

Weakness Exploit Lv4Punishing Draw Lv2Iron Skin Lv2Part Breaker Lv2Heroics Lv1

Damage profile from Weakness Exploit Lv4: approximately 1× raw, or 1.05× against weak points (approximate model, white sharpness assumed).

Great Sword Early Game FAQ

What is the best early game Great Sword build?: Start on Quematrice Espada III with G. Rathalos Helm β (head), G. Rathalos Mail β (chest), G. Doshaguma Braces α (arms), Ajarakan Coil β (waist), G. Rathalos Greaves β (legs). That combination activates Weakness Exploit Lv4, Punishing Draw Lv2, Iron Skin Lv2, Part Breaker Lv2 and Heroics Lv1.
Which skills matter most for an early game Great Sword?: Heroics Lv1, Iron Skin Lv2, Part Breaker Lv2 are what the starter sets stack — they work with the base weapon and need no rare decorations.
When should I drop the early game Great Sword set?: Replace it once you reach HR 9–34 or as soon as the progression pieces are craftable.