Offset Attacks is a new powerful mechanic that has been introduced in Monster Hunter Wilds, where certain weapons have access to a counter move upon fulfilling certain conditions. When done right, you will be able to parry an incoming monster move and then prevent it from attacking for a short duration
Offset Attacks are incredibly potent at creating long windows of opportunity for your hunter. This improves your DPS uptime by allowing you to pull off your hardest-hitting combos after staggering the monster.
So if you are looking to make the most of the Offset Attack system in the RPG, then the guide below will help you out.
What are Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Offset Attacks are counter moves that are available for certain weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds. Each weapon has a different condition that needs to be met for the move to activate, but once you get it right, you will be able to make most hunts significantly easier.
This counter move will let you parry the monster and stagger it as a result. This then makes the monster vulnerable to attacks giving you a big window to get in your combos.
Here are all the weapons that have an Offet Attack in Monster Hunter Wilds:
- Switch Axe
- Greatsword
- Hunting Horn
- Hammer
- Heavy Bowgun
All Offset Attacks and how to perform them in Monster Hunter Wilds
Here is a list of all the weapon-exclusive Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds:
1) Switch Axe
| Platform | Offset Attack Input | Follow up attack input |
|---|---|---|
| PC | M1+M2 | M1 or M2 |
| PS5 | Triangle+Circle | Triangle or Circle |
| Xbox | Y+B | Y or B |
To pull off an Offset Attack with the Switch Axe, the weapon will need to be in Axe mode. Then press both the standard attack buttons right before the monster is about to launch an attack.
Doing it successfully will stagger the monster and you can press any one of the attack buttons again for a follow-up where your character will slam the monster with a heavy axe swing.
2) Greatsword
| Platform | Offset Attack Input | Follow up attack input |
|---|---|---|
| PC | M1+M2 | M1 or M2 |
| PS5 | Triangle+Circle | Triangle or Circle |
| Xbox | Y+B | Follow-up attack input |
The Greatsword’s Offset Attack can be a bit harder to time. Moreover, it’s a very high-risk high-reward maneuver as you will be stuck in the attack animation when doing the move. Fortunately, when you get it right you will be able to deal massive damage to the monster opening them up with your best follow-ups.
To master the Greatsword’s Offset Attack you will need to memorize the monster’s attack pattern by heart. Fortunately, you will be able to charge the move to three levels, giving you some semblance of control as to when you can execute the move. However, your character will automatically release the charge and launch the attack once it reaches charge level 3.
3) Hunting Horn
| Platform | Offset Attack Input | Follow up attack input |
|---|---|---|
| PC | M1+M2 → M2 → M1+M2 → M1 → M1+M2+R | – |
| PS5 | Triangle+Circle → Circle → Triangle+Circle → Triangle → Triangle+Circle+R2 | – |
| Xbox | Y+B → B → Y+B → Y → Y+B+RT | – |
To pull off the Hunting Horn’s Offset Attack in Monster Hunter Wilds you will need to have the necessary notes prepared in advance. So there is a fair amount of planning that needs to be done before you are using the move, this also means that you need to learn the monster attack patterns.
As the Hunting Horn does not have a follow-up attack after an Offset, it’s best to go for the weapons’ most damaging combo as soon as the monster gets staggered.
4) Hammer
| Platform | Offset Attack Input | Follow up attack input |
|---|---|---|
| PC | M1+M1+M1 | – |
| PS5 | Triangle+Triangle+Triangle | – |
| Xbox | Y+Y+Y | – |
The Offset Attack of the hammer comes at the very end of the normal attack combo chain which ends with the Upswing. Although it’s easy to perform, the execution needs strict timing as only the last hit acts as the Offset Attack which counters the monster’s move.
5) Heavy Bowgun
| Platform | Offset Attack Input | Follow up attack input |
|---|---|---|
| PC | M2 (Ignition Mode) →  +M1 (Hold) | – |
| PS5 | Circle (Ignition Mode) → L2+Triangle (Hold) | – |
| Xbox | B (Ignition Mode) → LT+Y (Hold) | – |
The Heavy Bowgun must be set to Ignition Mode for its Offset Attack to work. Much like the Greatsword, you can charge up the move or release it early. You do not need to charge it completely for the attack to counter the monster.
This too does not have a follow-up attack, and it’s best to go into your most powerful move once the monster staggers.
