The Greatsword in Outward sits in a unique spot among two-handed weapons. While not the slowest nor the most powerful in terms of impact, it balances speed, range, and damage effectively. Its ability to inflict Confusion—reducing enemy resistance to stagger—makes it a powerful tool for controlling fights. This guide will walk you through the combos, skills, recommended weapons, and combat strategies to optimize your Greatsword playstyle.

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Why Choose the Greatsword?

• Balance of Speed and Damage: Faster than most two-handed weapons but still deals solid damage.
• Crowd Control: Can stagger enemies effectively with the right setup.
• Inflicts Confusion: Lowers enemy stagger resistance, allowing more combo opportunities.
• Reach: Medium range lets you keep enemies at bay while dealing damage.

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Understanding Greatsword Combos

1. Basic Combos:

• Three Normal Hits: Reliable and quick for consistent damage.
• Normal + Special: A slow rightward spinning slash.
• Two Normals + Special: A slow leftward spinning slash.
• One Special: A powerful overhead strike.

Analysis:

• The spinning slashes are underwhelming—too slow and often miss the target.
• The overhead strike is the most reliable, offering solid impact and a chance to stagger.
• Stick to basic attacks combined with the overhead strike for the best results.

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Essential Skills

1. Greatsword Special Skill: Counter Infusion

• How to Obtain: Free from Burak at the start or bought later.
• Effect: A powerful counter that inflicts Confusion.
• Why Use It:
  • Reduces enemy stagger resistance, making it easier to keep enemies stunned.
  • Quick to activate and can turn the tide of battle swiftly.

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Recommended Greatswords

1. Horror Greatsword

• Location: Can be crafted early in Cierzo.
• Benefits:
  • Deals poison damage and has decent physical damage.
  • Excellent for early-game progression.
• Drawback: Appearance might not appeal to everyone.

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2. Star Child Claymore

• How to Obtain: Kill the Royal Manticore in Enmerkar Forest.
• Benefits:
  • Lightning damage combined with high physical damage.
  • Long reach and fast attack speed.
  • Great for dealing with multiple enemy types.
• Challenge: Defeating the Manticore is a significant hurdle.

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3. Gabe’s Longblade

• Location: Caldera Region (Refer to Shinshot’s video for details).
• Benefits:
  • AoE damage on every hit.
  • Looks sleek and has balanced stats for mid to late-game.
• Why Choose It: Perfect for crowd control and dealing with groups of enemies.

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Skill Trees to Optimize Your Greatsword Build

1. Warrior Monk (Monsoon)

• Key Skills:
  • Master of Motion: +10% to all elements with Discipline Boon active.
  • Brace: Counter skill that staggers enemies and grants Discipline Boon.
  • Focus: Grants Discipline Boon for more damage and stability.
• Why: Enhances your damage while providing defensive counters.

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2. Cabal Hermit (Monsoon)

• Key Skills:
  • Wind Infuse: Boosts attack speed and impact, making Greatsword swings faster.
  • Conjure: Optional for summoning a turret in tough fights.
• Why: Attack speed is a key weakness of Greatswords, and this skill compensates.

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3. Rune Sage (Berg)

• Key Skills:
  • Runic Protection: Boosts defense significantly, perfect for a melee tank.
  • Runic Heal: Ensures you stay topped up without relying on potions.
  • Runic Lantern: Solves lighting issues due to backpack limitations.
• Why: Complements the Greatsword’s playstyle by keeping you in the fight longer.

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Armor Recommendations

1. Wolf Plate Armor

• Location: Buy from Levant Smuggler or Harmattan Armorer.
• Benefits:
  • High physical resistance and elemental defense.
  • Cooldown reduction when enchanted with Adrenaline for faster skill use.
• Why: Allows you to cycle through Greatsword skills faster.

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2. Blue Sand Armor Set

• Location: Crafted in Cierzo using Blue Sand.
• Benefits:
  • +20% resistance to all elements and strong physical defense.
  • Aegis Enchant: Grants +1 protection.
• Why: Durable for prolonged fights, especially against bosses.

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3. Backpack: Brigand’s Backpack

• Location: Free from Friendly Immaculate in Caldera.
• Benefits:
  • +15% physical damage.
  • No Dodge restrictions.
• Downside: Cannot use lanterns, but Runic Lantern solves this.

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Combat Strategy and Tips

1. Pre-Battle Preparation:

• Activate all Boons (Cool, Warm, Blessed, Discipline, Enrage).
• Use Wind Infuse for attack speed and impact boosts.
• Apply a varnish if facing enemies weak to specific elements.

2. In Combat:

• Open with Puncture: Weakens enemy physical resistance by 25%.
• Counter with Greatsword Skill: Inflicts Confusion for easy staggering.
• Basic Attacks + Overhead Strike: Reliable combo for sustained damage.
• Brace: Interrupt enemy attacks and refresh Discipline Boon.

3. Healing and Sustain:

• Runic Heal: Use as needed for a quick health boost.
• Bloodlust (Optional): For stamina and health regen on kills.

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Pros and Cons of the Greatsword Build

Pros:

• High Burst Damage: Confusion allows for easy staggers and high burst windows.
• Elemental and Physical Defense: Buffs make you tanky against most threats.
• Simple Combos: Easy to master with straightforward attack patterns.
• Sustained Healing: Runic Heal covers mid-fight recovery.

Cons:

• Limited AoE: Only a few effective crowd control options.
• Relies on Buffs: Requires frequent Boon management.
• Lower Impact: Compared to other two-handed weapons.

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Summary

The Greatsword is a versatile choice that excels at dealing consistent damage with strong defensive capabilities. By inflicting Confusion and leveraging stagger mechanics, you can control the battlefield and wear down even the toughest foes. Coupled with effective armor and skill selections, the Greatsword build is perfect for those who prefer a balance of offense and defense. Equip your weapon, manage your buffs, and dominate every fight with calculated aggression! 🛡️⚔️

Good luck, warrior! 💥