Monster Hunter Wilds Power Clash, Explained

Everything you need to know about Power Clash in Monster Hunter Wilds, including how to perform, the best weapons, and more.

Power Clash is one of the new mechanics added in Monster Hunter Wilds. Although it’s not used as frequently as Focus Strikes or Offset Attacks, it’s something you should keep in mind while hunting. Power Clash essentially equates to timing your “Block/Guard” perfectly. Doing so flinches the monster, and initiates a “clashing” animation, which with the right button presses, can be transitioned into a charged strike. The Power Clash functions somewhat like an Offset Attack, albeit with some key differences. Unlike Offset Attacks, Power Clash doesn’t deal damage right after you execute it. Instead, it relies on follow-up attacks and also timed button presses (somewhat like a QTE).

However, executing a Power Clash not only lets you negate all damage but also deals a ton of stagger damage to the monster. It can even topple a monster or leave them open for a Focus Strike. Here’s everything you need to know about Power Clash in Monster Hunter Wilds, how to perform it, the best weapons for it, and more.

What Is A Power Clash in Monster Hunter Wilds?

Great Sword is an excellent weapon for Power Clash (Image via Capcom)

Power Clash is essentially a perfect block alternative in Monster Hunter Wilds. Initiating a Power Clash allows you to block a monster’s attack while also immobilizing it. This is mostly helpful in co-op, where initiating a Power Clash lets your party members deal damage to the monster while it’s immobilized. In addition to that, Power Clash also lets you topple the monster and wound it. Suffice it to say that Power Clash is an incredibly powerful tool when used right. However, performing a Power Clash isn’t as easy as holding the “block” button. Furthermore, since it requires “Guarding” against monster attacks, Power Clash isn’t available for all weapons.

How To Perform A Power Clash

There are two different ways to perform a Power Clash. The first is to use Perfect Guard twice in quick succession against monster attacks. This method is best used against monsters that have a “flurry attack combo,” such as Doshaguma, Chatacabra, Arkveld, etc. The other method is to time your blocks right before a charged attack during a monster’s enraged state. The window to Perfect Guard against charged attacks is significantly smaller than the regular Perfect Guard. However, if you do pull it off, it lets you immediately transition to a Power Clash.

Once you’re in a Power Clash. Press the Heavy Attack button repeatedly until the monster is toppled.

Weapons for Power Clash

Power Clash using Lance (Image via Capcom)

Power Clash can only be performed using weapons that offer the ability to “Guard.” Naturally, you cannot perform Power Clash using ranged weapons, i.e., Bow, Light Bowgun, and Heavy Bowgun. Furthermore, there are also a few melee weapons that cannot Guard against monster attacks, and hence cannot perform Power Clash. Here are the weapons that can be used for Power Clash: