Offset Attacks are a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that lets you parry incoming attacks and riposte with vicious follow-ups. They let you interrupt a monster’s rhythm, causing them to stumble as you prepare a crushing counterattack. But there’s a catch. Not every weapon can do this—only five weapons have an Offset Attack. You need precise timing, because if you mistime it, you’ll take the full force of the monster’s attack. You also can’t spam it, as monsters develop temporary resistance after being staggered. But when done right? You gain complete control of the fight. This guide will walk you through what Offset Attacks are, how to use them with each weapon, and the best ways to practice your timing so you can master this skill.

What Are Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds?

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Offset Attacks are a special counter-attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds that only works with certain weapons. When you perform one successfully, you parry an enemy’s attack using the sheer force of your weapon. You take reduced damage even if your timing isn’t perfect, which means you have a slight buffer for mistakes. If you do it right, the monster will flinch or stumble. This will give you an opening for a powerful follow-up attack.

How Do Offset Attacks Work?

To perform an Offset Attack, you’ll need to pay close attention to monster attack patterns and execute their weapon’s specific counter at the right moment. Watching for tells is essential, as not every attack can be countered. Quick swipes and jabs are usually too fast, but heavier, wind-up attacks can be countered with an Offset Attack. So how does it work? In simple terms, all you need to do is press the right input at the right time when the enemy is about to land an attack. This will cause the enemy to stagger. For weapons that allow follow-up attacks, you’ll be able to press a second button to capitalize on the moment. However, Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds don’t work back-to-back. Once a monster gets staggered, they develop temporary resistance, meaning even if you time a second Offset Attack perfectly, it will not work until their resistance wears off. Offset Attacks work best when used strategically rather than spammed. Since they can’t be chained together, hunters must wait for the right moment to strike rather than relying on them as a primary defensive option.

How to Perform Offset Attacks with Each Weapon

Offset Attacks aren’t universal—only five weapons can use them, and each one has different inputs and timing.

Each weapon has a different feel, so practice is key.

How to Practice Offset Attacks

The best place to start learning Offset Attacks is in the Monster Hunter Wilds Training Area. Set the High Purrformance Barrel Puncher to Smash Mode and practice parrying its attacks with your weapon’s Offset Attack input. The training dummy’s smashing hand is slow and telegraphed, making it the perfect way to learn the timing for your counters. With enough practice, Offset Attacks will become second nature, allowing you to confidently counter some of the toughest enemies in Monster Hunter Wilds.

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FAQs

Can every weapon use Offset Attacks?

No, only five weapons—Great Sword, Hammer, Heavy Bowgun, Hunting Horn, and Switch Axe—have an Offset Attack mechanic.

Do Offset Attacks completely negate damage?

No, they reduce incoming damage significantly, but they do not make you immune. If your timing is slightly off, you’ll still take reduced damage rather than getting hit at full force.

Can I perform an Offset Attack against every monster attack?

No, certain fast multi-hit moves and special attacks cannot be countered. Offset Attacks work best against heavy, telegraphed attacks with a clear wind-up animation.

Can I spam Offset Attacks?

No, monsters become temporarily resistant after being staggered, so attempting to use an Offset Attack again too soon will not cause them to flinch.

Conclusion

Offset Attacks are one of the most rewarding mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds, allowing skilled players to turn enemy attacks into opportunities for massive damage. While only five weapons can use them, mastering this mechanic makes combat feel more fluid and dynamic. Learning the timing takes patience, but once you understand how to read enemy movements and counter accordingly, Offset Attacks become one of the most satisfying ways to fight.

To get better at it, start with the Training Area, then practice against slower monsters before testing your skills on tougher foes. Study attack patterns, avoid trying to counter every move, and use the brief stagger window to unleash powerful follow-ups. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself effortlessly punishing even the most aggressive monsters, turning their strength into their downfall.