How do you use greatswords?

[ToastOfDoom]

I'm trying to create a build that is using greatswords but I'm having a really hard time. The big problem for me is that all the weapons take a long time to attack with, and so while I'm winding up an attack the enemy will hit me and stun me. I've tried to time things and attack when they're a litte further away so I can attack at the right time, but the A.I. is so unpredictable they'll usually just stay back and then rush me when my attack recovers. Is there some secret to greatswords? Is there a way to attack faster with weapons? Right now I'm just using the executioners greatsword, but this happens with almost any I use. Thx!

[TrueArchery]

You've more range than with a straight sword. Attack earlier.

[J A F F A]

Bait them into attacking, roll around it, hit em when they are vulnerable, conserve your stamina to roll away again. Rinse, repeat, endgame.

[SOLOMON]

You either have to attack prematurely, knowing they will walk into it, or hit them at the end of their attack strings when they're vulnerable.

You can also roll through or to the side of certain strings and hit them with rolling attacks to interrupt them.

The good thing about most greatswords is that they have great range. Use that to your advantage on top of all the things above.

[-Crest-]

Timing is key

[Noah]

With your hands.

[karl-emil]

You don't because fast weapons are superior in every way.

[BareNakedSlayer]

That is the thing about any weapon, you have to know how to use the moveset. The diving jumping attack will probably one hit most basic enemies. For bosses I would hit once then get out, the old hit and run tactic. You should be able to break any shield bearing enemies guard with a two handed great sword hit and stagger any that don't have a shield. Usually, those builds favor a lot of armor so you have high poise and your attacks can't be interrupted.

If you get invaded, perhaps have a faster weapon ready, though I have been killed by great sword guys who invaded me. As a phantom you can control the fight better positioning better and nothing is better for killing other players than a narrow area.

[J A F F A]

Additionally: drop the shield, 2-hand stance it, use the extra weight allowance to use armor that gets as much poise as possible (not easy in DS3).

These sorts of tactics are not simple for first time playing a souls/borne game, if that is the case for you. I would recommened straight sword and shield if it is too overwhelming.

[Epoch]

Greatswrords are slow but have range and can often stunlock enemies for an extra hit or two. You won't be able to attack faster but if you stay low weight you can fairly nimble to stay out of attack range. Alternatively you could tower shield it up with a pure strength build. Either way it's best to be oppurtunistic with greatswords, not close range button mashing.

[Gatsu]

I beat the game using Claymore than switch to Greatsword (Ultra GS) when I reached the str requirement and without shields (only used small shields for parrying sometimes). Anyways, my advice is running attacks are awesome, after the runnig attack you can hit one more R1 than roll back keep your distance wait for enemy to attack if you can avoid the attack for walking a little backwards do it if need to roll, roll and attack. Try to keep the enemy staggered. You will get used to the style eventually.

[Deku Scrub]

Greatsword or Ultra-Greatsword?
I've been doing a decent job with Hollow-Slayer's Greatsword (the Dex one).
It's more of a paitence game, as well as knowing your range.