Thanks to Frostfang Barioth, draw attacks can now go toe-to-toe with True Charged Slash again in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. Frostfang Barioth Great Sword sets got quite a boost thanks to its one-piece Punishing Draw. Adding extra K.O. damage, it is a cheap skill that will give you more uptime even if in theory you have to sacrifice some raw damages.
Somewhat similar to Longsword meta sets, in general, raw plus Blast is still the best option for Great Sword. But in specific matchups, elemental weapons can be extremely powerful. Mostly for monsters with three-stars weakness(es) and/or you have completely memorized its attack patterns thus can deal maximum damage. So, in this case, Frostfang’s Glacial Demon won’t go to waste even if you absolutely need to chase optimal damage outputs.
But as is the case with all meta guides: this is an “optimal way” to deal damage. If it doesn’t fit with your playstyle you are free to change skills and armor to your liking. Here’s the meta Frostfang Barioth Great Sword sets according to Reddit.
Master’s Touch and Punishing Draw Set
Sacrificing one Attack slot for Teostra Essence, this Frostfang Barioth Great Sword set depends more on K.O. damages from draw attacks. It doesn’t get much damage boost compared to Frostcraft sets, but this could be a net gain in damage in case you have to chase around the monster and constantly sheathe. Like when fighting Furious Rajang, Odogaron, or Barioth, for example. This set has 20 hits of purple and 120 hits of white sharpness. Of course, having Master’s Touch will add extra hits to that as well. You can change around the Level 4 Decorations as you need. Divine Blessing, Evade Window, and Recovery Up are recommended.
Frostcraft and Punishing Draw
Has 40 hits of white and 50 blue sharpness. If you prefer the True Charged Slash plus Slinger Shot combo, this Frostfang Barioth Great Sword set can be a good template. Compared to the previous set, Frostfang Vambraces Alpha even gives two bonus levels of Slugger so you will deal massive K.O. damages. Don’t forget to eat for Felyne Slugger in the canteen for a bigger boost. Aside from bonus Frostcraft damage and extra K.O. from Slugger/Punishing Draw, Focus is a must to speed up your charged attacks. You can still run an elemental Great Sword with this set as well.
