The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique gameplay styles and strategies. For those eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to excel in your hunts.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword is a versatile weapon that strikes a perfect balance between speed and damage potential. It allows for fluid combo chains and effective counterattacks, making it an excellent choice for both offense and defense.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and Spirit Blade II can be adjusted with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after Thrust to perform a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and Spirit Blade II can be adjusted with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and Spirit Blade II can be adjusted with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | A Spirit Charge fills the Spirit Gauge and, once unleashed, allows you to perform a Spirit Blade attack. The level of Spirit Blade attack depends on the length the charge is held. Charging completely allows you to unleash a Spirit Roundslash. If the Spirit Gauge is red, you won’t have any damage reactions to attacks that knock you back or send you flying while the Roundslash is in motion. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A slashing attack performed while moving backwards. The direction can be controlled using the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | The Foresight Slash is an attack that can be performed mid-combo and provides a large window of invulnerability. Foresight Slashes consume the entire Spirit Gauge. However, landing one after dodging a monster’s attack will fill the gauge completely. Press R2/RT to chain it into a Spirit Roundslash. When the Spirit Gauge is empty, the effect decreases, but if it is red, you can follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing a Spirit Thrust will lower the Spirit Gauge one level (when the gauge is White or higher) but will allow you to chain into a Spirit Helm Breaker. This can be followed up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Use Square/X to cancel Spirit Helm Breaker. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | A special action that sheathes your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheath, landing Iai Slash will cause the Spirit Gauge to fill up automatically for a short time. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | After Special Sheath, you can time Iai Spirit Slash with an enemy’s attack to counter and raise your Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | A thrusting attack that is effective against wounds. Hitting a wound or weak point will unleash a slash attack, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. The more wounds you destroy, the more levels the Spirit Gauge will increase. Use the analog stick to change the direction of the attack. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is a unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, significantly enhancing the weapon's damage potential. The higher the gauge's level, the more damage you deal, and at its maximum, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, players must land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, hunters should use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute the final Spirit Roundslash or land a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will extend its duration, as it naturally depletes over time.
Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge are as follows:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos that maximize the weapon's effectiveness. Here are some key combos to help you become a formidable force on the battlefield:
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge, chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This enables you to use Spirit Blade attacks, which can elevate the gauge to the next level. Execute four consecutive R2/RT presses, ensuring you land the final Spirit Roundslash to push the gauge up a level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum red level, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of them using Triangle/Y to complete a swift combo with increased damage.
Stationary Combo
When your Spirit Gauge is maxed out, you can use a stationary combo by executing Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence includes a Crimson Slash followed by a Rising Slash, and ends with another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move or aim extensively.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is the heart of the Long Sword's mechanics. Here are some tips to maximize your damage output:
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. A fully charged move unleashes the Spirit Roundslash immediately, boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging up.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage potential. After using Crimson Slashes to deplete the gauge, follow a Spirit Thrust with the Spirit Helm Breaker. Then, press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash to deal significant, rapid damage. Coordinating with teammates to distract the monster can make this combo easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Targeting wounds with the Focus Strike grants one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds, using the Focus Strike can quickly elevate your gauge to red. Even with one wound, you can instantly gain another level by chaining into a Spirit Blade Combo and ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword lacks a blocking mechanism, speed is your defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter enemy attacks. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash, dodging damage and counterattacking effectively.
With these strategies and techniques, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
