Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* unlocks a thrilling blend of speed and devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to wield this versatile weapon effectively.
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The Long Sword's versatility shines through its customizable playstyle. Chain combos for relentless attacks or utilize counterattacks for strategic defense. This guide will cover all the moves and strategies needed to become a Long Sword master.
All Long Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | A slashing Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | A multi-hit Spirit Blade combo consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Fills the Spirit Gauge, unleashing a Spirit Blade attack upon release. Charge duration determines attack power; a full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. A red Spirit Gauge grants invulnerability during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack; direction controlled via the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B (During Combo) | Foresight Slash | A mid-combo attack with significant invulnerability. Consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after a dodge refills it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, the effect is reduced; with a red gauge, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Lowers the Spirit Gauge (White or higher) but chains into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Cancel Spirit Helm Breaker with Square/X. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | A special action to sheath your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | Automatically fills the Spirit Gauge briefly after Special Sheath. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Counter an enemy attack for a Spirit Gauge level increase. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | An effective thrust against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. Direction adjustable with the analog stick. |
Understanding the Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting damage potential. Higher levels mean greater damage; at maximum level, basic attacks transform into powerful follow-ups.
Fill the gauge by landing attacks. Increase levels with Spirit Blade attacks, landing the final Spirit Roundslash, or using Focus Strikes. A red gauge's duration decreases over time; landing a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends it.
Damage increases: White – 1.02x, Yellow – 1.04x, Red – 1.1x
Mastering Long Sword Combos
Combining these combos maximizes damage output:
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
Chain four Triangle/Y attacks to rapidly fill the Spirit Gauge. Then, use a four-chain R2/RT combo, aiming for the final Spirit Roundslash to increase the gauge level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed, red Spirit Gauge, chain three Triangle/Y attacks for a swift, high-damage Crimson Slash combo.
Stationary Combo
Use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y for a stationary combo (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash) maximizing damage while minimizing movement.
Advanced Long Sword Strategies
Maximize damage and survivability with these techniques:
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Charge in a safe position.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
Spirit Helm Breaker delivers maximum damage, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Utilize Crimson Slashes beforehand. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, use R2/RT for a high-speed, high-damage Spirit Release Slash.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike on wounds grants one Spirit Gauge level per wound. This can quickly maximize your gauge, especially with multiple wounds. Chain a Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an additional level.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Use Special Sheath (R2/RT + Cross/A), time Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) to counter enemy attacks, preventing damage while dealing significant punishment.
Master the Long Sword and dominate *Monster Hunter Wilds*! Explore more helpful guides on The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
