One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse arsenal of weapons available to players. If you're aiming to become proficient with the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you achieve mastery.
Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out for its versatility, blending speed and power to suit various playstyles. It enables players to execute fluid combos and utilize counterattacks for defensive maneuvers, making it a formidable weapon in the right hands.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. You can adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B after Thrust to execute a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that use up the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II can be adjusted with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II can be adjusted with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | A Spirit Charge fills the Spirit Gauge, allowing for a Spirit Blade attack upon release. The attack's power depends on how long the charge is held. A complete charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. If the Spirit Gauge is red, you won't be knocked back or sent flying during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | This is a backward-moving slashing attack. Control its direction using the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | This mid-combo move offers a significant invulnerability window. Foresight Slashes drain the entire Spirit Gauge, but successfully landing one after dodging a monster's attack will refill it. Chain it into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. When the gauge is empty, the effect diminishes, but if it's red, you can follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing a Spirit Thrust reduces the Spirit Gauge by one level (when White or higher) but enables chaining into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow 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 | This action sheathes your weapon, preparing for special attacks. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheath, landing an Iai Slash will automatically fill the Spirit Gauge for a short time. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | After Special Sheath, timing the Iai Spirit Slash with an enemy's attack allows you to counter and raise the Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | This thrust is effective against wounds. Hitting a wound or weak point unleashes a slash attack, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. More wounds destroyed mean more levels gained. Use the analog stick to change the attack's direction. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is a unique feature of the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. Higher levels of the gauge increase damage output, and at its peak, it enables powerful follow-up attacks.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, players must land attacks on monsters. To elevate its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and ensure you land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as it diminishes over time.
In terms of damage increases:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds offers various combos that can turn you into a swift and powerful damage dealer.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Chain four Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This enables Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the Spirit Gauge level. Chain four R2/RT presses, ensuring the final Spirit Roundslash lands to advance the gauge to the next level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of them using Triangle/Y for a swift combo with enhanced damage.
Stationary Combo
With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, execute the combo Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence includes a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage while remaining stationary, eliminating the need for constant movement and aiming.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is central to mastering the Long Sword, and here are some tips to maximize its damage potential.
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. A full charge allows you to unleash a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, immediately boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're safe while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage. It consumes the current Spirit Gauge level, so maximize Crimson Slashes beforehand. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust followed by the Spirit Helm Breaker, use R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash to deal significant damage quickly. Team coordination can make this combo easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Attacking wounds with a Focus Strike grants one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds, using the Focus Strike can quickly elevate the gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this can work; follow up with a Spirit Blade combo and end with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to gain another level instantly.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without the ability to block, speed is your defense. After an attack, use R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time the R2/RT press to execute an Iai Spirit Slash as the enemy attacks. This move counters the monster's attack, preventing damage while retaliating.
That's everything you need to know about mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more tips and strategies, visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
