One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons available to hunters, each offering unique gameplay experiences. For those aiming to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to excel.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a highly versatile weapon that blends speed with significant damage potential. It allows for chaining combos and executing counterattacks, making it an excellent choice for players who enjoy a dynamic combat style.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | 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. |
| 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 consume 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 and, once unleashed, allows a Spirit Blade attack. The level of the attack depends on how long the charge is held. A complete charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. With a red Spirit Gauge, you won't experience damage reactions that knock you back or send you flying during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack whose direction can be controlled with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | This mid-combo attack provides a large window of invulnerability. Foresight Slashes consume the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing one after dodging a monster's attack will fill the gauge completely. Chain it into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. When the gauge is empty, the effect decreases, but a red gauge allows a follow-up Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing a Spirit Thrust lowers the Spirit Gauge one level (when White or higher) but allows chaining into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Use Square/X to cancel the 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 an Iai Slash will cause the Spirit Gauge to fill automatically for a short time. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | After Special Sheath, time the Iai Spirit Slash with an enemy's attack to counter and raise the Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | A thrusting attack effective against wounds. Hitting a wound or weak point unleashes a slash attack, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. The more wounds destroyed, the more the gauge increases. Use the analog stick to adjust the attack direction. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge, unique to the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhances the weapon's damage potential. As the gauge's level increases, so does the damage output, culminating in powerful follow-up attacks at its maximum level. To charge the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on the monster. To elevate its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully 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 decreases over time.
Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering combos is essential for becoming a fast-moving damage dealer with the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This allows for Spirit Blade attacks to increase the gauge's level. Follow with four R2/RT presses, and ensure the final Spirit Roundslash lands to push 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 increased damage.
Stationary Combo
With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, utilize the combo of Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay in place. This sequence includes a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to aim or move.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is central to maximizing the Long Sword's damage output in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Here are some tips to enhance your gameplay:
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. Fully charging allows you to unleash a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, immediately increasing the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position during the charge.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage with the Long Sword. Use Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker, then press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash for a high-speed, high-damage combo. Having teammates distract the monster can make this easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Attack wounds with the Focus Strike to gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. If multiple wounds are inflicted, the Focus Strike can quickly raise the gauge to red. Even with just one wound, the Focus Strike followed by the Spirit Blade combo and a Spirit Blade Roundhouse can increase the gauge by another level instantly.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without the ability to block damage, 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 perform the Iai Spirit Slash, avoiding damage and punishing the monster.
That’s all you need to know to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guidance on the game, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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