The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, and for those looking to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you achieve peak performance.
Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out for its versatility, blending speed with significant damage potential. It allows for chaining combos and executing counterattacks to keep you on the offensive while providing defensive options.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II using 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 consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II can be adjusted with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Charging fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling a Spirit Blade attack upon release. The attack's level depends on the charge duration. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash, preventing knockback or being sent flying if the gauge is red during the move. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward-moving slashing attack. Control the direction with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | This mid-combo attack offers a significant invulnerability window. It consumes the Spirit Gauge entirely, but landing it after dodging a monster's attack will refill the gauge. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash by pressing R2/RT. With an empty gauge, the effect diminishes, but a red gauge allows for a Foresight Whirl Slash follow-up. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing this reduces the Spirit Gauge by one level (if White or higher) and enables a Spirit Helm Breaker chain. Follow with a Spirit Release Slash if the gauge is red. Use Square/X to cancel the Spirit Helm Breaker. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | This action sheathes your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | Post-sheath, landing this fills the Spirit Gauge automatically for a short period. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Post-sheath, time this with an enemy's attack to counter and elevate the Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | This thrust targets wounds effectively. Hitting a wound or weak point triggers a slash, boosting the Spirit Gauge by one level. More wounds destroyed mean more gauge levels. Adjust the attack direction with the analog stick. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is a unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing its damage potential. Higher levels increase damage output, and at its peak, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on monsters. 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 naturally depletes 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 Long Sword combat in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos to become a swift and effective damage dealer.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Chain four basic Overhead Slashes with Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This enables Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge's level. Execute a four-chain of R2/RT presses, ensuring you land the final Spirit Roundslash 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 these using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, use the combo Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay in place. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move or aim.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is central to the Long Sword's effectiveness. Here are some tips to maximize your damage output:
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to initiate the Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes the Spirit Roundslash without needing the preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position 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 before attempting this move. After hitting with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker, then press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage output. Coordinating with teammates to distract the monster can make this combo easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Use the Focus Strike on wounds to gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. If multiple wounds are inflicted, this can quickly elevate the gauge to red. Even with one wound, the Focus Strike can be a shortcut to a higher gauge level, followed by a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an immediate additional level.
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 R2/RT to execute the Iai Spirit Slash as the enemy attacks. This counters the monster's move, preventing damage while dealing a powerful blow.
That's all you need to know about mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
