The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to excel.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out for its versatility, seamlessly blending speed with significant damage output. This weapon excels through its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks, making it a formidable choice for hunters looking to maximize their damage potential.
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 pivotal element of the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds, significantly enhancing its damage potential. The higher the gauge's level, the more damage you can deal. At its maximum, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-up attacks.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, players must land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, hunters need to use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge reaches red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as it naturally decreases over time.
In terms of damage increases:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding and executing various combos to become an agile and potent damage dealer.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
By chaining four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y, you can quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This then enables Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge's level. A four-chain of R2/RT presses is crucial here, and while you can miss the first three attacks, landing the final Spirit Roundslash is essential to push the Spirit Gauge to the next level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chaining three of these using Triangle/Y will complete a swift combo with heightened damage.
Stationary Combo
With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, you can execute this combo to remain stationary. Use the sequence Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y, which combines a Crimson Slash with a Rising Slash, then finishes with another Crimson Slash. This helps you deal damage without the need for constant movement or aiming.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds
Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is the heart of the Long Sword's mechanics, and here are some tips to maximize its potential:
Spirit Charge
Holding down R2/RT initiates the Spirit Charge. A full charge allows you to unleash the Spirit Roundslash without the need for the preceding chain, immediately boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position when charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker is the highest damage output move available with the Long Sword. It consumes the current level of the Spirit Gauge, but you can leverage Crimson Slashes beforehand. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker, then press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This combo delivers high damage quickly and stylishly, especially if teammates can distract the monster.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Attacking wounds with the Focus Strike can instantly elevate the Spirit Gauge by one level per wound. If multiple wounds are inflicted, this can quickly push the gauge to red. Even with a single wound, the Focus Strike followed by a Spirit Blade combo and a Spirit Blade Roundhouse can swiftly increase the gauge by another level.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword lacks blocking capabilities, speed is your defense. The Iai Spirit Slash, performed from Special Sheathe, is key. After sheathing your weapon with R2/RT and Cross/A, time your R2/RT press to coincide with an enemy attack to execute the Iai Spirit Slash. This not only prevents damage but also counters the monster effectively.
Mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds requires practice and understanding of these techniques. For more tips and guides, visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
