Mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the Monster Hunter franchise's greatest strengths lies in its diverse weapon arsenal. This guide empowers Monster Hunter Wilds players to conquer the challenging Long Sword.
Recommended Videos: Optimizing Long Sword Usage in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword is a versatile weapon, blending speed and potent damage. Its chained combos and counterattacks offer both offensive and defensive capabilities.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade I and II directions are adjustable via the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade I and II directions are adjustable via the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade I and II directions are adjustable via the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks upon release. Charge duration determines attack power; a full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. A red Spirit Gauge grants invulnerability to knockback during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack; direction is controlled via the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | A mid-combo attack with significant invulnerability. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after a dodge fully refills it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, its effect diminishes; with a red gauge, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Lowers the Spirit Gauge one level (White or higher), chaining into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Cancel Spirit Helm Breaker using Square/X. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | A special sheathing action. |
| 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 enemy attacks for a one-level Spirit Gauge increase. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash attack, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. The number of wounds destroyed determines the gauge increase. Direction is adjustable via the analog stick. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, enhancing its damage potential. Higher levels mean greater damage, with maximum level transforming basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
Attacks on the monster charge the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade attacks and the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike increase its level. A red gauge extends the duration of a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash, as it depletes over time.
Damage increases:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering these combos transforms you into a high-damage, swift attacker.
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
A four-chain of basic Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y) rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge. This enables Spirit Blade attacks to increase the gauge level. A four-chain of R2/RT presses (landing the final Spirit Roundslash) is crucial for maximizing gauge level increases.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed-out, red Spirit Gauge, basic attacks become Crimson Slashes. A three-chain (Triangle/Y) delivers a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
A maxed-out Spirit Gauge allows for a stationary combo (Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y), combining Crimson and Rising Slashes for sustained damage without aiming adjustments.
Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is key; these strategies maximize damage output.
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure safety while charging.
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. Teamwork simplifies this combo.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds can instantly maximize the gauge. Even with one wound, combine Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an instant level increase.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Lacking a block, speed is crucial. Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe (R2/RT and Cross/A) counters attacks, preventing damage while punishing the monster.
This guide provides a solid foundation for Long Sword mastery in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more game assistance.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
