Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* unlocks a thrilling blend of speed and devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to wield this versatile weapon effectively.
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The Long Sword's versatility shines through its adaptable combos and counter-attack capabilities. Chain attacks together, or use counters for defense – the choice is yours.
All Long Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Fills the Spirit Gauge, unleashing a Spirit Blade attack upon release. Charge duration determines attack level; a full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. A red Spirit Gauge negates knockback during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack; direction controlled via the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | A mid-combo attack granting significant invulnerability. Consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after dodging an attack fully refills it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, its effect diminishes; a red gauge allows a Foresight Whirl Slash follow-up. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Lowers the Spirit Gauge (White or higher) but chains 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 | A special action to sheathe your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | Automatically refills the Spirit Gauge briefly after Special Sheath. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Counter an enemy attack for a Spirit Gauge level increase. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | An effective thrust against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. The number of wounds destroyed determines the gauge increase. Adjust attack direction with the analog stick. |
The Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting damage potential. Higher levels mean greater damage, with maximum level altering basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
Land attacks to charge the gauge. Use Spirit Blade attacks and land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike to increase its level. A red gauge's duration decreases over time; landing a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends it.
Damage increases: White – 1.02x, Yellow – 1.04x, Red – 1.1x
Long Sword Combos
Mastering these combos transforms you into a high-damage, fast-moving force.
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
Chain four Triangle/Y Overhead Slashes for rapid maximum Spirit Gauge fill. Then, use a four-chain of R2/RT presses, landing the final Spirit Roundslash to increase the gauge level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed, red Spirit Gauge, basic Triangle/Y attacks become Crimson Slashes. Chain three for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
With a full Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash) to deal damage while remaining stationary.
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Long Sword Tips
Maximize damage output by mastering the Spirit Gauge.
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes the Spirit Roundslash without the chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Charge in safety.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The 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 the high-speed, high-damage Spirit Release Slash.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds instantly boost the gauge to red. Alternatively, after a Focus Strike, chain a Spirit Blade combo ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an additional level.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since blocking isn't an option, outmaneuver enemies. Use Special Sheath (R2/RT and Cross/A), wait for an attack, then time the Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) for a counterattack and damage negation.
This comprehensive guide equips you to master the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more game assistance.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
