Home 
Navigation
The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to excel. Let's dive into the intricacies of the Long Sword and uncover the best techniques to dominate the battlefield.
Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a versatile weapon that blends speed with significant damage potential. Its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks makes it an excellent choice for both offensive and defensive play. Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding its moves and effectively utilizing the Spirit Gauge to maximize your damage output.
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 unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. The higher the level of the gauge, the greater the 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 monsters. To increase the level, hunters should use Spirit Blade attacks and land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will extend its duration, as the gauge decreases over time.
In terms of damage increases:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
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 level of the Spirit Gauge. A four-chain of R2/RT presses is necessary, and while you can miss the first three attacks, landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial 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. Chain three of them using Triangle/Y to execute a swift combo with increased damage.
Stationary Combo
When the Spirit Gauge is maxed out, use the combo of Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to remain stationary. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash followed by a Rising Slash, then finishing with another Crimson Slash. This helps you maintain your position while dealing damage, eliminating the need to aim and move constantly.
Long Sword Tips
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to initiate the Spirit Charge. Fully charging the move allows you to unleash the Spirit Roundslash immediately, increasing the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you are in a safe position while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker is the highest damage move available. It consumes the current level of the Spirit Gauge, but you can maximize its impact by using Crimson Slashes first. After hitting the enemy with the Spirit Thrust and executing the Spirit Helm Breaker, follow up with R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This combination delivers high-speed, high-damage attacks that look impressive and are effective, especially with allies distracting the monster.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
By targeting wounds with the Focus Strike, you can gain one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds on a monster, using the Focus Strike can quickly elevate your Spirit Gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this tactic works, allowing you to immediately trigger the Spirit Blade combo and end with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to increase the gauge by another level.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword lacks a block ability, speed is your defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe by pressing R2/RT and Cross/A after an attack. Wait for the enemy's attack and time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash, countering the monster's move and preventing damage while dealing significant punishment.
With these strategies and tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guidance and tips, be sure to explore The Escapist's other resources on the game.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
Latest Articles
Latest Games
