Master the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide
- By Eleanor
- May 03,2025
The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique gameplay experiences. For those eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to become a formidable hunter.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword is a versatile weapon that balances speed and damage, allowing for a variety of combat strategies. Its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks makes it an excellent choice for both offensive and defensive play.
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 crucial element of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. As the gauge levels up, your attacks become more powerful, and at its maximum level, it enables strong follow-up attacks.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, players must land attacks on monsters. To increase the gauge's level, hunters should use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute the final Spirit Roundslash or land a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will prolong its duration, as it naturally decreases over time.
Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge are as follows:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding and executing various combos that enhance your combat effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge, chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This allows for subsequent Spirit Blade attacks that can elevate the gauge's level. The key is to land the final Spirit Roundslash in a four-chain of R2/RT presses, even if the first three attacks miss, to push 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
When the Spirit Gauge is fully charged, use the combo of Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay stationary. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash following a Rising Slash, then finishing with another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move and aim continuously.
Long Sword Tips
Maximizing the Long Sword's potential in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves leveraging the Spirit Gauge effectively.
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. Fully charging allows you to unleash a Spirit Roundslash immediately, increasing 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 possible with the Long Sword. Before attempting this move, utilize Crimson Slashes to maximize damage. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker, and then press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This sequence delivers significant, high-speed damage and looks impressive, especially when teammates 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 you've inflicted multiple wounds, a single Focus Strike can rapidly elevate the gauge to red. Even with just one wound, you can follow up the Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to further increase the gauge.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword lacks a blocking ability, countering with speed is key. After an attack, use Special Sheathe by pressing R2/RT and Cross/A. Then, time your R2/RT press to execute an Iai Spirit Slash during an enemy's attack. This not only prevents damage but also punishes the monster, raising your Spirit Gauge by one level.
With these strategies, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore The Escapist's additional resources.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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