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 fluid combos and counterattack capabilities. Chain attacks together, or use counters to turn the tide of battle.
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 power; 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 a dodge fully refills the gauge. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT; with an empty gauge, the effect is reduced, but 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. Cancel Spirit Helm Breaker with Square/X. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | A special sheathing action. |
| (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 | Effective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. The number of wounds destroyed determines the Spirit Gauge level increase. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
The Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting its damage potential. Higher levels mean greater damage; at maximum level, basic attacks transition to powerful follow-ups. Attacks on the monster charge the gauge. Spirit Blade attacks and a landed Spirit Roundslash or Focus Strike increase its level. A red gauge's Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as it depletes over time.
Damage increases: White – 1.02x, Yellow – 1.04x, Red – 1.1x
Long Sword Combos
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
A four-chain of Triangle/Y Overhead Slashes rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks to further level it. A four-chain of R2/RT, landing the final Spirit Roundslash, maximizes this effect.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed, red Spirit Gauge, basic Triangle/Y attacks become Crimson Slashes. A three-chain delivers a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
Using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash) keeps you stationary while dealing damage.
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Long Sword Tips
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding 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 can quickly max the gauge. Even with one wound, follow a Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an instant level increase.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Use Special Sheath (R2/RT then Cross/A) to counter enemy attacks with Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT). Time it to negate damage while punishing the monster.
Master these techniques, and your Long Sword prowess in Monster Hunter Wilds will be unmatched. Explore The Escapist for more game guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
