The *Monster Hunter* series is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will pave the way to becoming a formidable hunter.
The Long Sword stands out for its versatility, blending speed with substantial damage output. It excels in chaining combos and executing counterattacks, allowing players to both deal damage and defend effectively.
| 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. |
The Spirit Gauge is a unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing its damage potential. The higher the gauge's level, the more damage you can deal, culminating in powerful follow-up attacks at its maximum level.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, players need to land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, hunters must 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 depletes over time.
Damage increases are as follows:
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* offers several combos that can turn you into a swift and effective damage dealer.
By chaining four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y, you can quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This then enables Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge's level. This involves a four-chain of R2/RT presses, where landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial for advancing the gauge to the next level.
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chaining three of these using Triangle/Y will execute a rapid combo with heightened damage.
With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, you can employ a stationary combo using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence results in a Crimson Slash followed by a Rising Slash, then another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move or aim.
**Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild**
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is the heart of the Long Sword's mechanics, and here are some tips to maximize its potential:
Holding down R2/RT initiates the Spirit Charge. Fully charging this move allows for an immediate Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, boosting the Spirit Gauge swiftly. Ensure you are in a safe position while charging.
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage output. It consumes the current level of the Spirit Gauge, so maximize the use of Crimson Slashes beforehand. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker, then press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash to deal significant damage quickly. Coordination with teammates can make this combo easier to execute.
Attacking wounds with the Focus Strike grants one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. If multiple wounds are inflicted, a single Focus Strike can instantly elevate the gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this method, followed by a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse, can quickly increase the gauge by another level.
Without the ability to block, speed is your defense. After an attack, use R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time the R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash as the enemy attacks. This move not only prevents damage but also punishes the monster, raising your Spirit Gauge by one level.
Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires understanding these mechanics and practicing the combos. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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