Mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Comprehensive Guide
The Monster Hunter series shines with its diverse weapon selection, and the Long Sword stands out for its blend of speed and power. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for mastering this weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds.
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The Long Sword's versatility lies in its adaptable combat style. Its fluid combos and counter-attack capabilities make it a potent choice.
All Long Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade I and II directions are adjustable via the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Slashing attack consuming the Spirit Gauge; direction adjustable with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | A four-hit combo of slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge; direction adjustable with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks. Charge duration determines attack power; a full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. A red Spirit Gauge grants invulnerability during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack; direction controllable via the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B (During Combo) | Foresight Slash | A mid-combo attack with significant invulnerability. Consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after a dodge fully refills it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, its effect is reduced; with a red gauge, it's followed by a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| 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 fills the Spirit Gauge briefly after Special Sheath. |
| (After Special Sheath) R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | A timed counter-attack after Special Sheath, raising the Spirit Gauge level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. Direction adjustable via the analog stick. |
The Spirit Gauge
Unique to the Long Sword, the Spirit Gauge boosts damage. Higher levels mean greater damage output, altering basic attacks into powerful follow-ups at maximum level.
Attacks fill the gauge. Spirit Blade attacks and a landed Spirit Roundslash or Focus Strike increase its level. A red gauge's duration decreases over time; landing a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends it.
Damage Multipliers:
- White: 1.02x
- Yellow: 1.04x
- Red: 1.1x
Long Sword Combos
Mastering these combos is key to effective Long Sword combat.
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
A four-hit Triangle/Y combo rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks (R2/RT x 4) to level it up. Landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial for gauge progression.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed (red) Spirit Gauge, basic Triangle/Y attacks become Crimson Slashes. A three-hit Crimson Slash combo delivers swift, high-damage attacks.
Stationary Combo
A maxed Spirit Gauge allows a stationary combo: Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash). This maintains position while dealing damage.
Long Sword Tips and Strategies
The Spirit Gauge is paramount. Maximize its potential with these techniques:
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash without the combo, instantly boosting the gauge. Charge safely.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers peak damage, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Utilize Crimson Slashes beforehand. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, a Spirit Release Slash (R2/RT) follows for high-speed, high-damage output. Teamwork simplifies this combo.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds allow rapid gauge filling. Even with one wound, combine Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse for instant gauge increase.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Lacking a block, speed is your defense. The Iai Spirit Slash (Special Sheath: R2/RT + Cross/A, then timed R2/RT) counters attacks, preventing damage while punishing the monster.
This guide covers Long Sword mastery in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more game assistance.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
