Mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Comprehensive Guide
The Monster Hunter series shines with its diverse weapon arsenal, and the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds is a prime example of skillful, high-damage combat. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of its mechanics, ensuring your success in the hunt.
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The Long Sword offers a blend of speed and power, adaptable to various playstyles. Its chained combos and counterattacks provide both offensive and defensive capabilities.
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 with the analog stick. |
Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B for a Rising Slash. |
R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade I and II directions are adjustable with the analog stick. |
R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Spirit Blade I and II directions are adjustable 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 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 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, the effect is reduced; with a red gauge, follow up with 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 using 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 | Counter enemy attacks for a one-level Spirit Gauge increase. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. The number of wounds destroyed determines the gauge increase. Direction is adjustable with the analog stick. |
The Spirit Gauge
Unique to the Long Sword, the Spirit Gauge amplifies damage potential. Higher levels equate to greater damage, and at maximum level, basic attacks transition into powerful follow-up attacks.
Attacks on the monster charge the gauge. Spirit Blade attacks and landing the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike increase its level. A red gauge's Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as it depletes over time.
Damage Multipliers:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Long Sword Combos
Several combos enhance Long Sword combat. Mastering these unlocks high-damage, swift attacks.
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
A four-chain of basic Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y) rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge. This enables Spirit Blade attacks to boost its level further. A four-chain of R2/RT presses, culminating in a Spirit Roundslash, maximizes this effect.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed, red Spirit Gauge, basic attacks become Crimson Slashes. A three-chain (Triangle/Y) delivers a rapid, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
A maxed Spirit Gauge allows a stationary combo: Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash). This focuses damage without movement adjustments.
Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is key; these strategies maximize its potential.
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, instantly boosting the gauge. Ensure safety while charging.
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, R2/RT triggers the Spirit Release Slash for a fast, high-damage follow-up. Teamwork simplifies this combo.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strikes on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds allow instant red gauge status. Even with one wound, a Focus Strike followed by a Spirit Blade combo ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse instantly increases the gauge by one level.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Lacking a block, speed is crucial. The Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheath (R2/RT and Cross/A) counters attacks. After Special Sheath, time R2/RT to execute Iai Spirit Slash during an enemy attack, preventing damage while dealing significant counter-damage.
Master the Long Sword's mechanics, and you'll dominate Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more game guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.