How To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos %v

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

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

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

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Tips

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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.