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 adaptable combos and counterattacks. Chain together attacks or use counters to both deal damage and defend.
All Long Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | A slashing Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | A multi-hit Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Charging fills the Spirit Gauge, unleashing a Spirit Blade attack whose power depends on charge duration. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. While the Spirit Gauge is red, you're invulnerable to knockback during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack; direction controlled by the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | A mid-combo attack granting significant invulnerability. It 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, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Lowers the Spirit Gauge (when White or higher) but chains into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow 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 sheathing action. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheath, this automatically fills the Spirit Gauge briefly. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Time this counterattack with an enemy's attack to raise your Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | An effective thrusting attack against wounds. Hitting a wound or weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. The number of wounds hit determines the Spirit Gauge increase. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
The Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword’s unique mechanic, boosting damage potential. Higher levels mean greater damage; at maximum, it enhances basic attacks with 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
Combos
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
Quickly max out the Spirit Gauge by chaining four basic Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y). Then, use the Spirit Blade attack (R2/RT x 4) and land the final Spirit Roundslash to increase the gauge level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed-out (red) Spirit Gauge, your basic attacks become Crimson Slashes. Chain three (Triangle/Y) for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
With a maxed-out Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash) to deal damage while remaining stationary.
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Long Sword Tips
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash instantly, boosting the Spirit Gauge. Charge in a safe position.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker deals maximum damage, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Use Crimson Slashes beforehand. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, use R2/RT for the high-damage, high-speed Spirit Release Slash. Teamwork makes this combo easier.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds can instantly max the gauge. Even with one wound, combine Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an instant level boost.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since blocking isn't an option, use speed to defend. After an attack, use Special Sheathe (R2/RT then Cross/A). Time the Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) with an enemy attack to counter and avoid damage.
This guide provides all you need to master the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more game guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
