The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse arsenal of weapons, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those aiming to become proficient with the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to excel.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out for its blend of speed and power, making it a versatile choice for hunters. It allows for fluid combos and effective counterattacks, enhancing your ability to both deal damage and defend against monstrous threats.
All Moves
| 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. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is a critical element unique to the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. It enhances the weapon's damage potential, with higher levels leading to increased damage output and powerful follow-up attacks. To charge the Spirit Gauge, you must land attacks on monsters. To elevate its level, utilize Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute the final Spirit Roundslash or land a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will extend its duration, as it naturally depletes over time.
In terms of damage increases:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering the Long Sword involves learning and executing various combos that enhance your combat efficiency in Monster Hunter Wilds. Here are some key combos to help you become a formidable damage dealer:
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum, chain four Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This primes you for Spirit Blade attacks, which are essential for leveling up the gauge. Execute a four-chain of R2/RT presses, ensuring you land the final Spirit Roundslash to advance the Spirit Gauge to the next level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
When your Spirit Gauge is maxed out, you can opt for a stationary combo. Use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to execute a sequence of Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash. This combo allows you to deal damage without moving, simplifying your targeting.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Maximizing your damage output with the Long Sword hinges on effectively managing the Spirit Gauge. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. A fully charged move unleashes the Spirit Roundslash instantly, boosting your Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage possible with the Long Sword. After using Crimson Slashes to maximize your damage, hit the enemy with a Spirit Thrust followed by the Spirit Helm Breaker. Then, press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash to deal massive, rapid damage.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Exploit wounds with the Focus Strike to gain immediate Spirit Gauge levels. Each wound hit increases the gauge by one level, potentially bringing it to red instantly. Even a single wound can be beneficial, allowing you to follow up with a Spirit Blade combo and a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an additional level boost.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword can't block, counterattacks are essential. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter monster attacks. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash as the monster attacks, avoiding damage and striking back effectively.
By mastering these techniques and strategies, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Long Sword user in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
