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 attacks together or use counters for effective defense and offense.
All Long Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction 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 combo of slashing Spirit Blade attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction 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 Spirit 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 granting 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, 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. Use Square/X to cancel Spirit Helm Breaker. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | A special action to sheath your weapon. |
| 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 Spirit Gauge level increase after Special Sheath. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. The number of wounds destroyed determines the gauge level 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 level, basic attacks transform into powerful follow-ups.
Land attacks to charge the gauge. Use Spirit Blade attacks and the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike to increase levels. A red gauge extends duration; it depletes over time.
Damage increases: White – 1.02x, Yellow – 1.04x, Red – 1.1x
Long Sword Combos
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
A four-chain of Triangle/Y Overhead Slashes rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge. Follow with a four-chain of R2/RT Spirit Blade attacks, landing the final Spirit Roundslash to increase the gauge level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed red Spirit Gauge, three Triangle/Y Crimson Slashes deliver a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
Using a maxed Spirit Gauge, perform 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 without the chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Charge in safety.
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, use R2/RT for a high-speed, high-damage Spirit Release Slash.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds allow instant red gauge status. Alternatively, after a Focus Strike, use a Spirit Blade combo ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an immediate level increase.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Use Special Sheath (R2/RT and Cross/A) after an attack, then time Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) to counter enemy attacks, preventing damage and boosting the gauge.
This comprehensive guide equips you to master the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more helpful game guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
