One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the array of weapons at your disposal, and for those aiming to dominate with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will steer you towards mastery.
Mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out for its blend of speed and damage potential, offering players the ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks to keep themselves safe during hunts.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that use the Spirit Gauge. You can adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B after Thrust for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | These attacks consume the Spirit Gauge and can be directed using the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Chain four Spirit Blade attacks, consuming the Spirit Gauge, and adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Charging fills the Spirit Gauge, allowing a Spirit Blade attack upon release. The charge level determines the attack's strength. A complete charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash, which, when the gauge is red, prevents knockback from attacks during the slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | Perform a backward slashing attack, controllable via the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | This mid-combo move offers a large invulnerability window. It consumes the Spirit Gauge entirely but refills it upon successful dodge and attack. 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 | Lower the Spirit Gauge by one level (from White or higher) with a Spirit Thrust, enabling a chain into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Cancel the Spirit Helm Breaker with Square/X. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | This action sheathes your weapon, preparing for specialized attacks. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | Post-sheath, Iai Slash causes the Spirit Gauge to fill automatically for a brief period. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Time this move with an enemy's attack for a counter, raising the Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds, hitting a weak point triggers a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level per wound destroyed. Adjust the attack direction with the analog stick. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge, unique to the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, amplifies your weapon's damage potential. The higher the level, the greater the damage, culminating in powerful follow-up attacks at its peak.
To fill the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on monsters. To level it up, execute Spirit Blade attacks and land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as it naturally depletes over time.
Damage increases with the gauge:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering Long Sword combat in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves chaining combos for maximum efficiency and damage output.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum with four chained Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y). Then, use Spirit Blade attacks (four R2/RT presses) to elevate its level. The final Spirit Roundslash is crucial for advancing the gauge.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its red maximum, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these (Triangle/Y) for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
Maintain your position while dealing damage with a maxed-out Spirit Gauge using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y, resulting in a Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is central to Long Sword mastery. Here are some strategies to maximize damage:
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding R2/RT. A full charge allows an immediate Spirit Roundslash, boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure safety while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage. Use Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, press R2/RT for a Spirit Release Slash, dealing significant damage rapidly.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Target wounds with the Focus Strike to gain Spirit Gauge levels. Hitting multiple wounds can quickly reach the red level. Even one wound can be beneficial, as you can follow with a Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse to increase the gauge further.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without a blocking ability, speed is your defense. Use Special Sheathe (R2/RT + Cross/A), then time an Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) to counter enemy attacks, avoiding damage and boosting your Spirit Gauge.
This guide equips you with all you need to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, explore the rest of The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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