One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the array of weapons available, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those looking to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you harness its full potential.
The Long Sword stands out for its versatility, seamlessly blending speed and power. It offers a variety of combos and counterattacks, making it a dynamic choice for hunters who prefer agility and precision.
| 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. |
The Spirit Gauge is a crucial feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage output. The higher the gauge level, the more damage you'll inflict, with maximum levels unlocking powerful follow-up attacks.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, players must land attacks on the monster. To elevate the level, hunters should utilize Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge turns red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will extend its duration, as the gauge naturally decreases over time.
In terms of damage increases:
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering combos is key to becoming an effective Long Sword user in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Here are some essential combos to incorporate into your gameplay:
Begin by chaining four basic Overhead Slashes with Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This setup enables Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the Spirit Gauge's level. Follow this with a four-chain of R2/RT presses; you can miss the first three, but landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial to advancing the gauge to the next level.
Once your Spirit Gauge reaches its maximum level and turns red, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y to unleash a swift combo with heightened damage output.
With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, you can execute a stationary combo by using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash, followed by a Rising Slash, and concluded with another Crimson Slash. It allows you to deal damage without the need to reposition, simplifying your aiming and movement.
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
To maximize your effectiveness with the Long Sword, consider these essential tips:
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. Fully charging this move allows you to unleash a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, immediately boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging up.
The Spirit Helm Breaker is the Long Sword's most damaging move, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Utilize Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker, and then press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This sequence deals substantial damage quickly and looks impressive, especially if teammates distract the monster.
By targeting wounds with the Focus Strike, you can gain one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds on a monster, using the Focus Strike can instantly elevate your Spirit Gauge to red. Even with a single wound, the Focus Strike followed by a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse can boost the gauge by another level swiftly.
Without a block option, speed is your defense. After an attack, use R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe. Wait for the enemy to attack, then press R2/RT to execute the Iai Spirit Slash, countering the monster's move and raising your Spirit Gauge by one level.
With these strategies and tips, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Keep exploring The Escapist for more in-depth guides and tips to enhance your gameplay.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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