Master Long Sword Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Complete Moves and Combos Guide
Author: Bella
May 23,2025
One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* franchise is the diverse array of weapons available for hunters. If you're eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to excel.
Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out as a highly versatile weapon, blending speed with formidable damage potential. Its effectiveness hinges on the ability to chain combos and utilize counterattacks, making it both offensive and defensive in nature.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. You can adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after Thrust to execute a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | A Spirit Charge fills the Spirit Gauge. Once unleashed, it allows you to perform a Spirit Blade attack. The attack level depends on how long the charge is held. A complete charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. If the Spirit Gauge is red, you won't experience damage reactions from attacks that knock you back or send you flying during the Roundslash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A slashing attack performed while moving backwards. Control the direction using the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | The Foresight Slash can be performed mid-combo and offers a significant window of invulnerability. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing one after dodging a monster's attack will refill the gauge completely. Chain it into a Spirit Roundslash by pressing R2/RT. When the gauge is empty, the effect decreases, but if it's red, you can follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing a Spirit Thrust lowers the Spirit Gauge one level (when the gauge is White or higher) but allows you to chain 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 that sheathes your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheath, landing Iai Slash causes the Spirit Gauge to fill up automatically for a short time. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | After Special Sheath, 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 effective against wounds. Hitting a wound or weak point unleashes 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 attack direction. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is a unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. The higher the gauge level, the more damage you deal, and at its maximum, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as the gauge decreases over time.
Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering combos is key to becoming a formidable Long Sword user in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Here are some essential combos:
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y to fill the Spirit Gauge quickly. This allows you to perform Spirit Blade attacks to increase the gauge's level. Execute four R2/RT presses in sequence, and while the first three can be missed, landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial to advancing the 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 them using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
With a maxed-out Spirit Gauge, use the combo Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay stationary. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash following a Rising Slash, and concludes with another Crimson Slash. It's perfect for dealing damage while staying in one place, eliminating the need for constant aiming and movement.
Long Sword Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is central to maximizing the Long Sword's damage output. Here are some tips to leverage this mechanic:
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to initiate the Spirit Charge. A fully charged move unleashes the Spirit Roundslash without needing the preceding chain, instantly increasing the 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. It consumes the current Spirit Gauge level, so maximize the use of Crimson Slashes beforehand. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with the Spirit Helm Breaker and press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This combo delivers high-speed, high-damage attacks, especially effective with allies distracting the monster.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Use the Focus Strike on wounds to gain one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. With multiple wounds, you can quickly reach the red level. Even a single wound can be beneficial; after landing the Focus Strike, immediately trigger the Spirit Blade combo and end with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to boost the gauge further.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without the ability to block, speed is your defense. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe. Wait for the enemy's attack, then press R2/RT to execute the Iai Spirit Slash, countering the attack and raising your Spirit Gauge by one level, while avoiding damage.
With these strategies and techniques, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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