Master Long Sword Techniques in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide
One of the standout features of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at hunters' disposal, each offering unique ways to tackle monstrous foes. For those eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to excel in your hunts.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword is a versatile weapon that blends speed with potent damage, offering flexibility in how you engage monsters. It features a range of combos that can be chained together and includes counterattacks to bolster your defense.
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 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 inflict, and at its peak, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, you must land attacks on the monster. 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.
Damage increases by Spirit Gauge level:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering Long Sword combat in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos. Here are key combinations to transform you into a swift and effective damage dealer:
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Start by chaining four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This paves the way for Spirit Blade attacks that can elevate the gauge's level. Execute a four-chain of R2/RT presses; while you can miss the first three, landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial to advancing the Spirit Gauge to the next level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks morph into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y to deliver a swift combo with enhanced damage.
Stationary Combo
When the Spirit Gauge is maxed out, opt for the stationary combo by pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence follows a Crimson Slash with a Rising Slash, and culminates in another Crimson Slash, allowing you to stay put while dealing damage, simplifying the task of aiming and moving.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is central to the Long Sword's mechanics, and here are some strategies to maximize your damage output:
Spirit Charge
Initiate the Spirit Charge by holding R2/RT. A fully charged move lets you unleash the Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a relatively safe position during the charge.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage with the Long Sword. It consumes the current Spirit Gauge level, so make the most of the Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust followed by the Spirit Helm Breaker, press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This sequence deals significant damage quickly and looks impressive, especially with allies distracting the monster.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
By striking wounds with the Focus Strike, you can gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds on a monster, using the Focus Strike can rapidly elevate your Spirit Gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this method works; follow up with a Spirit Blade combo and conclude with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to increase the gauge by another level instantly.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without the ability to block damage, speed is your defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counterattack. After an enemy's attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time R2/RT to execute the Iai Spirit Slash through the enemy's attack. This not only prevents damage but also punishes the monster.
With these strategies and insights, 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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