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Mastering Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

by Alexander Apr 20,2025

For those eager to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will pave the way to becoming a formidable hunter. The Long Sword, a versatile weapon that blends speed with high damage output, offers a range of combos and counterattacks that can elevate your gameplay to new heights.

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, a unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhances the weapon's damage potential. As the gauge levels up, your damage output increases, and at its peak, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.

To charge the Spirit Gauge, hunters must land attacks on monsters. To elevate the gauge's level, utilize Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute the final Spirit Roundslash or land a Focus Strike. When the gauge turns red, executing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as the gauge naturally decreases over time.

Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge are as follows:

White – 1.02x
Yellow – 1.04x
Red – 1.1x

Combos

Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding various combos that enhance your combat effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. By skillfully combining these, you can transform into a swift and deadly force on the battlefield.

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge, chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This setup allows you to transition into Spirit Blade attacks, which are key to increasing the gauge's level.

Execute this by pressing R2/RT four times in succession. While the first three attacks can be missed, landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial for advancing the Spirit Gauge to the next level.

Crimson Slash Combo

When the Spirit Gauge reaches its maximum and turns red, your basic attacks evolve into Crimson Slashes. A sequence of three Crimson Slashes, initiated with Triangle/Y, forms a rapid combo with heightened damage output.

Stationary Combo

With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, you can opt for a stationary combo using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence delivers a Crimson Slash after a Rising Slash, followed by another Crimson Slash, allowing you to maintain your position while dishing out significant damage.

Long Sword Tips

The Spirit Gauge is central to maximizing the Long Sword's damage potential. Here are some tips to make the most out of this mechanic:

Spirit Charge

Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. A fully charged Spirit Charge lets you unleash the Spirit Roundslash 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 is the Long Sword's most damaging move. It consumes the current level of the Spirit Gauge, so maximize the use of Crimson Slashes before attempting it. After landing a Spirit Thrust followed by the Spirit Helm Breaker, press R2/RT to execute the Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage output. Coordinating with teammates to distract the monster can make this combo easier to execute.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Using the Focus Strike on a monster's wounds can instantly elevate the Spirit Gauge by one level per wound. If multiple wounds are inflicted, the Focus Strike can swiftly elevate the gauge to red. Even with just one wound, following up the Focus Strike with the Spirit Blade combo and ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse can boost the gauge further.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Since the Long Sword lacks a blocking ability, speed is your best defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from the Special Sheath. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheath. Then, time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash as the monster attacks, countering the assault while raising your Spirit Gauge.

Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves a deep understanding of its mechanics and combos. With these tips and strategies, you're well on your way to dominating the battlefield. For more guidance on *Monster Hunter Wilds*, be sure to explore The Escapist's additional resources.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*

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