One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at your disposal. If you're aiming to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to success.
Best Way to Use the Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out as a highly versatile weapon, offering a perfect blend of speed and damage potential. It allows for fluid combo chains and includes counterattacks for defensive maneuvers, making it a favorite among hunters.
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 key feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. The higher the gauge level, the greater the damage dealt, 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 its level, utilize Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, landing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will extend its duration, as it naturally decreases over time.
Here are the damage increases by Spirit Gauge level:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* thrives on a variety of combos, enabling you to become a swift and effective damage dealer. Here are some essential combos:
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
To rapidly fill the Spirit Gauge, chain four Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This sets the stage for Spirit Blade attacks to boost the gauge's level. Follow up with four R2/RT presses, ensuring you land the final Spirit Roundslash to ascend 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 these using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
When your Spirit Gauge is maxed out, utilize the combo Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence delivers a Crimson Slash, followed by a Rising Slash, and concludes with another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage while staying in one place.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering the Spirit Gauge is crucial for maximizing the Long Sword's damage output. Here are some tips to enhance your gameplay:
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. A fully charged move unleashes the Spirit Roundslash without the need for a preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker is the Long Sword's most potent attack, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Prioritize using 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 for high-speed, high-damage attacks. Coordinating with teammates to distract the monster can make this combo easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
By targeting wounds with the Focus Strike, you can gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds, using the Focus Strike can quickly elevate your gauge to red. Even with a single wound, this method can be effective. After landing the Focus Strike, immediately trigger the Spirit Blade combo and conclude with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to further boost the gauge.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword cannot block, evading and countering is essential. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter enemy attacks. After sheathing, time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash as the monster strikes, avoiding damage while dealing a powerful counterattack.
With these insights, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, keep exploring The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
