One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse arsenal of weapons available to players. For those aiming to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you on your journey to mastery.
Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a dynamic weapon, blending speed with devastating damage potential. It's designed for players who enjoy chaining combos and utilizing counterattacks to keep themselves safe while dishing out significant damage. Here’s how you can make the most out of this weapon.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B after a Thrust to execute a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. Direct Spirit Blade I and II using the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Execute a series of Spirit Blade attacks, which consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Charge the Spirit Gauge to unleash a Spirit Blade attack. The attack's power depends on how long you hold the charge. A fully charged Spirit Roundslash can be unleashed, and if the Spirit Gauge is red, you'll be immune to knockback or being sent flying during the attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | Perform a backward slashing attack, controllable with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | Execute this mid-combo for a window of invulnerability. It consumes the Spirit Gauge entirely, but successfully dodging a monster's attack and landing it will refill the gauge. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. If the gauge is empty, the effect is reduced, but a red gauge allows for a Foresight Whirl Slash follow-up. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing this lowers the Spirit Gauge one level (when White or higher) but sets up for a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Use Square/X to cancel the Spirit Helm Breaker. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | Sheathes your weapon with a special action. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheath, landing this causes the Spirit Gauge to auto-fill for a short period. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | After Special Sheath, time this with an enemy’s attack to counter and increase the Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds, this thrust attack can trigger a slash upon hitting a weak point, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. More wounds destroyed result in higher gauge increases. Adjust the attack direction with the analog stick. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge, unique to the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, amplifies your weapon's damage potential. The higher the level of the gauge, the more damage you can deal, culminating in powerful follow-up attacks at its maximum. To charge it, land hits on monsters, and to level it up, use Spirit Blade attacks, ensuring you land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When red, a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash will prolong the gauge's duration.
Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge levels:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum by chaining four Overhead Slashes with Triangle/Y. This sets the stage for Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge's level. Execute four consecutive R2/RT presses, ensuring the final Spirit Roundslash lands to push the Spirit Gauge up a level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its red maximum, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y for a rapid, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
When the Spirit Gauge is maxed out, use the combo Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay put. This sequence includes a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to reposition.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Long Sword Tips
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding R2/RT. A full charge allows for an immediate Spirit Roundslash without needing the 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 highest damage move, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Utilize 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, dealing significant damage at high speed. Coordination with allies to distract the monster can make this combo easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Target wounds with the Focus Strike to gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds can rapidly push your gauge to red. Even with one wound, a successful Focus Strike can set up a Spirit Blade combo, culminating in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse, instantly elevating the gauge further.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without the ability to block, speed is your defense. After an attack, use R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash as the monster attacks. This not only prevents damage but also punishes the monster, increasing your Spirit Gauge by one level.
That's everything you need to know about mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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