One of the standout features of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons available to players, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those looking to dominate in *Monster Hunter Wilds* with the Great Sword, this comprehensive guide will help you harness its full potential.
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 output. Its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks makes it a favorite among hunters looking to maximize their impact on the battlefield.
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. As the gauge levels up, your damage output increases, and at its peak, it enables powerful follow-up attacks. To charge the Spirit Gauge, you must land attacks on the monster. To elevate its level, utilize 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 will extend its duration, as it naturally depletes 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 in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves understanding and executing various combos that leverage the Spirit Gauge effectively. Here are some key combos to enhance your combat prowess:
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Quickly fill the Spirit Gauge by chaining four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This setup allows for subsequent Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge's level. Execute a four-chain of R2/RT presses, ensuring to land the final Spirit Roundslash to advance the Spirit Gauge to the next level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum red level, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
Maximize your damage output while staying in place with the combo of Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence unleashes a Crimson Slash, followed by a Rising Slash, and concludes with another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal significant damage without moving.
Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is central to the Long Sword's effectiveness. Here are some tips to maximize your damage output:
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. Fully charging this move allows for an immediate Spirit Roundslash, boosting 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 possible with the Long Sword. Use Crimson Slashes to maximize the gauge before executing this move. After landing a Spirit Thrust and the Spirit Helm Breaker, press R2/RT to follow up with the Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage attacks.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Target wounds with the Focus Strike to instantly gain one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. This can quickly elevate your gauge to red, allowing for powerful attacks without the need for extensive combo chaining.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since the Long Sword lacks blocking capabilities, speed is your defense. Utilize the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheath by pressing R2/RT and Cross/A after an attack. Time your R2/RT press to counter incoming monster attacks, avoiding damage while dealing a punishing blow.
With these strategies and techniques, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, keep exploring The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
