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

Author：Kristen Update：May 12,2025

The *Monster Hunter* franchise offers a diverse arsenal of weapons, and for those aiming to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will pave your path to success.

Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a highly versatile weapon, blending speed with significant damage output. Its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks makes it a formidable choice for hunters looking to maximize their effectiveness in battle.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that utilize the Spirit Gauge. You can 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 and allow directional adjustments with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4	Spirit Blade Combo	These slashing attacks consume the Spirit Gauge, with directional adjustments possible for Spirit Blade I and II.
Holding R2/RT	Spirit Charge	Holding R2/RT fills the Spirit Gauge, allowing for a Spirit Blade attack. The attack's level depends on the charge duration. A complete charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash, which, when the gauge is red, prevents damage reactions from monster attacks.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Fade Slash	This backward-moving slash can be controlled with the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo	Foresight Slash	Performed mid-combo, this attack offers a large invulnerability window. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge but fills it completely if you dodge a monster's attack. Follow up with R2/RT for a Spirit Roundslash. With an empty gauge, the effect is reduced, but a red gauge allows a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Spirit Thrust	This move lowers the Spirit Gauge by one level (if it's White or higher) and sets up for a Spirit Helm Breaker. A red gauge enables a Spirit Release Slash. Use Square/X to cancel the Spirit Helm Breaker.
R2/RT + Cross/A	Special Sheath	This action sheathes your weapon for strategic repositioning.
After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y	Iai Slash	After Special Sheath, landing an Iai Slash temporarily auto-fills the Spirit Gauge.
After Special Sheath, R2/RT	Iai Spirit Slash	Timing this move with an enemy's attack after Special Sheath counters the attack and increases the Spirit Gauge by one level.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust	This thrust targets wounds. Hitting a weak point unleashes a slash that boosts the Spirit Gauge by one level. Destroying multiple wounds can raise the gauge further. Adjust the attack direction with the analog stick.

Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge, unique to the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhances the weapon's damage potential. Higher levels of the gauge amplify damage and unlock powerful follow-up attacks. To charge the Spirit Gauge, hit monsters with attacks. Increase its level by executing Spirit Blade attacks, culminating in a Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. A red gauge extends the duration of Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash.

Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge:

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

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Combos Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves chaining various combos to become a swift and effective damage dealer.

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

Chain four Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge. Follow this with four R2/RT presses to level up the gauge, ensuring you land the final Spirit Roundslash to elevate it 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

With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to execute a stationary combo. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without moving, simplifying aiming.

Long Sword Tips

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Tips Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

The Spirit Gauge is central to the Long Sword's effectiveness. Here are some tips to maximize your damage output:

Spirit Charge

Hold R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. A full charge lets you unleash a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're safe while charging.

Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash

The Spirit Helm Breaker is the Long Sword's most damaging move. It consumes the Spirit Gauge but can be preceded by Crimson Slashes for maximum effect. Follow a Spirit Thrust with a Spirit Helm Breaker, then use R2/RT for a Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage output.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Target wounds with the Focus Strike to instantly gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds can quickly escalate your gauge to red. Even one wound can be beneficial; after landing a Focus Strike, immediately initiate a Spirit Blade combo ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to gain another level.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Without blocking capabilities, speed is your defense. Use Special Sheathe (R2/RT + Cross/A) after an attack, then time the Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) to counter incoming monster attacks. This move not only prevents damage but also punishes the monster.

With these strategies, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore The Escapist's extensive coverage of the game.

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