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

Author : Blake

May 01,2025

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse range of weapons available for hunters to master. If you're looking to become proficient with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will help you achieve mastery and enhance your gameplay experience.

Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Long Sword is a highly versatile weapon that blends speed with significant damage potential, offering players multiple ways to engage enemies. With its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks, mastering the Long Sword can give you a strategic edge in battle.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that use the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II can be adjusted with the analog stick.
Circle/B	Thrust	Follow up with Circle/B to perform a Rising Slash.
R2/RT	Spirit Blade I	Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. Direction can be adjusted with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4	Spirit Blade Combo	A combo of Spirit Blade attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. Direction can be adjusted with the analog stick.
Holding R2/RT	Spirit Charge	Fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling a Spirit Blade attack. The attack's level depends on the charge duration. A fully charged Spirit Roundslash, when the gauge is red, prevents knockback or being sent flying.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Fade Slash	A backward slashing attack, directionally controlled by the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo	Foresight Slash	A mid-combo attack with a large invulnerability window. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but a successful dodge and attack will refill it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. When the gauge is empty, effectiveness drops, but a red gauge allows for a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Spirit Thrust	Reduces the Spirit Gauge by one level (White or higher) but allows chaining into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash if the gauge is red. Cancel Spirit Helm Breaker with Square/X.
R2/RT + Cross/A	Special Sheath	Sheathes your weapon for a special action.
After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y	Iai Slash	Automatically fills the Spirit Gauge for a short time after landing the attack.
After Special Sheath, R2/RT	Iai Spirit Slash	Counter enemy attacks to raise the Spirit Gauge by one level.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust	Effective against wounds, unleashing a slash attack on a weak point to increase the Spirit Gauge by one level. More wounds destroyed mean more gauge levels. Direction can be changed with the analog stick.

Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge is a unique feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing your damage output. The higher the gauge level, the greater the damage dealt, with the maximum level unlocking powerful follow-up attacks.

To charge the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on monsters. To increase its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. A red gauge can extend its duration with a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash, though it decreases over time.

Damage increases by gauge level:

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

Combos

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

Mastering Long Sword combos in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can turn you into a swift and effective damage dealer.

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

Chain four Overhead Slashes with Triangle/Y to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. Then, use a four-chain of R2/RT presses for Spirit Blade attacks to increase the gauge level. Landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial for advancing 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 with Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.

Stationary Combo

With a maxed-out Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to execute a combo that keeps you stationary. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without moving, simplifying your aim.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Long Sword Tips

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

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

Spirit Charge

Hold down R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. A fully charged move unleashes the Spirit Roundslash without needing the preceding chain, immediately 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. It consumes the current Spirit Gauge level, so maximize Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After hitting with a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, follow up with R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage attacks. Coordination with teammates can make this combo easier to execute.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Use the Focus Strike on wounds to gain one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds can quickly elevate your gauge to red. Even a single wound can be beneficial; after landing the Focus Strike, immediately trigger the Spirit Blade combo and end with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to increase the gauge by another level.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Without the ability to block, speed is your defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter enemy attacks. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time R2/RT to execute the Iai Spirit Slash through the enemy's attack, avoiding damage while dealing a punishing blow.

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

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