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

Author : Samuel Update : May 22,2025

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* franchise is the variety of weapons at hunters' disposal, each offering unique ways to tackle the challenges ahead. For those looking to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel.

Best Way to Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Long Sword is renowned for its versatility, blending speed with formidable damage potential. This weapon allows for a range of combos and counterattacks, making it a favorite among players who enjoy a dynamic combat style.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that consume 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 after Thrust to execute a Rising Slash.
R2/RT	Spirit Blade I	Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II can be adjusted with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4	Spirit Blade Combo	Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II can be adjusted with the analog stick.
Holding R2/RT	Spirit Charge	Charging fills the Spirit Gauge, allowing a Spirit Blade attack upon release. The attack level depends on the charge duration. A complete charge enables a Spirit Roundslash. With a red Spirit Gauge, you won't be knocked back during the Roundslash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Fade Slash	A backward-moving slashing attack, controllable with the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo	Foresight Slash	Performed mid-combo, Foresight Slash offers a large invulnerability window. It consumes the Spirit Gauge, but filling it completely upon dodging a monster's attack. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, the effect diminishes, but a red gauge allows a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Spirit Thrust	Spirit Thrust lowers the Spirit Gauge by one level (White or higher) but allows chaining into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Cancel the 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	Post-Special Sheath, Iai Slash automatically fills the Spirit Gauge for a short time.
After Special Sheath, R2/RT	Iai Spirit Slash	Time Iai Spirit Slash with an enemy attack post-Special Sheath to counter and raise the Spirit Gauge by one level.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust	A thrust effective against wounds. Hitting a wound unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. Multiple wounds amplify this effect. Adjust the attack direction with the analog stick.

Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge, exclusive to the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhances the weapon's damage potential. Higher levels amplify damage, and at maximum, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups. To charge the gauge, land attacks on monsters. Increase its level with Spirit Blade attacks, culminating in a Spirit Roundslash or Focus Strike. A red gauge extends its duration with successful Spirit Roundslashes or Spinning Crimson Slashes.

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 Long Sword combat in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves leveraging various combos to become a swift and potent damage dealer.

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

Chain four Overhead Slashes with Triangle/Y to rapidly fill the Spirit Gauge. Follow with a four-chain of R2/RT presses, ensuring to land the final Spirit Roundslash to elevate the gauge to the next level.

Crimson Slash Combo

With a maxed-out and red Spirit Gauge, basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.

Stationary Combo

Maintain your position with a maxed Spirit Gauge using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence delivers a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing focused damage without the need for movement or aiming.

Long Sword Tips

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

Maximize your Long Sword's potential by understanding and utilizing the Spirit Gauge effectively.

Spirit Charge

Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding R2/RT. A full charge unleashes the Spirit Roundslash instantly, boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure safety while charging.

Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash

The Spirit Helm Breaker is the Long Sword's highest damage move, consuming the Spirit Gauge. Maximize Crimson Slashes before executing this move. Follow a successful Spirit Thrust with the Spirit Helm Breaker, then use R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage output. Distractions from allies 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 quickly elevate the gauge to red. A single wound can also be used for an instant level increase, followed by a Spirit Blade combo and a Spirit Blade Roundhouse.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Without blocking capabilities, speed is your defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter enemy attacks. After an enemy's move, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time R2/RT with the incoming attack to perform the Iai Spirit Slash, avoiding damage and retaliating effectively.

This guide covers everything you need to know to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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