Mastering the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can be a thrilling experience, thanks to the diverse array of weapons at your disposal. This guide will walk you through the essentials of wielding the Long Sword, a versatile weapon that combines speed and power, enabling you to chain combos and execute counterattacks effectively.
Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword offers a dynamic playstyle, blending agility with significant damage potential. Its ability to chain combos and utilize counterattacks makes it a formidable choice 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. The higher the level of the Spirit Gauge, the more damage you can deal. At its maximum, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and 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 decreases 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 involves understanding and executing various combos that enhance your combat effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge, chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This allows for Spirit Blade attacks to increase the gauge's level. A four-chain of R2/RT presses is necessary, and while you can miss the first three attacks, landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial to push the Spirit Gauge 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 them using Triangle/Y for a swift combo with increased damage.
Stationary Combo
When the Spirit Gauge is maxed out, use the combo of Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay stationary. This sequence includes a Crimson Slash following a Rising Slash, and then another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move or aim.
Long Sword Tips
Maximizing the Long Sword's damage output revolves around effectively managing the Spirit Gauge.
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. Fully charging this move allows you to unleash the Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, immediately increasing 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 level of the Spirit Gauge, so maximize 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 to deal significant damage quickly and stylishly. Coordinating with teammates to distract the monster can make this combo easier to execute.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Attacking wounds with the Focus Strike can instantly boost the Spirit Gauge by one level per wound. If multiple wounds are inflicted, using the Focus Strike can quickly elevate the gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this method can be effective. 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 damage, speed is your defense. The Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe is your counterattack. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe. Wait for the enemy's attack, then press R2/RT in time to execute the Iai Spirit Slash, avoiding damage while punishing the monster.
This comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge needed to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore additional resources on The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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