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

by Nathan Apr 03,2025

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the diverse array of weapons at hunters' disposal, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. For those eager to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to excel.

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, depending on your approach. It features a variety of combos that can be chained together, as well as counterattacks that allow you to defend yourself effectively.

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-up attacks.

To charge the Spirit Gauge, players must land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, hunters need to use 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 the gauge naturally decreases over time.

In terms of damage increases:

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

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

There are several key combos that enhance Long Sword combat in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enabling you to become a swift and effective damage dealer.

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

By chaining four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y, you can quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum. This then allows for Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the Spirit Gauge to the next level. The key is to land the final Spirit Roundslash after a four-chain of R2/RT presses, even if you miss the first three attacks.

Crimson Slash Combo

With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chaining three of these using Triangle/Y will complete a swift combo with increased damage.

Stationary Combo

With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, you can execute a stationary combo using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash following a Rising Slash, and then finishing with another Crimson Slash. This helps you maintain your position while dealing damage, eliminating the need to aim and move.

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 mastering the Long Sword, and here are some tips to maximize your damage output using this mechanic.

Spirit Charge

By holding down R2/RT, you can initiate a Spirit Charge. Fully charging this move allows you to unleash the Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, immediately boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging up.

Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash

The Spirit Helm Breaker is the Long Sword's highest damage move. It consumes the current level of the Spirit Gauge, but you can maximize its impact by using Crimson Slashes beforehand. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust followed by the Spirit Helm Breaker, press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This combination delivers high-speed, high-damage attacks, especially effective with allies distracting the monster.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Attacking wounds with the Focus Strike can instantly elevate the Spirit Gauge by one level per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds on a monster, using the Focus Strike can quickly bring your Spirit Gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this shortcut 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 best defense. The Iai Spirit Slash, accessible from Special Sheathe, is your counterattack. After an enemy attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time your R2/RT press to execute the Iai Spirit Slash through the enemy's attack. This move prevents damage while punishing the monster.

That’s all you need to know about mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Be sure to check out the rest of The Escapist for more help with the game.

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

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