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

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

Author: Mila Apr 12,2025

For fans of the *Monster Hunter* series, the array of weapons available to hunters is a significant draw. If you're aiming to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this guide is your key to success.

Best Way To Use the Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Long Sword is a versatile weapon that balances speed and damage potential, offering various combos and counterattacks to suit your playstyle. Here's how to make the most of it:

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick.
Circle/B	Thrust	Follow up with Circle/B for a Rising Slash.
R2/RT	Spirit Blade I	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4	Spirit Blade Combo	Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick.
Holding R2/RT	Spirit Charge	Fills the Spirit Gauge; unleash for a Spirit Blade attack. The attack level depends on how long you charge. A complete charge enables a Spirit Roundslash, preventing knockback when the gauge is red.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Fade Slash	A backward slashing attack, controllable with the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo	Foresight Slash	Mid-combo attack with a large invulnerability window. Consumes the Spirit Gauge but refills it upon successful dodge and counter. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. When the gauge is empty, the effect is reduced; when red, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Spirit Thrust	Lowers the Spirit Gauge one level but chains into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow 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	Automatically fills the Spirit Gauge for a short time after landing.
After Special Sheath, R2/RT	Iai Spirit Slash	Time with an enemy's attack to counter and raise the Spirit Gauge by one level.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust	Effective against wounds. Hitting a weak point unleashes a slash attack, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level per wound. Adjust 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 mean more damage, with maximum levels enabling powerful follow-up attacks. To charge it, land attacks on monsters, and use Spirit Blade attacks and final Spirit Roundslashes or Focus Strikes to increase levels. At red level, landing a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends duration, as the gauge depletes over time.

Damage increases are as follows:

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

Combos

Mastering Long Sword combat involves knowing these key combos:

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

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

Crimson Slash Combo

With a red Spirit Gauge, your basic attacks become Crimson Slashes. Chain three using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.

Stationary Combo

With a maxed-out Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y for a combo that includes a Rising Slash followed by two Crimson Slashes, allowing you to deal damage while staying in place.

Long Sword Tips

Maximize your Long Sword's potential with these tips:

Spirit Charge

Hold R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. A full charge allows an immediate Spirit Roundslash and boosts the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're safe while charging.

Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash

The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage. Use Crimson Slashes first, then hit with a Spirit Thrust followed by the Spirit Helm Breaker, and finish with R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. Distractions from teammates can help execute this combo.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Use the Focus Strike on wounds to gain a Spirit Gauge level per wound. Even one wound can get you to red level quickly, allowing for an immediate Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse to further boost the gauge.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Without blocking capabilities, speed is your defense. After an attack, use R2/RT and Cross/A for Special Sheathe, then time R2/RT to perform the Iai Spirit Slash as the enemy attacks, countering and raising your Spirit Gauge.

This guide covers all you need to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, visit The Escapist.

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