The Monster Hunter series stands out for its diverse weaponry, and for those aiming to specialize with the Great Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds, this guide provides essential techniques.
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Optimizing Long Sword Combat in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword offers both agility and substantial damage output through proper execution. Its move set includes fluid combos and defensive counters.
Complete Move List
| Input | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Basic Slash | Standard slashing attacks build Spirit Gauge. Adjust slash direction with the left stick during Spirit Blade I and II. |
| Circle/B | Forward Thrust | Follow with Circle/B for Rising Slash |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Powerful slash consuming Spirit Gauge. Left stick controls direction for Spirit Blade I and II. |
| R2/RT x4 | Spirit Combo | Four-chain attack consuming Spirit Gauge. Direction adjustable with left stick. |
| Hold R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Charges Spirit Gauge. Release timing determines attack strength. Full charge enables Spirit Roundslash with super armor at red gauge. |
| Triangle/Y+Circle/B | Evading Slash | Backstep attack with directional control via left stick. |
| R2/RT+Circle/B Mid-Combo | Foresight Slash | Invincibility counter draining full Spirit Gauge. Successful dodge refills gauge and chains into Roundslash. Red gauge enables Foresight Whirl Slash follow-up. |
| R2/RT+Triangle/Y | Spirit Lunge | Reduces gauge level but enables Spirit Helm Breaker. Cancel with Square/X or chain into Spirit Release Slash at red gauge. |
| R2/RT+Cross/A | Special Sheath | Unique weapon stowing stance. |
| Triangle/Y After Sheath | Iai Slash | Post-sheath attack triggering temporary auto-fill of Spirit Gauge. |
| R2/RT After Sheath | Iai Spirit Slash | Timed counter raising Spirit level when executed against enemy attacks. |
| L2/LT+R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Precision thrust against wounded parts. Each broken wound levels up Spirit Gauge once. Adjust direction with left stick. |
The Spirit Gauge System
This Long Sword-exclusive mechanic enhances damage output proportionally to its level. Charging requires successful monster hits, while level increases come from complete Spirit Blade combos or Focus Strikes. At red level:
- White: 1.02× damage
- Yellow: 1.04× damage
- Red: 1.1× damage with new attack properties
Essential Combos
Master these combination sequences to maximize your combat effectiveness:
Spirit Gauge Optimization
Four consecutive Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y) rapidly fills the gauge. Follow with four R2/RT inputs – landing the final Roundslash completes the level upgrade regardless of previous hits.
Red Gauge Combos
At maximum Spirit level (red), Triangle/Y chains become Crimson Slash combos dealing enhanced damage in three-hit sequences.
Precision Striking
The Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y sequence combines Rising Slash with two Crimson Slashes for powerful stationary attacks without repositioning.
Pro Tactics
Advanced strategies to dominate with the Long Sword:
Charged Attacks
Hold R2/RT for immediate Spirit Roundslash (bypassing combo requirements) – best executed when safely positioned.
Ultimate Damage Chain
Spirit Thrust (R2/RT+Triangle/Y) into Helm Breaker (Circle/B) followed by Spirit Release Slash (R2/RT) delivers maximum damage when supported by teammates.
Gauge Shortcuts
Focus Strikes on wounded parts instantly level the gauge – one wound equals one level. Combine with standard combos for rapid red gauge attainment.
Defensive Counters
After Special Sheath (R2/RT+Cross/A), time R2/RT to Iai Spirit Slash through enemy attacks - simultaneously avoiding damage and countering.
For additional Monster Hunter Wilds resources, explore our other guides.
Now available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.
