The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse weaponry, and mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* can significantly enhance your hunting experience. This guide is designed to help you harness the full potential of this versatile weapon, which blends speed with substantial damage output.

Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Long Sword is celebrated for its flexibility, allowing players to choose between speed and power. It offers a range of combos and counterattacks, enabling you to chain attacks or defend against monster assaults effectively.

All Moves

Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge, unique to the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds, is crucial for amplifying the weapon's damage output. The higher the gauge level, the more damage you can deal, culminating in powerful follow-up attacks when at its peak. To charge the Spirit Gauge, land attacks on the monster, and to elevate its level, utilize 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.

In terms of damage increases:

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

Combos

Mastering Long Sword combos in Monster Hunter Wilds can turn you into a swift and lethal force. Here are some key combos:

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

Chain four Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y to fill the Spirit Gauge quickly. Then, use four R2/RT presses to execute Spirit Blade attacks. Landing the final Spirit Roundslash is crucial to elevate the Spirit Gauge to the next level.

Crimson Slash Combo

With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum red level, your basic attacks transform into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of them using Triangle/Y to complete a swift and damaging combo.

Stationary Combo

At max Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay stationary while executing a Crimson Slash, followed by a Rising Slash, and then another Crimson Slash. This combo is ideal for dealing damage without repositioning.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Long Sword Tips

To maximize the Long Sword's effectiveness, focus on these strategies:

Spirit Charge

Hold down R2/RT to initiate a Spirit Charge. Fully charging allows you to unleash a Spirit Roundslash instantly, boosting 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 to maximize the gauge before attempting this move. After hitting with a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, press R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash to deal additional high-speed damage.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Use the Focus Strike on wounds to gain Spirit Gauge levels. Hitting multiple wounds can quickly elevate the gauge to red. Even a single wound can be leveraged to gain an instant level increase followed by a Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Without the ability to block, rely on speed to counter attacks. Use Special Sheathe, then time the Iai Spirit Slash with the monster's attack to counter and boost your Spirit Gauge.

With these tips and strategies, you're well-equipped to master the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more guidance, visit The Escapist.

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