One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the array of weapons at hunters' disposal, each offering unique ways to tackle the challenges of the hunt. For those looking to master the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel.
Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword stands out for its versatility, blending speed with significant damage potential. This weapon allows for chaining combos and executing counterattacks, making it an excellent choice for players who enjoy a dynamic playstyle.
All Moves
Command | Move | Description |
---|---|---|
Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing moves that use the Spirit Gauge. You can adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
Circle/B | Thrust | Follow up with Circle/B to execute a Rising Slash. |
R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit Blade attacks consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit Blade attacks that consume the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Charging fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling a Spirit Blade attack. The attack level depends on how long you hold the charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. When the gauge is red, you won't be knocked back by attacks during the Roundslash. |
Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack that you can control with the analog stick. |
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | This mid-combo attack offers a large invulnerability window. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but dodging a monster's attack and landing it will refill the gauge. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. If the gauge is empty, the effect lessens, but a red gauge allows a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | This move lowers the Spirit Gauge by one level (if White or higher) but chains into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash if the gauge is red. Cancel Spirit Helm Breaker with Square/X. |
R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | This action sheathes your weapon. |
After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | Landing Iai Slash after Special Sheath auto-fills the Spirit Gauge for a short time. |
After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Time this with an enemy's attack to counter and increase your Spirit Gauge by one level. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | Effective against wounds, hitting them unleashes a slash attack that increases the Spirit Gauge by one level. The more wounds you hit, the higher the gauge increases. Change the attack direction with the analog stick. |
Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is crucial for the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. The higher the gauge level, the more damage you inflict, with the maximum level altering basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, you must land attacks on the monster. To increase the level, use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully execute 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.
Here are the damage multipliers for each level of the Spirit Gauge:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos

Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding various combos that enhance your combat effectiveness in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
Quickly fill the Spirit Gauge by chaining four Overhead Slashes with Triangle/Y. This setup allows for Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge level. Chain four R2/RT presses, and ensure you land the final Spirit Roundslash to push the 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 these using Triangle/Y for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
When your Spirit Gauge is maxed, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y to stay stationary while dealing damage. This combo includes a Crimson Slash, a Rising Slash, and another Crimson Slash, allowing you to focus on dealing damage without moving.
Long Sword Tips

Maximizing the Long Sword's potential hinges on effectively managing the Spirit Gauge. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Spirit Charge
Hold down R2/RT to start a Spirit Charge. A fully charged move lets you unleash a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe spot while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage. After using Crimson Slashes, hit the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, then the Spirit Helm Breaker, and follow up with R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash. This combo not only deals significant damage but also looks impressive. Distractions from allies can make executing this easier.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Use the Focus Strike on monster wounds to gain one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. Multiple wounds can quickly elevate your gauge to red. Even with one wound, you can trigger the Spirit Blade combo and end with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to boost the gauge further.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without blocking capabilities, speed is your defense. After an attack, use Special Sheathe with R2/RT and Cross/A, then time the Iai Spirit Slash with R2/RT to counter enemy attacks. This move prevents damage and punishes the monster simultaneously.
With these strategies and tips, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more insights and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.