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

Author : Skylar May 01,2025

One of the most exciting aspects of the *Monster Hunter* franchise is the diverse array of weapons at hunters' disposal. For those aiming to master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to excel.

Best Way To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a versatile weapon that offers a blend of speed and damage, depending on your approach. Its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks makes it a dynamic choice for hunters looking to maximize their impact on the battlefield.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YStandard AttackSpirit 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/BThrustPress Circle/B after Thrust to perform a Rising Slash.
R2/RTSpirit Blade ISpirit 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 4Spirit Blade ComboSpirit 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/RTSpirit ChargeA 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/BFade SlashA slashing attack performed while moving backwards. The direction can be controlled using the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During ComboForesight SlashThe 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/YSpirit ThrustLanding 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/ASpecial SheathA special action that sheathes your weapon.
After Special Sheath, Triangle/YIai SlashAfter Special Sheath, landing Iai Slash will cause the Spirit Gauge to fill up automatically for a short time.
After Special Sheath, R2/RTIai Spirit SlashAfter 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/RBFocus Strike: Unbound ThrustA 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 gauge, the more damage you can deal. At its maximum, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-up moves.

To charge the Spirit Gauge, you must land attacks on the monster. To increase its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and ensure you land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike. When the gauge is red, executing a Spirit Roundslash or a Spinning Crimson Slash will extend its duration, as the gauge naturally depletes over time.

Damage increases with the Spirit Gauge:

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

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding and executing various combos. Here are some key combos to enhance your combat efficiency:

Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling

To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum, chain four Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This setup allows for Spirit Blade attacks to increase the gauge's level. Execute a four-chain of R2/RT presses, and make sure to land the final Spirit Roundslash to push the Spirit Gauge to the next level, 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. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y to complete a swift, high-damage combo.

Stationary Combo

With a fully charged Spirit Gauge, you can execute a stationary combo by using Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence involves a Crimson Slash followed by a Rising Slash, and then another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move or aim extensively.

Long Sword Tips

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Spirit Gauge is central to maximizing the Long Sword's potential. Here are some tips to leverage this mechanic effectively:

Spirit Charge

Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. Fully charging this move enables you to unleash the Spirit Roundslash immediately, bypassing the need for a preceding chain, and rapidly increases the Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging.

Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash

The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers the highest damage output possible with the Long Sword. It consumes the current level of the Spirit Gauge, so maximize your Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After hitting the enemy with a Spirit Thrust, follow up with R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash, which deals significant damage at high speed. Coordinating with teammates to distract the monster can make executing this combo easier.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

By targeting wounds with the Focus Strike, you can gain one level of the Spirit Gauge per wound. If you've inflicted multiple wounds on a monster, using the Focus Strike can quickly elevate your Spirit Gauge to red. Even with just one wound, this tactic can be a shortcut to increase your gauge level. After landing the Focus Strike, immediately trigger the Spirit Blade combo and finish with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse to boost the gauge by another level instantly.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Without the ability to block damage, speed is your defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter enemy attacks. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A to execute Special Sheathe. Then, time your R2/RT press to perform the Iai Spirit Slash as the enemy attacks, allowing you to avoid damage while retaliating effectively.

With these strategies and tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guides and tips, be sure to check out the rest of The Escapist.

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