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The *Monster Hunter* franchise is renowned for its diverse array of weapons, each offering unique playstyles and challenges. For those looking to dominate the battlefield with the Great Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to excel.
Mastering the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Long Sword is a versatile weapon in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, blending speed and damage potential into a formidable tool for any hunter. Its ability to chain combos and execute counterattacks makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a dynamic, engaging combat experience.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit 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/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after Thrust to perform a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | Spirit 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 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | Spirit 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/RT | Spirit Charge | A 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/B | Fade Slash | A slashing attack performed while moving backwards. The direction can be controlled using the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | The 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/Y | Spirit Thrust | Landing 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/A | Special Sheath | A special action that sheathes your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheath, landing Iai Slash will cause the Spirit Gauge to fill up automatically for a short time. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | After 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/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | A 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 pivotal feature of the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, enhancing the weapon's damage potential. As the gauge level increases, so does your damage output, culminating in powerful follow-up attacks at its maximum level.
To charge the Spirit Gauge, you need to land attacks on monsters. To increase its level, use Spirit Blade attacks and successfully 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 it naturally decreases over time.
Here’s how the Spirit Gauge affects damage:
- White – 1.02x
- Yellow – 1.04x
- Red – 1.1x
Combos
Mastering the Long Sword involves understanding its combo system, which can transform you into a swift and lethal damage dealer.
Spirit Gauge Filling Combo/Spirit Gauge Leveling
To quickly fill the Spirit Gauge to its maximum, chain four basic Overhead Slashes using Triangle/Y. This setup enables you to use Spirit Blade attacks to elevate the gauge level. The key is to land the final Spirit Roundslash in a four-chain of R2/RT presses, even if you miss the first three attacks.
Crimson Slash Combo
With the Spirit Gauge at its maximum and red, your basic attacks morph into Crimson Slashes. Chain three of these using Triangle/Y to execute a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
For a stationary attack pattern with a maxed-out Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y. This sequence delivers a Crimson Slash after a Rising Slash, finishing with another Crimson Slash, allowing you to deal damage without the need to move or aim.
Long Sword Tips
Maximizing your Long Sword's damage potential hinges on effectively utilizing the Spirit Gauge. Here are some tips to enhance your performance:
Spirit Charge
Initiate a Spirit Charge by holding down R2/RT. A fully charged move unleashes the Spirit Roundslash without needing the preceding chain, instantly boosting your Spirit Gauge. Ensure you're in a safe position while charging.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
The Spirit Helm Breaker is the Long Sword's most potent attack, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Prioritize using Crimson Slashes before attempting this move. After a successful Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, follow up with R2/RT for the Spirit Release Slash for high-speed, high-damage output. Coordination with teammates can make executing this combo easier.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Exploiting wounds with the Focus Strike can instantly elevate your Spirit Gauge by one level per wound. If multiple wounds are present, you can quickly reach the red level. Even a single wound can be beneficial, allowing you to follow up with a Spirit Blade combo and end with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for another immediate level increase.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Without a block function, speed and timing are crucial for defense. Use the Iai Spirit Slash from Special Sheathe to counter monster attacks. After an attack, press R2/RT and Cross/A to Special Sheathe, then time your R2/RT press to unleash the Iai Spirit Slash, countering the monster's attack while boosting your Spirit Gauge.
With these strategies, you're well on your way to mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, continue exploring The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
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