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How To Use the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 21,2025

Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* unlocks a thrilling blend of speed and devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to wield this versatile weapon effectively.

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The Long Sword’s adaptability shines through its fluid combos and strategic counterattacks. Its damage potential is amplified by skillful use of its unique Spirit Gauge mechanic.

All Long Sword Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction with the analog stick.
Circle/B	Thrust	Press Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash.
R2/RT	Spirit Blade I	A slashing attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4	Spirit Blade Combo	A combo of slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick.
Holding R2/RT	Spirit Charge	Fills the Spirit Gauge, unleashing a Spirit Blade attack upon release. Charge duration determines attack power; a full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. A red Spirit Gauge grants invulnerability during the Roundslash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Fade Slash	A backward slashing attack; direction controlled via the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo	Foresight Slash	A mid-combo attack granting significant invulnerability. Consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after a dodge fully refills it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, its effect is reduced; with a red gauge, it's followed by a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Spirit Thrust	Lowers the Spirit Gauge (if White or higher) but chains into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Cancel Spirit Helm Breaker with Square/X.
R2/RT + Cross/A	Special Sheath	A special sheathing action.
After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y	Iai Slash	Automatically fills the Spirit Gauge briefly after Special Sheath.
After Special Sheath, R2/RT	Iai Spirit Slash	Counter enemy attacks for a Spirit Gauge level increase.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust	Effective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. Direction adjustable with the analog stick.

The Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting its damage. Higher levels mean more damage; at maximum, it enhances basic attacks with powerful follow-ups. Attacks on the monster charge the gauge. Spirit Blade attacks and a landed Spirit Roundslash or Focus Strike increase its level. A red gauge's duration decreases over time; landing a Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends it.

Damage increases: White – 1.02x, Yellow – 1.04x, Red – 1.1x

Long Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo

A four-chain of Triangle/Y (Overhead Slashes) quickly fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks to level it up further. A four-chain of R2/RT, landing the final Spirit Roundslash, is crucial for this.

Crimson Slash Combo

With a maxed, red Spirit Gauge, basic Triangle/Y attacks become Crimson Slashes. A three-chain delivers a swift, high-damage combo.

Stationary Combo

A maxed Spirit Gauge allows a stationary combo: Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash). Ideal for consistent damage without repositioning.

Long Sword Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Spirit Charge

Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash without the preceding chain, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Charge in safety.

Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash

The Spirit Helm Breaker delivers maximum damage, consuming the current Spirit Gauge level. Utilize Crimson Slashes beforehand. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, R2/RT triggers the high-speed, high-damage Spirit Release Slash.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds allow instant red gauge status. Even with one wound, combine Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo and Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an immediate level increase.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Since blocking isn't an option, utilize the Iai Spirit Slash. After Special Sheath (R2/RT + Cross/A), time the R2/RT press to counter enemy attacks, preventing damage while dealing significant punishment.

This comprehensive guide provides the tools to master the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds. Explore The Escapist for more gaming assistance.

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

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