Long Sword guide for Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Guide includes how to use the Long Sword, Spirit Gauge, counterattacks, combos, stance, new moves and balance adjustments.
All Weapon Types ListLong Sword - How to Use
| 1 | ▼ Charge the Spirit Gauge by Attacking |
|---|---|
| 2 | ▼ Increase the Level of the Spirit Gauge |
| 3 | ▼ Make Use of Counter Moves & Attacks |
| 4 | ▼ Use Spirit Helm Breaker |
Charge Spirit Gauge by Attacking
When using the Long Sword in Monster Hunter Wilds, it is important to land your attacks to charge the Spirit Gauge. The Spirit Gauge is a sword-shaped gauge displayed under Sharpness at the top left of the screen, with a yellow gauge accumulating on the blade.
Use Iai Slash to Increase Spirit Gauge
| How to Perform Iai Slash |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
When you successfully hit a monster with Iai Slash, the Spirit Gauge will automatically increase for a short duration. This makes charging the Spirit Gauge relatively easier!
Required for Spirit Blade and Foresight Slash
The Spirit Gauge is consumed when performing powerful attacks like Spirit Blade and Foresight Slash. Foresight Slash, in particular, is a counter move often used in combat, but the counter will fail if the Spirit Gauge is completely depleted.
Increase the Level of the Spirit Gauge
The color of the Spirit Gauge changes depending on the level it is on. There are three levels (White → Yellow → Red), and the higher the level, the more powerful the attacks become.
▼ Attacks that Increase the Spirit Gauge Level
| Moves | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Spirit Roundslash | |
| Unbound Thrust (Focus Strike) | Hold |
| Iai Spirit Slash (After successful counter) | During combo ➡ |
Fight with Red Gauge as Much as Possible
When the Spirit Gauge is in red (Max level), not only will the damage increase, but some attacks get stronger variations! The gauge level will drop over time, so focus on getting it back to red whenever it happens.
Make Use of Counter Moves & Attacks
| How to Do Foresight Slash Counter |
|---|
During combo ➡ During combo ➡ Foresight Slash ➡ Spirit Roundslash |
The Long Sword has multiple counter techniques, and if used effectively, you can maintain your Attack Boost momentum while continuing to attack. Start by practicing with Foresight Slash and aim for a successful counter.
Also Try Using Iai Spirit Slash
| How to Use Iai Spirit Slash |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
Iai Spirit Slash is a counterattack done through the Special Sheathe. It's a harder move to land since it requires the user to time the counterattack just as the monster attacks. It has a tighter timing than the Foresight Slash.
Take Advantage of Openings to Land Spirit Helmbreakers
| How to Use Spirit Helm Breaker |
|---|
Spirit Helm Breaker is a high damage attack that consumes a whole Spirit Gauge level. You can deal the max damage with this move when your Spirit Gauge is red.
Follow Up Spirit Release Slash after Spirit Helm Breaker
| How to Do |
|---|
After Spirit Helm Breaker ➡ |
In Monster Hunter Wilds, after performing Spirit Helmbreaker, press R2 to unleash Spirit Release Slash. This high-damage follow-up not only benefits from Flinch Free and Damage Reduction during Attack Boost, but also helps maintain your momentum. However, be mindful that it consumes one level of Spirit Gauge, meaning a total of two levels will be spent when combined with Spirit Helmbreaker.
Long Sword - Attack & Moves
Summary of Controls
Basic Controls
(*The Spirit Gauge increases if you match the enemy's attack.)
Combo Guides
Attacks that Consume Spirit Gauge
(* At red gauge, deals Jumping Spirit Blade III)
Attacks Exclusive to when Spirit Gauge is Red
Spirit Charge
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ Hold |
| Follow Up Attack |
➡ Release (1 stage of charging) Spirit Blade II ➡ Release (2 stage of charging) Spirit Blade III ➡ Release (Max charge) Spirit Roundslash |
| - Easily connected to Spirit Roundslash - Spirit Gauge increases during the pause - Deriving from the Spirit Blade III shortens the time to pause └ Derives from the Spirit Blade III is the shortest pool |
Hold R2 to build up to max charge and then release R2 to deal Spirit Roundslash. This is a very useful technique that allows you to perform a Roundslash without a counter or combo.
Special Sheathe
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
| Follow Up Attack |
➡ ➡ |
Special Sheathe is a technique that can be derived from any attack. From there, it can be derived into two more types of the Iai Slash.
Iai Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
| - Hit to obtain an automatic Spirit Gauge increase effect for a certain time |
Iai Slash can be derived from any kind of attack. It provides an automatic Spirit Gauge increase effect and is also an excellent combo link.
Iai Spirit Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
| - Successful counter when you time it to the enemy's attack - Successful counter will increase the Spirit Gauge level by one |
The Iai Spirit Slash is a counter technique and one of the main means of increase the level of the Spirit Gauge.
Spirit Helm Breaker → Spirit Release Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
Spirit Thrust ➡ Spirit Helm Breaker ➡ Spirit Release Slash |
| - Spirit Release Slash can only be done when the Spirit Gauge is white or higher - Spirit Helm Breaker and Spirit Release Slash will both consume one level of Spirit Gauge each - Gain Flinch Free and Damage Reduction during Spirit Release Slash |
Spirit Helm Breaker is one of the Long Sword's strongest attacks. It should be used with the Spirit Gauge on red since it will deal the highest damage and will lower your Gauge by one level. From the Spirit Helmbreaker, you can deal Spirit Release Slash, which will drop one more Gauge level.
Foresight Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
| Follow Up Attack |
➡ After successful counter ➡ |
| - Must have a small amount of Spirit Gauge accumulated to successfully counter an attack - Can be derived with Spirit Roundslash with a successful counterattack and a counterattacks hit |
By launching it in time with the enemy's attack, you can evade the attack and counterattack! If the counterattack hits, you can do a Spirit Roundslash. Note that the counterattack will not succeed unless you have a Spirit Gauge charge.
Foresight Whirl Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
| Follow Up Attack |
➡ After successful counter ➡ |
When the Spirit Gauge is red, Foresight Slash changes to Foresight Whirl Slash. The motion is greatly replaced, and it is easy to connect to Spirit Roundslash as it evades and counterattacks at the same time.
Spirit Roundslash → Spinning Crimson Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
Spirit Blade I ➡ II ➡ III ➡ Spirit Roundslash During combo ➡ Hold ➡ Release (Max charge) Spirit Charge ➡ Spirit Roundslash During combo ➡ Foresight Slash (Foresight Whirl Slash) ➡ Spirit Roundslash * Only when counter is successful |
| Follow Up Attack |
After Spirit Roundslash ➡ |
| - When the Spirit Roundslash and Spinning Crimson Slash are done, the duration of the red Spirit Gauge is extended |
The Spirit Roundslash is an important attack since it raises the level of the Spirit Gauge by one. When the Spirit Gauge is red, it will change to the Spinning Crimson Slash.
Unbound Thrust
| How to Do |
|---|
Hold |
| - Press R1 while in Focus Mode (Press and hold L2) - The number of wounds destroyed increases the level of the Spirit Gauge |
This Focus Strike can be done by pressing R1 while in Focus Mode. When it hits a wound or weak spot, a slash is generated and the number of wounds destroyed increases the color of the Spirit Gauge.
Long Sword - Recommended Combos
| Combo | Recommended Level |
|---|---|
| ▼ Spirit Charge after Closing the Distance | ★★★ |
| ▼ One Wound, Two Level Increase Combo | ★★★ |
| ▼ Opening Dedicated Stage 3 Level Increase Combo | ★★- |
| ▼ Spirit Helm Breaker Combo After Combo | ★★・ |
| ▼ Counter → Collect Level with Slash | ★★・ |
| ▼ Fast Roundslash | ★・・ |
Spirit Charge after Closing the Distance
| How to Do |
|---|
Hold ➡ Release |
This combo will close the distance with Spirit Blade I before aiming Roundslash from Spirit Charge. The charge buildup of the Spirit Charge can be shortened a bit.
One Wound, Two Level Increase Combo
| How to Do |
|---|
From Unbound Thrust, Spirit Blade III can be done. This combo is recommended when the Gauge Level cannot be raised to red with Unbound Thrust and can be done from Spirit Blade III → Spirit Roundslash to raise the color level by one more level.
Opening Dedicated Stage 3 Level Increase Combo
| How to Do (Until the Gauge Turns Red) |
|---|
While undetected ➡ Hold ➡ During the monster's roar ➡ Hold ➡ |
| Combo (Spirit Helm Breaker → Spirit Release Slash) | ➡ |
This is an opening combo using a surprise attack that can only be done when the monster is unaware. It can increase the color level of the Spirit Gauge to red at once, and with it, you can deal a Spirit Helm Breaker.
When raising the Gauge level from yellow to red, it cannot be done directly from Spirit Blade III to Roundslash due to lack of Spirit Gauge. It's important to get a Spirit Charge in between first.
Spirit Helm Breaker Combo After Combo
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ Timed with a Monster Attack ➡ |
Use the Iai Spirit Slash to counter and raise the Gauge level, then aim for the Spirit Helm Breaker and Spirit Release Slash. Spirit Helm Breaker can be canceled by pressing X after jumping up and just before landing.
Counter → Collect Level with Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ Timed with a Monster Attack ➡ |
This is a combo of Iai Spirit Slash to increase the Gauge level while countering monster attacks. Follow this with the Spirit Blade III → Spirit Roundslash to raise the color level by one more level.
Fast Roundslash
| How to Do |
|---|
While Sliding ➡ |
Aerial Draw Spirit Blade can be done by pressing R2 while sliding on a slope and can be followed up with a Roundslash. This combo is limited to places with a slope, but it's a quick way to increase your Gauge level by one.
Long Sword - New Attacks
| Attack | How to Do |
|---|---|
| ▼ Crescent Slash | |
| ▼ Spirit Charge | |
| ▼ Spirit Release Slash | |
| ▼ Crimson Slash | During combo |
| ▼ Spinning Crimson Slash | During combo |
| ▼ Foresight Whirl Slash | |
| ▼ Unbound Thrust (Focus Strike) |
Crescent Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
Overhead Slash ➡ Overhead Slash ➡ Crescent Slash |
The combo that can be performed by repeatedly pressing the △ button has been changed in Wilds. After two Overhead Slashes, a Crescent Slash will be done. This can be looped by doing another Overhead Slash.
Spirit Charge
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ Hold |
| Follow Up Attack |
➡ Release (1 stage of charging Spirit Blade II ➡ Release (2 stage of charging Spirit Blade III ➡ Release (Max charge) Spirit Roundslash |
| - Easily connected to Spirit Roundslash - Spirit Gauge increases during the pause - Deriving from the Spirit Blade III shortens the time to pause └ Derives from the Spirit Blade III is the shortest pool |
Hold R2 to charge to the max, then release R2 to deal Spirit Roundslash. This is a very useful technique, it allows you to perform a Roundslash without a counter or combo.
Spirit Release Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
Spirit Thrust ➡ Spirit Helm Breaker ➡ Spirit Release Slash |
| - Spirit Release Slash can only be done when the Spirit Gauge is white or higher - Gain Flinch Free and Damage Reduction during Spirit Release Slash |
Spirit Release Slash is a new action that can be done after Spirit Helm Breaker. Like Spirit Helm Breaker, it drops one Spirit Gauge level when used so doing the combo will lower the level by 2.
Crimson Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
Crimson Slash I ➡ Crimson Slash II ➡ Crimson Slash III (Can be looped) |
When the Spirit Gauge is at red level, the △ attack changes to Crimson Slash. In addition, after Crimson Slash III, another △ will do Crimson Slash I making it possible to loop this attack sequence.
Spinning Crimson Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
After Spirit Roundslash ➡ |
It can be done after Spirit Roundslash only when the Spirit Gauge level is red.
Foresight Whirl Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
During combo ➡ |
| Follow Up Attack |
➡ After successful counter ➡ |
Foresight Slash changes to Foresight While Slash only when the Spirit Gauge level is red. It is easier to connect to Spirit Roundslash as it evades and counterattacks at the same time.
Unbound Thrust
| How to Do |
|---|
Hold |
| - Press R1 while in Focus Mode (Press and hold L2) - The number of wounds destroyed increases the level of the Spirit Gauge |
A Focus Strike can be performed with R1 while in Focus Mode. When it hits a wound or weak spot the Gauge level is increased depending on the number of wounds it destroys.
Balance Adjustment Details
Damage Will Be Adjusted In The Final Version
| -Adjustments will be made to balance weapons and their damage output to reduce disparities. -The Great Sword and Bow may have their damage reduced. - Changes will also be made to ensure the concept of each weapon type is easier to understand. |
During an interview, the adjustments to weapon balance were discussed. It was noted that while the Great Sword and Bow will remain both easy to use and powerful, their damage output may be adjusted to maintain balance.
Weapon Adjustments GuideMonster Hunter Wilds Related Articles
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Weapon Trees & Best Weapons
| Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon |
| Dual Blades | Hammer | Hunting Horn |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon |
| Lance | Gunlance | Switch Axe |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon |
| Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon |
| Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Weapon |
Great Sword
Long Sword
Sword and Shield
Dual Blades
Hammer
Hunting Horn
Lance
Gunlance
Switch Axe
Charge Blade
Insect Glaive
Bow
Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun