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

Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* unlocks a thrilling blend of speed and devastating power. This guide provides a comprehensive look at its moveset, mechanics, and strategies to help you dominate the hunt.

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The Long Sword’s versatility lies in its adaptable combat style. Fluid combos, strategic counters, and powerful Spirit Gauge enhancements make it a truly dynamic weapon.

All Long Sword Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. The direction of Spirit Blade I and II is adjustable with the analog stick.
Circle/B	Thrust	Press Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash.
R2/RT	Spirit Blade I	A Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Direction is adjustable with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4	Spirit Blade Combo	A Spirit Blade combo consuming the Spirit Gauge. Direction is adjustable with the analog stick.
Holding R2/RT	Spirit Charge	Fills the Spirit Gauge, unleashing a Spirit Blade attack based on charge duration. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. While the Spirit Gauge is red, you are invulnerable to knockback during the Roundslash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Fade Slash	A backward slashing attack, directionally controlled via the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B (During Combo)	Foresight Slash	A mid-combo attack with significant invulnerability. Consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after dodging an attack fully refills it. Chain into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, the effect is reduced; with a red gauge, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Spirit Thrust	Lowers the Spirit Gauge (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	After Special Sheath, this automatically fills the Spirit Gauge briefly.
(After Special Sheath) R2/RT	Iai Spirit Slash	A timed counterattack after Special Sheath, raising the Spirit Gauge level.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust	An effective thrust against wounds, unleashing a slash attack and increasing the Spirit Gauge level per wound hit. Direction is adjustable with the analog stick.

The Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique enhancement, boosting damage output. Higher levels mean greater damage, and at maximum level, it transforms basic attacks into powerful follow-ups.

Attacks on the monster charge the gauge. Spirit Blade attacks and the final Spirit Roundslash or a successful Focus Strike increase its level. A red gauge's Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration (it depletes over time).

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

Long Sword Combos

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Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo

Four Triangle/Y Overhead Slashes rapidly fill the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks to further increase its level. A four-chain of R2/RT presses, landing the final Spirit Roundslash, maximizes 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 focused damage without repositioning.

Long Sword Tips

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Spirit Charge

Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash 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. Maximize Crimson Slashes before using it. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, use R2/RT for a 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, chain a Focus Strike into a Spirit Blade combo ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an instant level increase.