Master Monster Hunter Rise: Long Sword Guide

Author : Zoey Mar 12,2025

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 versatility shines through its customizable combos and counterattacks. Chain attacks for fluid offense or utilize counters for strategic defense. Let's dive into the moveset.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YStandard AttackSpirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust Spirit Blade I and II direction with the analog stick.
Circle/BThrustPress Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash.
R2/RTSpirit Blade IA slashing Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick.
R2/RT x 4Spirit Blade ComboA multi-hit Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick.
Holding R2/RTSpirit ChargeCharges 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/BFade SlashA backward slashing attack; direction controlled via the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During ComboForesight SlashA mid-combo attack with 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, the effect is reduced; with a red gauge, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/YSpirit ThrustLowers 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 using Square/X.
R2/RT + Cross/ASpecial SheathA special sheathing action.
After Special Sheath, Triangle/YIai SlashAutomatically fills the Spirit Gauge briefly after Special Sheath.
After Special Sheath, R2/RTIai Spirit SlashCounter an enemy attack for a Spirit Gauge level increase.
L2/LT + R1/RBFocus Strike: Unbound ThrustEffective against wounds. Hitting a wound/weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge. The number of wounds destroyed determines the Spirit Gauge level increase. Adjust direction with the analog stick.

Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting attack power. Higher levels mean greater damage, unlocking powerful follow-up attacks at maximum level.

Land attacks to charge the gauge. Use Spirit Blade attacks and land the Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike to increase its level. A red gauge extends the duration, as it depletes over time.

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

Combos

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering these combos transforms you into a high-damage, fast-moving hunter.

Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo

A four-chain of Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y) rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks to further increase its level. A four-chain of R2/RT, landing the final Spirit Roundslash, maximizes gauge level increases.

Crimson Slash Combo

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

Stationary Combo

Maintain position while dealing damage with this maxed-gauge combo: Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash).

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Long Sword Tips

Monster Hunter Wilds Long Sword Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Maximize damage output by mastering the Spirit Gauge.

Spirit Charge

Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash without the combo, instantly boosting the Spirit Gauge. Charge safely.

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, use R2/RT for the high-speed, high-damage Spirit Release Slash. Teamwork makes this easier.

Free Spirit Gauge Levels

Focus Strikes on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds instantly maximize the gauge. Even with one wound, combine a Focus Strike with a Spirit Blade combo ending in a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an instant level increase.

Countering with Iai Spirit Slash

Since blocking isn't an option, outmaneuver enemies. Use Iai Spirit Slash after Special Sheath (R2/RT and Cross/A). Time it with an enemy attack for a powerful counter that prevents damage and punishes the monster.

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

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