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Monster Hunter Rise: Long Sword Mastery Guide

Author：Kristen Update：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 fluid combos and reactive counterattacks. It's a weapon that rewards skillful timing and precise execution.

All 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 to perform 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 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, directionally controlled via the analog stick.
R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo	Foresight Slash	A mid-combo attack granting significant invulnerability. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge but refills it upon successfully dodging an attack. 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 (if White or higher) but chains into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow 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 to sheath your weapon.
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	An effective thrust against wounds, unleashing a slash upon hitting a wound or weak point, increasing the Spirit Gauge. Direction is adjustable with the analog stick.

Spirit Gauge

The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting damage potential. Higher levels mean greater damage, with maximum level triggering powerful follow-up attacks.

Attacks 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

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo

A four-chain of Triangle/Y Overhead Slashes rapidly fills the Spirit Gauge, enabling Spirit Blade attacks to increase its level. Similarly, a four-chain of R2/RT, landing the final Spirit Roundslash, boosts the gauge.

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).

Long Sword Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Spirit Charge

Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash and instantly boosts the Spirit Gauge. Charge in a safe position.

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.

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

Use Special Sheath (R2/RT and Cross/A) after an attack. Time Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) to counter enemy attacks, preventing damage and punishing the monster.

Master these techniques, and you’ll dominate Monster Hunter Wilds with the Long Sword. Explore The Escapist for more gaming guides.

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