The Long Sword (LS) in Monster Hunter Wilds is the epitome of fluid combat, blending aggression with defensive evasion. While it remains one of the most popular weapons in the franchise, Wilds introduces significant changes to the Spirit Gauge mechanics and counter windows.
This MH Wilds Long Sword guide covers the essential movesets, how to master the new Focus Mode, and the best Long Sword builds to take you from early game to endgame meta.
Weapon Mechanics: Mastering the Spirit Gauge
The core loop of the Long Sword involves building your Spirit Gauge color (White → Yellow → Red) to maximize damage. In Wilds, this flow is faster and more reliant on precise positioning.
Basic Combos for Beginners
Spirit Blade Combo: (R2 / RT / Ctrl) × 4
Goal: The standard way to level up your gauge when the monster is down.
Fade Slash Repositioning: Attack + Back Input
Goal: Attack while moving backward to create space.
The Infinite Loop: Thrust → Upper Slash → Thrust
Goal: Builds Spirit meter safely without committing to long animations.
Focus Mode: The New Meta for Long Sword
Focus Mode in Monster Hunter Wilds is a game-changer for LS users who struggle with aiming their biggest attacks.
Precision Helm Breakers: Focus Mode allows you to re-aim your Spirit Helm Breaker mid-air, significantly reducing missed hits on moving monsters.
Wound Targeting: Use Focus Mode to target open wounds on the monster, triggering high-damage destruction animations.
Counter Stability: It stabilizes the camera during Foresight Slash and Iai Spirit Slash, helping you land the follow-up hits required to level up your gauge.
Best Skills for Long Sword in MH Wilds
To build the best Long Sword loadout, you cannot just stack attack. You need utility skills that speed up your animations.
| Skill | Priority | Why It Matters |
| Quick Sheath | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mandatory. It speeds up the "Special Sheath" animation, making Iai Spirit Slash counters much safer and faster. |
| Weakness Exploit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Increases Affinity (Crit Rate) by 50% on weak points, essential for raw damage. |
| Critical Boost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Increases the damage multiplier of your critical hits (from 1.25x to 1.4x at max level). |
| Maximum Might | ⭐⭐⭐ | Great for LS since basic combos don't consume stamina, keeping affinity high. |
| Wirebug Whisperer | ⭐⭐ | (If applicable/returning mechanics) For faster cooldown on Silkbind moves. |
Long Sword Progression Builds
From your first hunt to the final boss, here is how to gear up.
1. Early Game Build (Low Rank)
Focus: Learning the counter timing with basic comfort.
Weapon: Iron Gospel (Ore Tree) or Bone Katana.
Helm/Chest: Hunter Set (for early Attack Boost).
Arms/Waist: Alloy Set (Looking for early Critical Eye).
Legs: Kulu-Ya-Ku Greaves (Often a source of early Critical Eye or Hornetaur for Quick Sheath if available).
Key Skill Goal: Quick Sheath Lv1-2.
2. Mid-Game Progression
Focus: Increasing Spirit Gauge uptime.
Weapon: Nargacuga LS (High Affinity) or Elemental Match.
Decorations: Start slotting in Expert Jewels and Sheath Jewels.
Target Stats: Quick Sheath Lv3 is now the priority. If you can't hit Lv3, aim for Attack Boost Lv4.
3. Endgame Meta Build
Focus: Nonstop Spirit Pressure and Red Gauge maintenance.
Weapon: Final Boss LS or High Raw/Blast LS.
Talisman: Quick Sheath Lv2-3 or Weakness Exploit Lv2.
| Slot | Recommended Skills |
| Core Skills | Quick Sheath Lv3, Weakness Exploit Lv3, Critical Boost Lv3 |
| Offensive | Attack Boost Lv4+, Agitator (if available) |
| Defensive | Evade Extender Lv1 (Optional for positioning) |
🔥 Build Tip: Once you have Quick Sheath Lv3, the timing for your counters changes. Practice in the training area to adjust to the faster window!
Conclusion & FAQ
Is Long Sword beginner-friendly in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Yes and No. It has a low floor but a high ceiling. Basic combos are easy to understand, but maximizing damage requires mastering Foresight Slash and Iai Spirit Slash counters, which rely on monster knowledge.
Is Focus Mode necessary for Long Sword?
It is strongly recommended. While you can play without it, Focus Mode fixes the Long Sword's biggest weakness: aiming the vertical Spirit Helm Breaker. Using it will drastically increase your DPS consistency.