Monster Hunter Rise PS5: Longsword Guide

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Hey there, fellow hunters! Ready to dive into the world of Monster Hunter Rise on your PS5? If you're looking to master the elegant and deadly Longsword, you've come to the right place. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about wielding this iconic weapon, from its basic moves to advanced techniques. We'll cover the best builds, strategies, and tips to help you slice and dice your way through any monster that dares to cross your path. So, grab your Longsword, sharpen your skills, and let's get hunting!

Understanding the Longsword: A Symphony of Steel

Alright, first things first: let's talk about what makes the Longsword tick. This weapon is all about precision, timing, and flowing attacks. Unlike some of the heavier weapons, the Longsword emphasizes graceful movements and building up your Spirit Gauge to unleash devastating combos. Think of it as a dance of death, where every slash and parry is a step in a deadly ballet. The Longsword is known for its long reach, making it perfect for targeting specific monster parts and maintaining a safe distance while dishing out damage. Its unique Spirit Gauge mechanic adds a layer of depth, encouraging players to be aggressive and maintain a constant flow of attacks. Mastering the Longsword isn't just about button-mashing; it's about understanding the rhythm of combat and exploiting monster openings. The Longsword's moveset is diverse, offering options for both offensive and defensive play. From quick slashes to powerful Spirit Blade attacks, there's a move for every situation. You'll need to learn how to weave these moves together to create seamless combos that maximize your damage output. The key is to practice, practice, practice. Get familiar with the weapon's timing, range, and various attack animations. This will allow you to react quickly to monster movements and capitalize on their weaknesses. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combos and find what works best for your playstyle. Experimentation is key to becoming a true Longsword master. The Longsword is a versatile weapon that can adapt to different hunting scenarios. Whether you're facing a fast-moving monster or a heavily armored beast, there's a Longsword strategy that will help you succeed. This guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to become a Longsword expert, ready to take on any challenge.

The Spirit Gauge: Fueling Your Fury

The Spirit Gauge is the Longsword's signature mechanic, and it's absolutely crucial to master. This gauge fills up as you land attacks, and it allows you to perform powerful Spirit Blade attacks that deal massive damage. The more the Spirit Gauge is filled, the more powerful your Spirit Blade attacks become. This is the core of Longsword gameplay, and you need to keep this gauge filled at all times to maximize your damage. The Spirit Gauge has three levels: White, Yellow, and Red. Each level increases your attack power, with Red being the most potent. To maintain the highest level, you'll need to continuously attack monsters and avoid taking damage. The Spirit Gauge depletes over time, so you must keep attacking to keep it charged. Maintaining the Spirit Gauge at the highest level requires a delicate balance of offense and defense. You need to be aggressive enough to fill the gauge, but also cautious enough to avoid taking hits that will deplete it. This balancing act is what makes the Longsword so rewarding to play. The Spirit Blade attacks are your main damage dealers, so you must learn to execute them effectively. These attacks have different animations and ranges, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best way to learn these attacks is to practice them in the training area and experiment with them in the field. Understanding how the Spirit Gauge works and how to manage it effectively is the key to becoming a successful Longsword hunter.

Basic Longsword Controls and Combos

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually use the Longsword. Here are the basic controls and some fundamental combos to get you started.

Basic Controls

Attack (Triangle): Performs horizontal slashes. This is your bread and butter, use it to start combos and build your Spirit Gauge.
Spirit Blade (Triangle after an attack): This is where the magic happens. After landing attacks, you can unleash the Spirit Blade. As your spirit gauge fills, your Spirit Blade attacks become more potent and deal more damage. The best damage comes from the Spirit Blade combo, so practice using this.
Special Sheathe (L2 + X): This is a key defensive move, which allows you to quickly sheath your weapon and evade attacks. It's also great for repositioning or setting up counter attacks.
Foresight Slash (R2 after an attack): This move allows you to deflect an incoming attack and then follow up with a powerful Spirit Blade attack. It requires precise timing and can be risky, but it's very rewarding when pulled off. Learn to use this move as it is one of the keys to success.
Step Slash (X + direction): A quick step with a slash. It's a great way to reposition yourself and avoid attacks while keeping the pressure on the monster.

Essential Combos

Horizontal Slash -> Spirit Blade: This is your basic damage-dealing combo. Keep repeating it to build your Spirit Gauge and unleash powerful Spirit Blade attacks.
Step Slash -> Horizontal Slash -> Spirit Blade: A good combo for repositioning and attacking at the same time.
Foresight Slash (deflect a monster attack) -> Spirit Blade: A high-risk, high-reward combo that can deal massive damage. It's essential to practice your timing with this move.

Learning these combos will give you a solid foundation for your Longsword gameplay. As you gain experience, you'll be able to create your own unique combos and adapt to different monster encounters.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Alright, you've got the basics down. Now, let's talk about some advanced techniques and strategies to elevate your Longsword game. These skills will help you take your hunting skills to the next level. Be prepared to keep playing and practicing.

Foresight Slash Mastery

The Foresight Slash is one of the most iconic and rewarding moves in the Longsword's arsenal. Mastering this move is crucial for both offense and defense. The timing is key - you need to anticipate the monster's attack and use Foresight Slash right before it hits you. If you time it correctly, you'll deflect the attack and automatically launch into a Spirit Blade attack. It's also a great way to avoid being knocked around, so you can keep dealing damage. Practice against monsters with predictable attack patterns, such as the Great Izuchi, to hone your timing. Learn the tells of each monster's attacks to predict when to use Foresight Slash. Mastering Foresight Slash will transform you from a good Longsword user into a truly skilled hunter. You'll be able to deflect attacks with ease and turn the monster's aggression against it. It's not just about timing - you also need to understand the range and positioning of the Foresight Slash. Make sure you're in the right position to hit the monster after the deflect. This move is a game-changer when fighting monsters like Rathalos or Tigrex, who have devastating attacks.

Special Sheathe and Counter-Attacking

The Special Sheathe is another essential technique for the Longsword. This move allows you to quickly sheath your weapon and evade attacks. It's great for repositioning or setting up counter-attacks. Use Special Sheathe to quickly get out of the way of dangerous attacks and then follow up with a counter-attack. The timing of your counter-attacks is crucial, so practice them in different situations. Learn to identify the openings in the monster's attacks and capitalize on them with well-timed counters. This move is also a great way to close the distance between you and the monster quickly. The key to successful counter-attacking is to stay calm and analyze the monster's movements. Watch for patterns in its attacks and anticipate when the best time to counter is. The more you play and practice, the better you'll become at recognizing these opportunities. Remember that counter-attacking is not just about dealing damage; it's also about controlling the flow of battle and keeping the monster on its toes.

Spirit Blade Combo Management

Managing your Spirit Blade combo is essential for maximizing your damage output. The goal is to maintain your Spirit Gauge at the highest level (Red) for as long as possible. This means constantly attacking the monster and using Spirit Blade attacks whenever your gauge is full. The Spirit Blade combo is your main damage dealer, so you need to learn how to execute it efficiently. This takes a lot of practice and careful planning. The Spirit Blade combo consists of three attacks: Spirit Blade I, Spirit Blade II, and Spirit Blade III. Each attack deals increasing damage, with Spirit Blade III being the most powerful. However, it also consumes a significant amount of your Spirit Gauge. The trick is to balance using the Spirit Blade combo with maintaining your Spirit Gauge. If your gauge is about to run out, you can stop the combo mid-way to build it back up. Watch the monster's movements and use the opening to attack while maintaining a high Spirit Gauge. Using the Spirit Blade effectively requires a constant awareness of your gauge level. Mastering the Spirit Blade is a crucial skill for any Longsword user. With practice and persistence, you'll be able to deal massive damage and become a true master of the blade.

Best Longsword Builds and Armor Sets

Building your character is another important part of Monster Hunter Rise. This section will guide you through some of the best Longsword builds and armor sets to get you started.

Early Game Builds

Armor: Bone Armor set for attack and defense.
Longsword: Any Longsword with good raw damage.
Skills: Focus on attack and defense skills.

Mid-Game Builds

Armor: Anjanath Armor set for attack and elemental resistance.
Longsword: Anjanath Longsword for high raw damage.
Skills: Attack Boost, Weakness Exploit, and critical eye.

Late-Game Builds

Armor: Build around specific skills like attack boost, critical eye, and weakness exploit.
Longsword: Depends on the monster and your preferred playstyle. Consider elemental Longswords.
Skills: Focus on skills that boost your damage output and survivability.

Essential Skills to prioritize:

Attack Boost: Increases your raw attack power.
Critical Eye: Increases your affinity, making it more likely to land critical hits.
Weakness Exploit: Increases your damage when hitting a monster's weak spots.
Critical Boost: Increases the damage of your critical hits.
Focus: Speeds up the charging of your Spirit Gauge.

Hunting Tips and Tricks

To become a Longsword master, it takes more than just skill. Here are some extra tips and tricks to make your hunts even more successful.

Learn Monster Attack Patterns

This is absolutely essential for any hunter, but especially for Longsword users. Knowing a monster's attack patterns allows you to predict its moves and time your Foresight Slashes and counters effectively. Pay attention to the monster's tells, which are the subtle cues that indicate when it's about to attack. Study the monster's movements and learn to recognize the signs of each attack. Watching guides and videos of other hunters is a great way to learn monster attack patterns. The more you know about your enemies, the better you'll be able to defeat them. This is the cornerstone of success.

Utilize Wirebugs for Mobility

Wirebugs are one of the key features in Monster Hunter Rise, and they're incredibly useful for Longsword users. Use Wirebugs to quickly close the distance between you and the monster, escape from dangerous situations, and reposition yourself for attacks. Learn to use the Longsword's Wirebug skills, such as the Soaring Kick, which can be used to mount monsters. Use Wirebugs to get into a good position, and then start an attack. They allow you to be more aggressive and mobile on the battlefield. Mastering the Wirebugs will give you a significant advantage in combat.

Understand Monster Weaknesses

Knowing a monster's weaknesses is just as important as knowing its attack patterns. Different monsters are weak to different types of attacks and elements. Choose your Longsword and armor accordingly. Look up the monster's weaknesses before each hunt and tailor your build to exploit them. Using the right elements can significantly increase your damage output and make the hunt much easier. When fighting a monster, aim your attacks at its weak spots. Targeting these weak points will maximize your damage and make the hunt go faster.

Practice Makes Perfect

There's no substitute for practice. The more you play with the Longsword, the better you'll become. Practice your combos, experiment with different strategies, and learn from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to try new things and push your limits. The training area is a great place to hone your skills and experiment with different moves. Watching videos of other Longsword users can also be a great source of inspiration and new strategies. Persistence and practice are key to becoming a master.

Conclusion: Slicing Your Way to Victory

That's it, hunters! With the right knowledge, practice, and a little bit of patience, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Longsword master in Monster Hunter Rise on the PS5. Remember to stay patient, keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun! Good luck, and happy hunting! Now go out there and show those monsters what you're made of! Keep those blades sharp, and keep slaying!