Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak: Long Sword Guide

At the beginning of the Monster Hunter Rise experience, you will immediately have to make a crucial choice, which is to understand which weapon you will want to use for the countless hours of gameplay. In all, there will be 14 different classes at your disposal, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities in general. In this particular Monster Hunter Long Sword Guide, we’re talking about the humble Longsword.

Here is a summary table for the controls required for Longsword on Switch and PC in Monster Hunter Rise:

No.	Attack and Skills	Switch Controls	PC Controls
1	Overhead Slash	X	Left Click
2	Thrust	A	Right Click
3	Directional Fadeslash	Left Stick + X + A	Directional Button + Left Click + Right Click
4	Fade Slash	X + A	Left Click + Right Click
5	Spirit Slash	ZR	MB4
6	Foresight Slash	ZR + A	MB4 + Right Click
7	Special Sheathe	ZR + B	MB4 + Space
8	Iai Slash	X while in Special Sheathe	Left Click while in Special Sheathe
9	Iai Spirit Slash	ZR while in Special Sheathe	MB4 while in Special Sheathe
10	Soaring Kick	ZL + X	Middle Click + Left Click
11	Helmbreaker/Falling Thrust	ZR after Soaring Kick	MB4 after Soaring Kick
12	Serene Pose	ZL + A	Middle Click + Right Click
13	Silkbind Sakura Slash	zR + B -> zR -> zL + X -> zR + B	MB4 + Space -> MB4 -> Middle Click + Left Click -> MB4 + Space
14	Gauge Up Combo	X + A -> zR (x3)	Left Click + Right Click -> MB4 (x3)
15	Gauge Combo	A -> zR + A -> zR -> zR + B -> zR (x3)	Right Click -> MB4 + Right Click -> MB4 -> MB4 + Space -> MB4 (x3)
16	Soaring Kick	ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click
17	Serene Pose	ZL + A	Middle Mouse Button + Right Click
18	Silkbind Sakura Slash	ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click
19	Harvest Moon	ZL + A	Middle Mouse Button + Right Click
20	Tempered Spirit Blade	ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click
21	Drawn Double Slash	X	Left Click
22	Spirit Reckoning Combo	ZR	MB4
23	Silkbind Sakura Slash	ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click
24	Sacred Sheathe Combo	Press and Hold ZR to execute the Special Sheathe Focus, then use Directional Analog (L) + B to reposition while focusing	Press and hold MB4, then use directional buttons + Space
25	Spirit Helm Breaker	After Soaring Kick press ZR	After Soaring Kick press MB4
26	Foresight Slash	During Combo press ZR + A	During Combo press MB4 + Right Click
27	Special Sheathe	After an attack, ZR + B then press X to execute Iai Slash or ZR for Iai Spirit Slash	After an attack, MB4 + Space then press Left click to execute Iai Slash or MB4 for Iai Spirit Slash

Spirit Gauge

Equipped with a Longsword, you gain access to the Spirit Gauge, a new gauge to the right of your sharpness meter. As you land standard strikes, the Spirit Gauge fills automatically, represented by the white bar in the sword-shaped meter. Use this gauge to execute Spirit Blade strikes with ZR/RT.

The fourth stage of the Spirit Combo is the Spirit Roundslash, followed by sheathing your sword. Successfully using this attack grants stacking attack bonuses, indicated by visible changes in both the Spirit Gauge and your Longsword’s color. They progress from white to yellow, and finally to red as you use Spirit Roundslash more effectively.

Longsword Controls

Like all other weapons, the Longsword also has a plethora of combos in its arsenal. Here are some basic controls/attacks.

Attack Name	Switch Controls	PC Controls
Overhead Slash	X	Left Click
Thrust	A	Right Click
Directional Fadeslash	Left Stick + X + A	Directional Button + Left Click + Right Click
Fade Slash	X + A	Left Click + Right Click
Spirit Slash	ZR	MB4
Foresight Slash	ZR + A	MB4 + Right Click
Special Sheathe	ZR + B	MB4 + Space
Iai Slash	X while in Special Sheathe	Left Click while in Special Sheathe
Iai Spirit Slash	ZR while in Special Sheathe	MB4 while in Special Sheathe
Soaring Kick	ZL + X	Middle Click + Left Click
Helmbreaker/Falling Thrust	ZR after Soaring Kick	MB4 after Soaring Kick
Serene Pose	ZL + A	Middle Click + Right Click

Now to look into these attacks in more detail.

Fade Slash and Foresight Slash

You have two maneuvers that are more effective for evasion than dealing damage.

• Fade Slash is executed by simultaneously pressing X/Y + A/B. It attacks while drawing you back at the same time, proving to be a nice way to deal some damage while also providing dodging capabilities.
• ZR/RT + A/B must be pressed simultaneously to activate the Foresight Slash. This move can be chained into a Spirit Roundslash if you successfully avoid an enemy’s attack at the right time.

Note that

• Foresight Slash will consume your Spirit Gauge.
• You can link the Foresight Slash into a Special Sheathe and use the Iai Slash to drive yourself forward without losing attack momentum if you discover that it dragged you farther away from your target than you had anticipated.

Combos

	Basic Combo
Step Slash	Overhead Slash	Thrust	Rising Slash
X (Switch)	X (Switch)	X (Switch)	X (Switch)
Left Click	Left Click	Left Click	Left Click

 

	Spirit Blade Combo	(Needs Spirit Gauge)
Spirit Blade I	Spirit Blade II	Spirit Blade III	Spirit Blade Roundslash
ZR (Switch)	ZR (Switch)	ZR (Switch)	ZR (Switch)
MB4	MB4	MB4	MB4

 

	Fade Slash Combo	(Needs Spirit Gauge)
Fade Slash	Spirit Jumping Slash	Spirit Blade III	Spirit Roundslash
X + A (Switch)	ZR (Switch)	ZR (Switch)	ZR (Switch)
Left Click + Right Click	MB4	MB4	MB4

 

	Special Sheathe	Combo 1
Step Slash	Special Sheathe	Iai Slash	Spirit Blade II
X (Switch)	ZR + B (Switch)	X (Switch)	ZR (Switch)
Left Click	MB4 + Space	Left Click	MB4

 

	Special Sheathe Combo 2
Step Slash	Foresight Slash	Spirit Roundslash
X (Switch)	ZR + A (Switch)	ZR + B (Switch)
Left Click	MB4 + Right Click	MB4 + Space

 

	Foresight Slash Combo	(When Successful)
Step Slash	Foresight Slash	Spirit Roundslash
X (Switch)	ZR + A (Switch)	ZR
Left Click	MB4 + Right Click	MB4

 

Big Damage	Combo
Switch Controls	PC Controls
zL + X -> zR -> zR + B -> X -> zR (x3)	Middle Click + Left Click -> MB4 -> MB4 + Space -> Left Click -> MB4 (x3)

Big Damage Combo is used to maximize the damage output whenever there is an opening, like when the monster is down or trapped. The combo utilizes the Spirit Helm Breaker, Special Sheathe, and the Spirit Roundslash for maximum damage!

Iai Spirit Slash to	Silkbind Sakura Slash
Switch Controls	PC Controls
zR + B -> zR -> zL + X -> zR + B	MB4 + Space -> MB4 -> Middle Click + Left Click -> MB4 + Space

This combination makes use of the smooth transition between the Switch Skill Silkbind Sakura Slash and the Iai Spirit Slash. This is a fantastic technique to raise your gauge level because using both the Silkbind Sakura Slash and the Iai Spirit Slash successfully raises your gauge level by one (1) each, for a total of two (2), As long as you have Wirebugs, you may use this combo because it has a high DPS as well.

Fast Spirit	Gauge Up Combo
Switch Controls	PC Controls
X + A -> zR (x3)	Left Click + Right Click -> MB4 (x3)

This combo replaces the initial Spirit Slash I for a Fade Slash for maximum mobility. This combo replaces Spirit Blade II with a Spirit Jumping Slash and then goes straight to Spirit Blade III.

Instant Red	Gauge Combo
Switch Controls	PC Controls
A -> zR + A -> zR -> zR + B -> zR (x3)	Right Click -> MB4 + Right Click -> MB4 -> MB4 + Space -> MB4 (x3)

This combo uses both the Foresight Slash and Iai Spirit Slash and their ability to finish with a Spirit Roundslash after performing a counterattack. This is the fastest way to raise your Spirit Level from colorless to red, but it requires precision for counterattacking two consecutive times.

Long Sword Silkbind Attacks

Soaring Kick

Switch Controls	PC Controls
ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click

The Soaring Kick is a Silkbind Attack that lets you jump off a monster upward. By default, your hunter will execute a Plunging Thrust that turns your Spirit Gauge meter blue and gradually fills it.

Pressing zR while in the air will activate the Spirit Helm Breaker, while this deals a huge amount of damage, this move also lowers your Long Sword Spirit Level by one. Do this when your Spirit Gauge is red to maximize the damage.

Serene Pose

Switch Controls	PC Controls
ZL + A	Middle Mouse Button + Right Click

Get ready in a counter stance as you conjure a web of Wirebug silk in front of you. Players will automatically avoid damage and repel any attack that enters the web. You will get stuck within the animation for a long time, but this is an extremely effective defensive maneuver.

You can use this on anything that can damage the hunters, including barrel bombs. It can even be used as a wake-up move against monsters by utilizing barrel bomb explosions.

Silkbind Sakura Slash

Switch Controls	PC Controls
ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click

 Silkbind Sakura Slash can be switched out with Soaring Kick and allows the hunter to spin around to dash and slice the foe.

Not only does the attack inflict multiple hits over time, causing additional damage, but it also grants 1 free Spirit Gauge on landing. This skill is great for elemental damage builds due to its multiple hits.

Harvest Moon

Switch Controls	PC Controls
ZL + A	Middle Mouse Button + Right Click

A move that casts out an Ironsilk ring that narrows your range of attack, but boosts spirit so you can go on the offensive.

Within the ring, your Spirit Gauge won’t deplete, and if you perform any counterattacks, it will add additional hits.

Sheathing the Long Sword will make the ring disappear. Additionally, walking toward the boundary of the ring with the weapon unsheathed will cause the player to get sent back into the ring. Doing it again will remove the ring completely.

This move costs two Wirebug charges and has a medium recovery speed.

Tempered Spirit Blade

Switch Controls	PC Controls
ZL + X	Middle Mouse Button + Left Click

A decisive Silkbind maneuver that parries any incoming monster attack with a Spirit Blade. Timing is key if you want to successfully parry an attack, but doing so will fill your Spirit Gauge and raise it one level.

Long Sword Switch Skills

With the help of Switch Skills, you can swap attacks of the original skill with switch skills. Complete the Feathered Frenzy village urgent quest to get your first Switch Skill.

Here are some switch skills:

Skill Slot	Switchskills Options
1	Step Slash, Drawn Double Slash
2	Spirit Roundslash Combo, Spirit Reckoning Combo
3	Special Sheathe Combo, Sacred Sheathe Combo
4	Soaring Kick, Silkbind Sakura Slash, Tempered Spirit Blade
5	Serene Pose, Harvest Moon

Now, let’s talk about these Switch Skills in more detail.

Drawn Double Slash

Switched With	Controls
Step Slash	·         For Switch: X ·         For PC: Left Click NOTE: (Draw weapon while sheathed)

Drawn Double Slash is an attack that replaces Step Slash. It consists of an extraction attack that hits with a vertical and then a horizontal cut. It also allows you to absorb a blow during the attack. While it does more damage than a Step Slash, it can also combo into Spirit Slash II but not Fade Slash.

Spirit Reckoning Combo

Switched With	Controls
Spirit Roundslash Combo	·         For Switch: ZR ·         For PC: MB4 NOTE: (After Spirit Blade II)

The Spirit Roundslash, which usually completes the Spirit combination, is replaced with this Switch Skill. Additionally, before performing the Reckoning combination, you can choose a direction and rush towards it. Like the Roundslash, this gives you a one-point boost to your Spirit Gauge.

Silkbind Sakura Slash

Switched With	Controls
Soaring Kick	·         For Switch: ZL + X ·         For PC: Middle Mouse Button + Left Click

 Your hunter dashes forward while swinging your sword twice in a circle with this Silkbind Attack Switch Skill. Additionally, this adds 1 level to your Spirit Gauge right away.

The blades’ impact point will sustain lingering harm. Although, we wouldn’t recommend switching this skill with Soaring Kick, as Soaring Kick is needed to execute Spirit Helm Breaker, which is just way too punishing to pass on.

Sacred Sheathe Combo

Switched With	Controls
Special Sheathe Combo	·         For Switch: Press and Hold ZR to execute the Special Sheathe Focus, then use Directional Analog (L) + B to reposition while focusing ·         For PC: Press and hold MB4, then use directional buttons + Space

 A variant of the special sheathe combo that uses immediate countering rather than waiting for the target to be attacked by a monster.

Even after completing the sheathing animation, the Hunter can enter the charging state and use all of the remaining spirit gauge charges to unleash a barrage of lethal blows.

Longsword Attacks and Moves

Spirit Helm Breaker

Switch Controls	PC Controls
After Soaring Kick press ZR	After Soaring Kick press MB4

In Monster Hunter Rise, the Spirit Helm Breaker is a returning move. This is typically regarded as the Long Sword’s most damaging attack. It is also advised since it is simple to use and can be executed just after a Soaring Kick. Keep in mind that doing so will lower your Spirit Level by 1 and that you cannot use it if your Spirit Gauge is colorless.

Foresight Slash

Switch Controls	PC Controls
During Combo press ZR + A	During Combo press MB4 + Right Click

 Your Spirit Gauge is totally depleted during this evasive move, but it is restored when the attack is successful. If you successfully land the final slash, you can then follow it up with a Spirit Roundslash to raise your current Spirit Level by 1.

The counter-slash must strike the monster in order for the final Spirit Roundslash to be done. Keep in mind that this move is performed between combos.

Special Sheathe

Switch Controls	PC Controls
After an attack, ZR + B then press X to execute Iai Slash or ZR for Iai Spirit Slash	After an attack, MB4 + Space then press Left click to execute Iai Slash or MB4 for Iai Spirit Slash

 Special Sheathe is a move that sheathes your weapon, as the name suggests, but only after performing an attack.

You can chain this up with X or Left-click to execute an Iai Slash. Press zR or MB4 instead to execute an Iai Spirit Slash.

Best Long Swords

Here are some of the best longswords in Monster Hunter Rise:

Tigrine Need

This might be a difficult weapon to handle, but with proper training and practice, its ability to deal maximum potential damage is off the charts.

With the use of proper skills and buffs, Tigrine Need is arguably one of the deadliest and most difficult weapons to use in the game.

Deepest Night

A quick and mobile Longsword that provides a decent amount of raw damage and ridiculous absurdity. The sword comes with a Level 2 decoration slot and white sharpness enhancement.

Phantom Mirage

The Phantom Mirage is by far the greatest weapon in Monster Hunter Rise. The Phantom Mirage clearly outperforms the Tigrine Need given that it is just 10 attack stats below it and has a 15% affinity.

The Tigrine Need’s sharpness is the sole advantage it has over it. However, this is readily fixed by adding a few drops of either the master’s tough or protective polish. The Phantom Mirage has the most effective raw damage of any longsword thanks to protective polish, but what you gain in damage you lose in hassle.

The Phantom Mirage is always the right decision, regardless of the build you go for.

Longsword – Tips and Tricks

Take It to The Training Area

Access the Training Area via the small boat in the Buddy Plaza to practice Longsword combos effectively. Here, you can refine your skills, understand Spirit Gauge mechanics, and master techniques like Spirit Blades, Special Sheathes, and Foresight Slashes without distractions.

Get a Quick Sheath Build

Consider a Quick Sheath build, which complements the Long Sword’s Special Sheath move. Quick Sheath LVL 3 nearly doubles the sheathing animation speed, allowing you to quickly gain Spirit Gauge levels.

Maintain a Red Spirit Gauge

Maintain a red Spirit Gauge for maximum Long Sword firepower, visible in the Spirit Gauge meter on the HUD or the blade’s color.

Utilize Your Iai Slash to Fuel Combos

Utilize the Iai Slash to replenish your attack buff during fights or when chasing monsters. It’s essential to incorporate this move seamlessly into your combos.

Aim for the Spirit Helm Breaker

Prioritize the Spirit Helm Breaker, the most potent Long Sword move, especially with a Red Spirit Gauge level for maximum damage.

Endless Combo

Discover the Longsword’s endless combo by continuously pressing the Thrust (A/B) attack during a combo. This helps fill the Spirit Gauge swiftly and is effective against both small and large monsters.

That’s it for this Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Longsword Guide.