Hey fellow hunters! Are you ready to dive into the world of Monster Hunter Rise on your PlayStation 4 with the sleek and deadly longsword? You've come to the right place. This guide is packed with everything you need to know to master the longsword, from basic combos to advanced techniques, and how to make the most of your hunts on the PS4. Let's get started and transform you into a longsword pro!

Why Choose the Longsword?

The longsword is a favorite among Monster Hunter players, and for good reason. It's a versatile weapon that offers a great balance of offense and defense. With its fluid movements and powerful spirit gauge mechanics, the longsword allows you to deal consistent damage while maintaining mobility. Here’s why it stands out:

• Versatility: The longsword is effective against a wide range of monsters. Its reach and speed make it suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.
• Spirit Gauge: Mastering the spirit gauge is key to unlocking the longsword's full potential. By executing spirit blade combos, you can charge the gauge and unleash devastating attacks.
• Countering: The longsword has excellent counter options, allowing you to turn a monster's attack into an opportunity for a powerful strike.
• Mobility: The longsword allows for smooth, evasive maneuvers, making it easier to dodge monster attacks and reposition yourself for the next strike. This is crucial for survival and maintaining offensive pressure.

For those new to Monster Hunter, the longsword's relatively simple combos make it easy to pick up, while its depth offers plenty of room for mastery. Veterans will appreciate the weapon's responsiveness and the skill required to perfectly time counters and spirit blade combos. The longsword is a fantastic choice, no matter your experience level.

Getting Started: Basic Combos and Controls

Before you can start taking down monsters with style, you need to familiarize yourself with the longsword's basic combos and controls. Here’s a breakdown to get you started:

• Basic Attacks:
  • X Button (Triangle on PlayStation): Standard thrust attack. Use this to initiate combos or to poke at monsters from a safe distance.
  • A Button (Circle on PlayStation): Overhead slash. This is a slower but more powerful attack that can be used to break monster parts or deal significant damage.
• Spirit Gauge: The spirit gauge is the heart of the longsword. Filling it up allows you to perform more powerful attacks.
  • R2 Button (RT on Xbox): Spirit Blade Combo. This is your bread-and-butter combo for charging the spirit gauge. Each successful hit fills the gauge, and the final hit in the combo deals significant damage.
  • Foresight Slash: A powerful counter move that allows you to evade an attack while charging your spirit gauge. Timing is key to executing this move effectively.
  • Iai Spirit Slash: Another powerful counter that can be used to punish monsters that leave themselves open. This move requires precise timing and positioning.
• Movement:
  • Use the left stick to move your hunter and the right stick to control the camera. Mastering movement is essential for dodging attacks and positioning yourself effectively.
  • Evade: Press the B Button (Circle on PlayStation) to perform a quick evade. Use this to dodge monster attacks and reposition yourself.

Practice these basic combos and movements until they become second nature. Head to the training area to hone your skills and experiment with different attack patterns. With a solid foundation of basic techniques, you'll be well-prepared to tackle more advanced strategies.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to dive into the advanced techniques that will set you apart from the average hunter. These strategies will help you maximize your damage output and survive even the toughest hunts:

• Mastering the Spirit Gauge:
  • Spirit Level: The spirit gauge has multiple levels, each indicated by a different color. The higher the level, the more damage you deal. Use the Spirit Blade Combo to increase your spirit level.
  • Foresight Slash: This move is crucial for maintaining your spirit level. By timing it correctly, you can evade an attack while simultaneously charging your gauge.
  • Iai Spirit Slash: An advanced technique that allows you to quickly counter and punish monsters. Practice the timing to execute this move effectively.
• Countering and Evading:
  • Foresight Slash: Use this move to evade attacks and maintain your offensive pressure. Timing is key to executing this move effectively.
  • Iai Spirit Slash: Another powerful counter that can be used to punish monsters that leave themselves open. This move requires precise timing and positioning.
  • Evade Window: Skills that increase your evade window can make it easier to dodge monster attacks. Experiment with different skills to find what works best for you.
• Positioning and Timing:
  • Weak Points: Aim for the monster's weak points to deal maximum damage. Use your longsword's reach to your advantage and strike from a safe distance.
  • Attack Patterns: Learn the monster's attack patterns to anticipate their moves and counter effectively. Patience and observation are key to mastering this skill.

Best Longsword Builds for PS4

To truly excel with the longsword in Monster Hunter Rise on PS4, you'll need to create effective builds that complement your playstyle. Here are a few popular builds to get you started:

• Critical Eye Build: This build focuses on maximizing your critical hit rate to deal consistent damage. Key skills include Critical Eye, Weakness Exploit, and Critical Boost.

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  • Weapon: Tigrex Longsword or Nargacuga Longsword
  • Armor: A mix of armor pieces with high critical eye skills, such as the Nargacuga and Rathalos armor sets.
  • Decorations: Critical Jewel, Attack Jewel, and Weakness Exploit Jewel

• Attack Boost Build: This build focuses on increasing your raw attack power to deal massive damage. Key skills include Attack Boost, Agitator, and Critical Eye.

  • Weapon: Rampage Tree Longsword
  • Armor: A mix of armor pieces with high attack boost skills, such as the Anjanath and Diablos armor sets.
  • Decorations: Attack Jewel, Critical Jewel, and Agitator Jewel

• Comfort Build: This build focuses on survivability, making it easier to stay alive during tough hunts. Key skills include Evade Window, Evade Extender, and Health Boost.

  • Weapon: Any longsword with good sharpness
  • Armor: A mix of armor pieces with high evade window and evade extender skills, such as the Barioth and Anjanath armor sets.
  • Decorations: Evade Jewel, Health Jewel, and Protection Jewel

Experiment with different builds to find what works best for you. Consider your playstyle and the types of monsters you'll be hunting when choosing your skills and equipment. Don't be afraid to mix and match armor pieces to create a unique build that suits your needs.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Longsword

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you master the longsword in Monster Hunter Rise on PS4:

• Practice Your Timing: Timing is crucial for executing the longsword's advanced techniques, such as the Foresight Slash and Iai Spirit Slash. Head to the training area to hone your skills and experiment with different attack patterns.
• Learn Monster Attack Patterns: Knowing when to evade, counter, or attack is essential for surviving tough hunts. Pay attention to the monster's movements and learn their attack patterns.
• Use Wirebug Skills: Wirebug skills can enhance your mobility and allow you to perform powerful attacks. Experiment with different wirebug skills to find what works best for you.
• Upgrade Your Equipment: Regularly upgrade your longsword and armor to increase your damage output and survivability. Don't neglect decorations, which can provide valuable bonuses.
• Play with Friends: Hunting with friends can make the game more enjoyable and increase your chances of success. Coordinate your attacks and support each other to take down even the toughest monsters.

Longsword Playstyle and How it Applies to PS4

The longsword playstyle emphasizes fluid movements, precise counters, and strategic positioning. On the PS4, the controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing you to execute complex combos with ease. The DualShock 4 controller provides excellent feedback, making it easier to time your counters and dodges.

• Fluid Movements: The longsword allows for smooth, evasive maneuvers, making it easier to dodge monster attacks and reposition yourself for the next strike. Use the left stick to move your hunter and the right stick to control the camera. Mastering movement is essential for survival and maintaining offensive pressure.
• Precise Counters: The longsword has excellent counter options, allowing you to turn a monster's attack into an opportunity for a powerful strike. Practice your timing to execute these counters effectively.
• Strategic Positioning: Position yourself strategically to take advantage of the monster's weak points and avoid their attacks. Use the longsword's reach to your advantage and strike from a safe distance.

By mastering these elements, you'll be able to dominate the battlefield and become a formidable longsword user on the PS4.

Conclusion

The longsword is a fantastic weapon choice for Monster Hunter Rise on PS4, offering a perfect blend of offense, defense, and versatility. By mastering the basic combos, advanced techniques, and building effective equipment sets, you'll be well on your way to becoming a longsword master. So grab your controller, sharpen your blade, and get ready to embark on epic hunts! Happy hunting, and may your spirit gauge always be full!