Monster Hunter Rise: Best High Rank Longsword Build

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! Ready to slice and dice your way through the High Rank quests in Monster Hunter Rise? The Longsword is an awesome weapon, known for its stylish moves and powerful counters. To really make the most of it, you'll need the right build. Let's dive into creating the ultimate High Rank Longsword build that will have you dominating every hunt! This guide is designed to walk you through each crucial component, ensuring that your hunter is equipped to handle anything the game throws your way. We'll break down the optimal armor sets, essential skills, and weapon choices to maximize your damage output and survivability. Get ready to become a Longsword master!

Understanding the Longsword in High Rank

The Longsword is all about building up your Spirit Gauge and unleashing devastating Spirit Blade combos. In High Rank, monsters hit harder and have more health, so mastering the Longsword's mechanics is crucial. You need to be able to effectively manage your Spirit Gauge, time your counters perfectly, and know when to go on the offensive. The Foresight Slash is your bread and butter for dodging attacks and maintaining your combo flow. A well-timed Foresight Slash not only avoids damage but also fills your Spirit Gauge, setting you up for powerful follow-up attacks. Another key technique is the Iai Spirit Slash, which requires precise timing but rewards you with massive damage and a further boost to your Spirit Gauge. Understanding how to use these moves effectively will significantly increase your damage output and survivability in High Rank quests. Additionally, learn the monster attack patterns, which will allow you to consistently land counters and maintain momentum during hunts. Optimizing your gameplay with these skills is the foundation of a successful Longsword build.

Core Skills for a High Rank Longsword Build

To truly excel with the Longsword in High Rank, focusing on specific skills is key. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones:

  • Attack Boost: This is a no-brainer. More attack power means more damage. Aim for at least level 4. Prioritize Attack Boost as it provides a significant damage increase, especially in the early to mid-game of High Rank. The raw attack boost scales well and enhances your overall damage output. Look for armor pieces and decorations that offer this skill to maximize its benefits. Investing in Attack Boost early will make a noticeable difference in your hunt times and overall effectiveness.
  • Critical Eye: Increasing your affinity (critical hit chance) is crucial. Aim for at least 40-50% affinity. Achieving a high critical hit rate ensures that a significant portion of your attacks deal extra damage, leading to faster monster takedowns. Combine Critical Eye with other affinity-boosting skills for maximum effectiveness. The consistency of critical hits will amplify your damage output, making you a more reliable damage dealer in hunts.
  • Weakness Exploit: This skill grants you a significant affinity boost when hitting a monster's weak spots. Maxing this out is essential for maximizing damage. Targeting weak points is a fundamental aspect of Monster Hunter, and Weakness Exploit rewards you handsomely for doing so. The skill synergizes well with Critical Eye, ensuring that your critical hits land where they matter most. Focus on learning monster weak points to take full advantage of this skill.
  • Critical Boost: Increases the damage multiplier of critical hits. Since we're focusing on affinity, this skill is a must-have. Once you've stacked enough affinity, Critical Boost turns those critical hits into devastating blows. The increased damage multiplier significantly amplifies your overall damage output. This skill is a late-game priority, as it requires a solid foundation of affinity to be truly effective. Pair it with Weakness Exploit and Critical Eye for maximum impact.
  • Quick Sheathe: The Longsword relies heavily on sheathing and unsheathing for moves like Iai Spirit Slash. This skill speeds up the process, making your attacks flow smoother. Quick Sheathe enhances the fluidity of your Longsword combos, allowing you to react more quickly to monster attacks and reposition effectively. The skill is particularly useful for landing Iai Spirit Slashes, which are crucial for maintaining your Spirit Gauge and dealing significant damage. Investing in Quick Sheathe will improve your overall combat efficiency and responsiveness.

Recommended Armor Sets

Now, let's talk about specific armor sets that will help you achieve these skills:

  • Rathalos Set: The Rathalos armor set is a great starting point in High Rank, providing a solid base of attack power and critical hit chance. The set often comes with Attack Boost and Weakness Exploit, which are both essential for maximizing your damage output. While it may not be the most stylish set, its effectiveness in combat cannot be denied. As you progress through High Rank, you can mix and match pieces from the Rathalos set with other armor to fine-tune your skills and resistances.
  • Nargacuga Set: Known for its focus on evasion and critical hits, the Nargacuga set is perfect for Longsword users who prioritize agility and precision. The set typically includes skills like Evade Window and Critical Eye, which synergize well with the Longsword's emphasis on dodging and countering. The Nargacuga set is particularly effective for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle, allowing them to avoid damage while maintaining their offensive pressure. Its sleek design is an added bonus for those who value aesthetics.
  • Zinogre Set: The Zinogre set offers a balance of offense and defense, making it a versatile choice for Longsword users. The set often includes skills like Latent Power and Thunder Attack, which can provide significant damage boosts in certain situations. The Zinogre set is particularly effective against monsters weak to Thunder, but its balanced stats make it a solid choice against a wide range of opponents. The set's iconic design is also a popular choice among hunters.

Mix and match these sets to get the skills you need while maintaining decent defense. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your playstyle.

Weapon Choices

Choosing the right Longsword is just as important as your armor. Here are a few top contenders for High Rank:

  • Kamura Ninja Blade: This is a solid early High Rank option, offering decent attack power and sharpness. It's relatively easy to obtain and upgrade, making it a reliable choice for progressing through the early stages of High Rank. The Kamura Ninja Blade is a versatile weapon that can be used against a variety of monsters. Its balanced stats and ease of access make it a great option for players who are new to High Rank.
  • Hidden Saber: The Nargacuga Longsword. It boasts high affinity, complementing your Critical Eye skill. The Hidden Saber is a popular choice among Longsword users due to its high affinity and sharpness. The weapon's sleek design and powerful stats make it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled hunter. The Hidden Saber is particularly effective against monsters with high defenses.
  • Rathalos Firesword: If you're facing monsters weak to fire, this Longsword is a fantastic choice. It has good attack power and fire element damage. The Rathalos Firesword is a powerful weapon that can deal significant damage to monsters weak to fire. The weapon's iconic design and fiery effects make it a visually striking choice. The Rathalos Firesword is a must-have for hunters who specialize in fire-based attacks.

Decorations and Talismans

Don't forget about decorations and talismans! These can add extra skills to your build, filling in any gaps and maximizing your potential. Look for decorations that provide Attack Boost, Critical Eye, Weakness Exploit, and Critical Boost. Talismans can also provide valuable skills, so keep an eye out for ones that complement your build. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for your playstyle.

Essential Decorations:

  • Attack Jewel: Provides Attack Boost. These are essential for maximizing your raw damage output. Prioritize Attack Jewels when decorating your armor, as Attack Boost is a cornerstone of any effective Longsword build. The more Attack Jewels you can fit into your build, the better.
  • Critical Jewel: Adds Critical Eye. Increasing your affinity is crucial for landing critical hits, so these jewels are invaluable. Critical Jewels are essential for increasing your affinity and maximizing your critical hit rate. These jewels are particularly effective when combined with Weakness Exploit and Critical Boost.
  • Exploiter Jewel: Grants Weakness Exploit. Hitting weak spots becomes even more rewarding with this decoration. Exploiter Jewels are essential for maximizing your damage output when targeting monster weak points. These jewels synergize well with the Longsword's emphasis on precision and timing.
  • Critical Boost Jewel: Enhances Critical Boost. Make your critical hits even more devastating. Critical Boost Jewels are essential for maximizing the damage multiplier of your critical hits. These jewels are particularly effective when combined with high affinity and Weakness Exploit.
  • Quick Sheathe Jewel: Improves Quick Sheathe. Speed up your sheathing and unsheathing for smoother combos. Quick Sheathe Jewels enhance the fluidity of your Longsword combos, allowing you to react more quickly to monster attacks and reposition effectively. These jewels are particularly useful for landing Iai Spirit Slashes.

Talismans to Look Out For:

  • Attack Boost Talisman: A talisman with Attack Boost is a game-changer, providing a significant boost to your overall damage output. Look for talismans with multiple levels of Attack Boost to maximize its benefits.
  • Weakness Exploit Talisman: A talisman with Weakness Exploit is highly sought after, as it allows you to focus on other skills with your armor and decorations. These talismans are particularly effective when combined with Critical Eye and Critical Boost.
  • Critical Eye Talisman: A talisman with Critical Eye is a valuable asset, increasing your affinity and critical hit rate. These talismans are essential for maintaining a consistent stream of critical hits.
  • Quick Sheathe Talisman: A talisman with Quick Sheathe is a game-changer, enhancing the fluidity of your Longsword combos. Look for talismans with multiple levels of Quick Sheathe to maximize its benefits.

Gameplay Tips for High Rank

  • Master the Foresight Slash: This move is your lifeline. Practice the timing to dodge attacks and maintain your Spirit Gauge. The Foresight Slash is a versatile move that can be used both offensively and defensively. Mastering the timing of this move is crucial for surviving and thriving in High Rank quests.
  • Utilize the Iai Spirit Slash: A powerful counterattack that can deal massive damage. Learn to time it correctly to punish monster attacks. The Iai Spirit Slash is a high-risk, high-reward move that can deal significant damage and boost your Spirit Gauge. Practice timing this move to punish monster attacks and maintain your offensive pressure.
  • Target Weak Spots: Always aim for the monster's weak points to maximize your damage output. Learning monster weak points is a fundamental aspect of Monster Hunter. Targeting these weak points will significantly increase your damage output and reduce your hunt times.
  • Manage Your Spirit Gauge: Keep an eye on your Spirit Gauge and use Spirit Blade combos to maintain it. Managing your Spirit Gauge is crucial for maintaining your offensive pressure and dealing consistent damage. Use Spirit Blade combos to build and maintain your Spirit Gauge throughout the hunt.
  • Adapt to the Monster: Every monster is different. Learn their attack patterns and adjust your strategy accordingly. Adapting to the monster's attack patterns is essential for surviving and thriving in High Rank quests. Learn to recognize their tells and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Building the perfect High Rank Longsword build is all about finding the right balance of skills, armor, and weapons that suit your playstyle. Experiment, have fun, and keep hunting! With this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Longsword master in Monster Hunter Rise. Happy hunting, and may your blades always be sharp! Remember to continuously refine your build as you progress, incorporating new gear and decorations to stay ahead of the curve. Good luck, and may your hunts be filled with glorious victories!