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Faster than a Greatsword and more elegant than the Hammer, the Longsword in Monster Hunter World is easily one of the most popular melee weapons in the game. It’s what you bring to a hunt if you wish to be stylish and also if you want hate mail from your teammates because you can’t stop tripping them. If you do have the best Longswords in MHW, you can at least look like you know what you’re doing until you actually become a Foresight Slash god. So here they are.
Kjarr Sword “Fire”
Consider yourself lucky if you managed to snag one of these as a non-Iceborne hunter. The Kjarr Sword “Fire” is exceedingly rare, along with its non-Affinity variant, the Taroth Sword “Fire.” Regardless of which you pick, these weapons are golden, literally, and they’re some of the prettiest in the game. Worth collecting for style alone.
This is the minimum weapon you’ll want to bring from the base game if you’re transitioning over to Iceborne. Most other weapons that are weaker won’t cut it and might make your hunt more frustrating. You’ll also have to be aware when fighting monsters like fire-resistant monsters like Anjanath.
Defender Katana V
The Defender Katana V is around the same level as the Kjarr Sword “Fire” (sometimes marginally weaker, depending on the situation). But it has one advantage: the developers readily gave it for free.
This weapon was made better than any other former best Longswords in MHW to ensure a smoother and faster path to Master Rank in Iceborne. However, you’ll soon need to replace it once you’re in the Guiding Lands. Still, if you need a universal weapon, the Defender Katana V works for most hunts and is something you’ll need when starting in Master Rank.
Crimson Viperfang II
The Crimson Viperfang II’s damage might pale in comparison to other Iceborne or Master Rank weapons, but the utility is astounding. If you want to stun your targets for free hits frequently, then this is the Longsword to pick.
It’s also easy enough to farm; you have to grit your teeth and endure Viper Tobi-Kadachi’s unfair poison. Okay, maybe not so easy to farm, but your efforts will be rewarded well. It’s an underrated weapon, especially in the raw damage meta, but Paralysis builds enabled by this weapon can make hunts a breeze, more than you know.
Royal Captain Rapier
For those craving a high-damage Longsword that looks like a Longsword instead of a half-eaten chicken wing, the Royal Captain Rapier ought to be an instant favorite. It’s even more stylish compared to the best Longsword in MHW.
It’s also relatively easy to obtain. You just have to fight the Barioth in the 50 Shades of White event. You might want to replace it for really serious hunts, as the Water element isn’t ideal. But since it’s so easy to obtain and competes with the Kjarr Sword “Fire” for aesthetics, we deem it a must-have for Master Rank, if only for fashion’s sake.
Hellish Slasher
The Divine Slasher was once considered the crème de la crème of Monster Hunter World‘s basest version, but it has since been overshadowed. Thankfully, Iceborne gave it an upgrade in the form of Hellish Slasher.
Just upgrade the Divine Slasher, and you won’t ever have to touch that Sharpening Stone anymore. This Longsword has White Sharpness for miles and is perfect against Elder Dragons. It”s one of the most comfortable Longswords you can use and is accessible since most of you should already have the Divine Slasher.
Safi’s Shatterblade
Really, just about all Safi blade weapons are great, but the Shatterblade gets plus points for the Blast element and how it helps in stunning monsters. With how often you’ll be farming Safi’jiiva, you’re likely going to acquire all the blade variants.
This is great since you can change up your specific blade type depending on who you’re hunting. Or you can just stick with the Safi’s Shatterblade for a one-size-fits-all mode. Besides, if you’re already rocking the edgy and brooding hunter get-up, you might as well go all in with Safi Longswords.
Demonlord Halberd
Rajang is already a tough nut to crack in Monster Hunter World, and you’ll be pleased to know that there’s an even harder version in the form of Furious Rajang. Thankfully, the reward is worth it. You can use his parts to craft the Demonlord Halberd.
It has one of the highest damage numbers and one of the best Longswords in Monster Hunter World. As with most Thunder element weapons, however, the element damage is lower, but the higher chance to stun monsters makes up for it. It’s also good to see the Longsword category accommodating other weapon types; it’s like the Insect Glaive but without the beetle. Certainly unique as far as Longswords go, and equally functional.
Wyvern Blade “Luna”
If you want a Longsword that you can take to the endgame while farming Fatalis, you can start here. The Wyvern Blade “Luna” is something you acquire from the Gold Rathian. Poetically enough, the Huntsman also uses a similar-looking Longsword paired with the Rathian/Rathalos armor set, great for cosplays.
Additionally, it’s by far the best Longsword in Monster Hunter World when it comes to Poison. You can thus treat it as some kind of safe method of playing since you won’t have to attack too much and let the Poison status effect do its work.
Lightbreak Edge
Raging Brachydios is a step up and a go-to pre-Fatalis farming spot for those who want the second-best. Because the Lightbreak Edge sword you can craft from the monster is way too good. It deals Blast damage as its secondary damage, so no need to worry about monster resistance (usually) and building around it is easier.
You can even stick with it if you’re too lazy or tired to farm Fatalis over and over again; it will perform almost similarly. More importantly, the weapon is aesthetically pleasing.
Fatalis Zaggespanon
Unsurprisingly, nothing beats this weapon. While you get negative Affinity, you can offset that easily, and the 1155 points of damage means it goes through most resistances.
Make sure to pair it with the Fatalis B+ armor set so you can get back that lost Affinity. But even with the drawback for balancing purposes, this is the best Longsword in MHW. On a final note, this isn’t just a weapon, it’s a trophy for bragging rights. To let other hunters know you have defeated Fatalis.
