History
A longsword is a European blade. Used since medieval times, a traditional longsword featured a grip reaching up to 30cm long, with a double-edged blade up to 110cm in length. The grip forms a cruciform shape. They were intended to be wielded with two hands, as their weight (up to 1.5kg) would make them prohibitively heavy to use otherwise.
The term longsword is highly ambiguous due to its use as an umbrella term for any kind of sword that needs a two-handed grip, which would encompass even the large Zweihänder swords. Within the time period of late medieval to early Renaissance, the term refers to a "bastard sword".
In-game
The Longsword featured in Phantom Forces is a traditional hand-and-a-half or "bastard" sword. Its closest Oakeshott blade classification is Type XIIa. The sword features an upwards-curving crossguard, with a cylindrical pommel (closest to type J1 of the Oakeshott pommel classification). The blade has a hexagonal profile. A cursive G is engraved into the écusson.
General Information
General Information
Unsurprisingly, the Longsword's length makes it an excellent weapon for hitting enemies that many other melees would never be able to touch. However, it has one fatal flaw that all two-handed melees have, and that is that it only deals damage at the tip.
Usage and Tactics
Use the Longsword only when within melee range. Its slow movement speed will ensure that any other melee user - and even pistol users, as well as some PDWs - can outsprint the wielder. Remember that hits will only register at the tip of the blade, so make sure to strike only with the tip. Melee-rushing opponents is difficult with the Longsword because of it’s low mobility, and is best used in small areas where the enemy is unable to escape its range.
Conclusion
The Longsword is much like any other two-handed melee, requiring an advantageous situation, such as stealth or blind corners, in order to be effective. However, its reach can be advantageous.