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Switch Axe Guide - Moves, Combos & Balance Changes

Switch Axe Guide - Moves, Combos & Balance Changes

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Monster Hunter Wilds | Switch Axe Guide - Moves, Combos & Balance Changes - GameWith

Switch Axe guide for Monster Hunter Wilds. MHW Switch Axe Guide includes moves, balance changes, combos, how to use switch axe, attacks, and more!

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Table of Contents

Switch Axe - How To Use

1Familiarize with Gauges and Modes
2Fill the Switch Gauge with Axe Mode
3Switch to Sword Mode When Switch Gauge Is Filled
4Use a Powerful Combo When you See An Opening
5Familiarize Yourself With Both Parrying Techniques

Weapon Gauges & Modes

Gauge Details

GaugesDetails
switch gaugeSwitch Gauge- Increases when attacking with Axe Mode
- You can Switch to Sword Mode when 30% is accumulated
- Fills automatically when sheathed
Power Axe ModePower Axe Mode- Transition with Heavy Slam
- Increases damage while in Axe Mode and increases the Switch Gauge fill rate per attack
Power Axe ModeAmp Gauge/Amped State- Gauge fills by landing attacks in Sword Mode
- Enters Amped State when Amp Gauge is completely filled
- In Amped State, small explosions occur when attacking in Sword Mode dealing damage based on your current Phial.

The most important thing to understand when using Switch Axe is the gauges. Familiarizing yourself with the buffs and effects of the Switch Gauge, Power Axe Mode, Amp Gauge, and Amped State will enable you to play your weapon effectively. Please refer to the table above for more details.

Axe & Sword Mode Features

ModesFeatures
Axe- Faster Movement Speed
- Slower Attack Speed
- Longer reach
- Fills Switch Gauge when attacking
Sword- Slower Movement Speed
- Faster Attack Speed
- Has a deflect immunity effect
- Phial Effect occurs when in Amped State
- Attacking consumes Switch Gauge

Additionally, it is important to understand the differences between Axe and Sword modes. These include factors such as movement speed, attack speed, weapon deflection immunity, and Phial attacks.

Fill the Switch Gauge with Axe Mode

How to Fill Up the Switch Gauge
In Axe Mode
Overhead Slash ➡ Side Slash ➡ Rising Slash

Aim to fill the Switch Gauge to near maximum by attacking in Axe Mode. Note that the gauge only fills when hitting an enemy, so be sure to land your attacks. This loop is recommended as it requires only three △ inputs to execute.

Gauge Fills Faster In Power Axe Mode

How to Enter Power Axe Mode
Tap In Axe Mode
Wild Swing ➡ Heavy Slam

Hold+
Focus Assault: Morph Combination

When performing a Heavy Slam or Focus Assault: Morph Combination to strengthen your axe, the amount of Switch Gauge filled will increase. Heavy Slam does not need to hit an enemy, so it can be enhanced before the battle.

Switch To Sword Mode When Switch Gauge Is Filled

How to Switch to Sword Mode
In Axe Mode
Reload if Switch Gauge is insufficient.

When the Switch Gauge is full, switch to Sword mode and attack to fill up the Amp Gauge. Once filled, you can activate Amped State to add a phial effect to your attacks in Sword Mode.

Attack When You See An Opening

How to Use Special Actions
In Sword Mode +
Element Discharge
Tap
Element Discharge Finisher
 ➡
++
Unbridled Slash
 ➡
Hold In Amped State
Full Release Slash

When the monster shows an opening, use the actions above to attack. Compression Release Slash and Full Release Slash share similar motions, but Full Release Slash is more powerful due to its explosive effect.

Zero Sum Discharge Allows To Stick Onto An Enemy

Zero Sum Discharge Inputs
In Amped State+Hold
Zero Sum Discharge
Tap
Zero Sum Discharge Finisher

When in Amped State and near a monster, press and hold △+◯ to perform a Zero Sum Discharge, which lets you latch onto a monster part and attack.

Familiarize Yourself With Both Parrying Techniques

Axe Mode: Offset Rising Slash

How to perform a Axe Mode Counter
+
Offset Rising Slash
When successful or
Follow-up Heavy Slam
When successful
Follow-up Morph Slash

In Axe Mode, you can perform a counter technique called Offset Rising Slash. If you successfully time your attack to intercept the enemy's strike, the counter will succeed. You can then strengthen your axe with a Follow-up Enhanced Slam or switch to Sword Mode with a Follow-up Morph Slash.

Offset Attack Guide

Sword Mode: Counter Rising Slash

How to perform a Sword Mode Counter
+
Counter Rising Slash
When successful
Heavenward Flurry

In Sword Mode, you can perform a technique called Counter Rising Slash. If you are attacked while Counter Rising Slash is active, you will counterattack. This can be chained into Heavenward Flurry, a move that easily fills up the Amp Gauge.

Switch Axe - Attacks & Moves

Basic Controls

Overhead Slash ➡ Side Slash ➡ Spiral Burst Slash
Tap
Wild Swing ➡ Heavy Slam ➡ Morph Double Slash

Forward Slash ➡ Side Slash ➡ Spiral Burst Slash
Forward Overhead Slash ➡ Side Slash ➡ Spiral Burst Slash

Offset Rising Slash
Upon Perfect Offset or
Follow-up Heavy Slam
Upon Perfect Offset
Follow-up Morph Slash

Morph to Sword Mode
Lacking Switch Gauge
Reload
Mid-air
Aerial Morph Slash
Hold
Focus Mode
Hold
Focus Assault: Morph Combination
During Multi-hit Attack
Element Discharge Finisher

During Combo
Fade Slash
During Combo
Morph Fade Slash
Overhead Slash ➡ Right Slash ➡ Left Slash

Double Slash ➡ Heavenward Flurry

When Successful
Counter Rising Slash ➡ Heavenward Flurry

Element Discharge
Tap
Element Discharge Finisher
 ➡
Finishing Discharge
 ➡
Unbridled Slash
 ➡
Hold In Amped State
Full Release Slash

Hold In Amped State
Zero Sum Discharge
Tap
Zero Sum Discharge Finisher

Unbridled Slash
In Amped State Hold
Full Release Slash

Morph to Axe Mode
Mid-air
Aerial Morph Slash
Hold
Focus Mode
Hold
Focus Assault: Morph Combination
During Mult-hit Attack
Power Axe Finisher

During Combo
Fade Slash
During Combo
Morph Fade Slash

Counter Rising Slash

How to Do
In Sword Mode+
- Counter action in Sword Mode
- Will perform a counter if attacked in this stance
- If successful, press ◯ to do a follow-up
- If unsuccessful, a single Rising Slash will be done

Counter Rising Slash is a counteraction available in Sword Mode. When you receive an attack while in stance, you will counterattack. If successful, you can follow up with Heavenward Flurry.

Offset Rising Slash

How to Do
In Axe Mode+
- Counter in Axe Mode
- If Offset Rising Slash hits the enemy's attack, it will be successful.

Offset Rising Slash is a counteraction available in Axe Mode. If you successfully land Rising Slash against an enemy's attack detection, the counter will be successful.

Offset Attack Guide

Unbridled Slash & Full Release Slash

Inputs
++
Unbridled Slash
HoldIn Amped State++
Full Release Slash
- You can perform a Full Release Slash in Amped State
- High damage but reduces Switch Gauge significantly
- Full Release Slash has higher damage

Unbridled Slash & Full Release Slash have similar motions, but if you are in Amped State, you can perform Full Release Slash. However, using it significantly depletes the Switch Gauge, so be mindful when executing it.

Overhead Slash & Forward Slash

How to Do
In Axe Mode
Overhead Slash
In Axe Mode
Forward Slash

The Overhead Slash propels you forward significantly, while the Forward Slash moves you forward slightly while attacking. Choose between them based on your distance from the enemy.

Focus Assault: Morph Combination

How to Do
Hold +
- Switch Axe's Focus Strike
- Axe Mode becomes stronger
- Press R2 during a combo attack to morph into Sword Mode and use Element Discharge Finisher

Focus Assault: Morph Combination is Switch Axe's Focus Strike. It finishes the combo with a Heavy Slam and transitions into Power Axe Mode. Additionally, pressing R2 will switch to Sword Mode, allowing you to follow up with an Element Discharge Finisher.

Spiral Burst Slash

How to Do
In Axe Mode
Overhead Slash ➡ Side Slash ➡ Spiral Burst Slash

Spiral Burst Slash can be performed in Axe Mode by pressing △3 times and is mostly known for its large Switch Gauge recovery.

Switch Axe - Recommended Combos

CombosRecommendation Rating
Switch Gauge Recovery Combo★★★
Power Axe Mode Combo★★★
Full Release Slash Loop★★★
Element Discharge → Full Release Slash★★

Switch Gauge Recovery Combo

How to Do
In Axe Mode

An easy to execute combo to restore Switch Gauge in Axe Mode. Just press △ 3 times in a row, then you can switch to Sword Mode with Morph Slash.

Power Axe Mode Combo

How to Do
In Axe Mode

This combo activates Power Axe Mode, which boosts the damage of Axe Mode, and increases the Switch Gauge fill rate. You can enter Power Axe Mode without hitting an enemy, so it’s a good practice to do this as a pre-fight ritual.

Full Release Slash Loop

How to Do
HoldIn Amped State ++
HoldIn Amped State ++

This is a loopable powerful combo: Full Release Slash → Spiral Burst Slash → Morph Double Slash → Full Release Slash. Full Release Slash consumes the Switch Gauge, but you can recover quickly with Spiral Burst Slash.

Element Discharge → Full Release Slash

How to Do
In Sword Mode+
Hold

This is an easy-to-follow Fire power combo that transitions from Element Discharge to Full Release Slash. After Full Release Slash, you can follow up with Spiral Burst Slash by pressing △, among other options.

Switch Axe - New Attacks

MoveInputs
▼ Counter Rising Slash
In Sword Mode
▼ Offset Rising Slash
In Axe Mode +
▼ Unbridled Slash & Full Release Slash
++
Holdwhile Amped ++
▼Overhead Slash & Forward Slash
In Axe Mode
In Axe Mode
▼Focus Assault: Morph Combination
▼Spiral Burst Slash

Counter Rising Slash

How to Do
In Sword Mode+
- Counter action in Sword Mode
- Will perform a counter if attacked in this stance
- If successful, press ◯ to do a follow-up
- If unsuccessful, a single Rising Slash will be executed

Counter Rising Slash is a counteraction available in Sword Mode. When you receive an attack while in stance, you will counterattack. If successful, you can follow up with Heavenward Flurry.

Offset Rising Slash

How to Do
In Axe Mode +
- Counter in Axe Mode
- If Offset Rising Slash hits the enemy's attack, it will be successful.

Offset Rising Slash is a counteraction available in Axe Mode. If you successfully land Rising Slash against an enemy's attack detection, the counter will be successful.

Unbridled Slash & Full Release Slash

How to Do
++
Unbridled Slash
HoldIn Amped State++
Full Release Slash
- You can perform a Full Release Slash in Amped State
- High damage but reduces Switch Gauge significantly
- Full Release Slash has higher damage

Unbridled Slash & Full Release Slash have similar motions, but if you are in Amped State, you can perform Full Release Slash. However, using it significantly depletes the Switch Gauge, so be mindful when executing it.

Overhead Slash & Forward Slash

How to Do
In Axe Mode
Overhead Slash
In Axe Mode
Forward Slash

The Overhead Slash propels you forward significantly, while the Forward Slash moves you forward slightly while attacking. Choose between them based on your distance from the enemy.

Focus Assault: Morph Combination

How to Do
Hold +
- Switch Axe's Focus Strike
- Axe Mode becomes stronger
- Press R2 during a combo attack to morph into Sword Mode and use Element Discharge Finisher

Focus Assault: Morph Combination is Switch Axe's Focus Strike. It finishes the combo with a Heavy Slam and transitions into Power Axe Mode. Additionally, pressing R2 will switch to Sword Mode, allowing you to follow up with an Element Discharge Finisher.

Spiral Burst Slash

How to Do
In Axe Mode
Overhead Slash ➡ Side Slash ➡ Spiral Burst Slash

Spiral Burst Slash can be performed in Axe Mode by pressing △3 times and is mostly known for its large Switch Gauge recovery.

Switch Axe - Balance Adjustments

Damage & Gauge Accumulation to be Increased

◆ Adjustments have been made to ensure a satisfying cycle of building up the gauge in Axe Mode and unleashing it in Sword Mode.
◆Parametere improvements made to various moves, including Full Release Slash.
◆ Knockback is now negated when using Full Release Slash

In the Monster Hunter Wilds community update, it was revealed that the balance changes above will be applied to the Switch Axe.

Increase Gauge Charge & Sword Mode Damage

The Switch Axe will have its difficulty in charging the gauge with the Axe Mode eased, while the Sword Mode's attacks will be adjusted to match the gauge consumption with appropriate power and impact. In the videos, you can see a noticeable hit stop, which suggests that landing hits will feel more satisfying and impactful.

Damage Of Full Release Slash Increased

Full Release Slash's power and impact have been enhanced, making it a fitting finishing move for the Switch Axe. The move will also feature the added effect of "Knockback Negated." Expect it to play a key role in high-powered attacks!

Other Moves Have Also Been Updated

There will be improvements to the usability of counter slashes, as well as reductions in the recovery time after Focus Strike. These fine adjustments aim to enhance the ease of use for actions that were previously difficult to handle, making them more enjoyable to play.

Weapon Types List and Balancing Adjustments

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