Switch Axe controls guide for Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Includes new moves, best combos, how to use in hunts, attack patterns, and more!
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|---|---|---|
| Best Build for Switch Axe | High Rank Builds | Artian Builds |
| Switch Axe Control Guide | Weapon Adjustments | |
Table of Contents
Switch Axe - How To Use
Weapon Gauges & Modes
Gauge Details
| Gauges | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch Gauge | - Increases when attacking with Axe Mode - You can Switch to Sword Mode when 30% is accumulated - Fills automatically when sheathed - Only on released version. |
| Power Axe Mode | - Transition with Heavy Slam - Increases damage while in Axe Mode and increases the Switch Gauge fill rate per attack |
| Amp 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
| Modes | Features |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|
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 on to 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 GuideSword 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 take an attack while in the Rising Slash stance, it reduces damage and allows for a counterattack..
▼ You can Counterattack Roars
Perfect parry mechanic is added, and if successful, it increases the damage reduction rate. Additionally, Roars can also be countered.
Switch Axe - Attacks & Moves
Basic Controls
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 - Perfect parry, which increases the damage reduction rate - Roars can also be countered |
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 GuideUnbridled Slash & Full Release Slash
| Inputs |
|---|
++ Unbridled SlashHoldIn 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 - Full Release Slash gains the Knockback Negated effect. |
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 SlashIn 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
| Combos | Recommendation 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
| Move | Inputs |
|---|---|
| ▼ 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 - Perfect parry, which increases the damage reduction rate - Roars can also be countered |
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 - Weapon Types & How to UseUnbridled Slash & Full Release Slash
| How to Do |
|---|
++ Unbridled SlashHoldIn 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 - Full Release Slash gains the Knockback Negated effect |
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 SlashIn 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.
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles
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Weapon Trees and Best Builds
| Great Sword | Long Sword | Sword & Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Dual Blades | Hammer | Hunting Horn |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Lance | Gunlance | Switch Axe |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Charge Blade | Insect Glaive | Bow |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
| Light Bowgun | Heavy Bowgun | |
| Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build | Combos & Controls Weapon Tree Best Build |
Other Recommended Weapon Builds
| Melee Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
| Paralysis Long Sword | Paralysis Dual Blades | |
| Ranged Weapons | ||
| Paralysis Bow | Pierce Light Bowgun | Pierce Heavy Bowgun |
| Water Heavy Bowgun | ||
Weapon Guide by Monster
Useful Weapon Information
| ▶ How To Switch or Change Weapons | ▶ Sharpness Modifier and Recovery |
| ▶ Weapon Adjustments | ▶ Immortal Equipment |
Great Sword
Long Sword
Sword and Shield
Dual Blades
Hammer
Hunting Horn
Lance
Gunlance
Switch Axe
Charge Blade
Insect Glaive
Bow
Light Bowgun
Heavy Bowgun