Best Build and Armor for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Guide includes best weapon, equipment, skill, early game, high rank sets, and recommended armor.
Switch Axe Related Articles | ||
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Best Build for Switch Axe | Switch Axe Control Guide | Switch Axe List |

Table of Contents
Switch Axe's Best Builds After Update
Best Builds | Rating |
---|---|
▼ Universal Build with Arch-temp Rey Dau [New] | ★★★★★ |
▼ Damage-Focused Build with Zoh Shia | ★★★★★ |
▼ Paralysis Build with Arch-temp Rey Dau [New] | ★★★★・ |
▼ Universal Paralysis Build | ★★★★・ |
▼ 5 Element Damage-Focused Build | ★★★・・ |
Non-Artian Builds | Rating |
▼ 5 Element Build with Gore | ★★・・・ |
For Switch Axe builds after the Monster Hunter Wilds update, the recommended options are the Universal 'Arch-tempered Rey Dau' Build and the Universal 'Zoh Shia Weapon' Build.
Universal Build with Arch-temp Rey Dau
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
770 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Enhancer Jewel II 2 Enhancer Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
This is a universal build for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds that uses a Zoh Shia weapon alongside Arch-tempered Rey Dau set. The 'Lord's Soul' skill allows you to survive one fatal hit, making it a valuable safety net for aggressive Switch Axe playstyles that rely on flinch-resistant moves. However, be cautious. Before 'Lord's Soul' activates, your Defense is reduced, which increases incoming damage.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
770 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Enhancer Jewel II 2 Enhancer Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
This is a universal build for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds that uses a Zoh Shia weapon along with Arch-tempered Rey Dau and Numinous (Zoh Shia) Set. While the maximum Affinity is 75%, the build prioritizes activating Counterstrike Lv3 over maximizing Weakness Exploit to further boost damage output. Since the build relies on consistently triggering 'Counterstrike', it assumes a playstyle that makes full use of the Switch Axe's flinch-resistant attacks to stay aggressive during combat.
Damage-Focused Build with Zoh Shia
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
770 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Enhancer Jewel II 2 Enhancer Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The recommended best Attack-Focused Switch Axe Build after the update features a Zoh Shia weapon. It takes advantage of the weapon skill 'Whiteflame Torrent' to deal additional damage. The build boosts overall firepower with Gore Magala's Tyranny, Agitator Lv5, Counterstrike Lv3, and Burst Lv1. Since it lacks recovery-focused skills and is specialized for raw damage output, it's best used against monsters you're already familiar with.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
770 | Dragon 150 | 5% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Enhancer Jewel II 2 Enhancer Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The recommended post-update Recovery-Focused Switch Axe build uses a combination of Zoh Shia and Arkveld armor. 'Arkveld's Hunger' restores health on hit, while 'Zoh Shia's Pulse' provides automatic recovery when no red health gauge is present. This setup is ideal for fighting unfamiliar monsters or facing Tempered 8★ quests. However, it lacks skills like Evade Distance, Earplugs, and Stun Resistance, so careful positioning and awareness are essential.
Paralysis Build with Arch-temp Rey Dau
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
787 | Paralysis 80 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Enhancer-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Element Type | Paralysis Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Attack Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
This is an Attack-focused Build for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds that uses an Artian weapon alongside the Arch-tempered Rey Dau set. The Lord's Soul skill allows you to survive one powerful hit, making it a safety net for Switch Axe users who rely on flinch-resistant attacks. However, be aware that Defense is lowered before 'Lord's Soul' activates, which increases incoming damage.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Paralysis 200 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Enhancer-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Element Type | Paralysis Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
This is a Paralysis-focused Build for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds that pairs an Artian weapon with Arch-tempered Rey Dau set. Lord's Soul allows you to survive one powerful attack, making it a useful safeguard for Switch Axe users who focus on flinch-resistant offense. However, note that your Defense is reduced before 'Lord's Soul' activates, resulting in increased damage taken, so caution is advised.
Universal Paralysis Build
Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | | ||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
787 | Paralysis 80 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch-Handicraft Jewel 3 Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Enhancer-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Examples of Parts Used | Paralysis Element Type ×3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
Reinforcement | Attack Boost ×4 Sharpness Boost ×1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
After the update in Monster Hunter Wilds, the best Switch Axe build includes Zoh Shia and Gore armor. The damage received during knockback-resistant attacks, which the Switch Axe often performs, can be recovered using Zoh Shia's Pulse.
Weapon Name | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | | ||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Paralysis 200 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch-Handicraft Jewel 3 Focus-Handicraft Jewel 3 Enhancer-Handicraft Jewel 3 | ||
Phial | Power Phial | ||
Examples of Parts Used | Paralysis Element Type ×3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion ×3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost ×4 Sharpness Boost ×1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
After the first update in Monster Hunter Wilds, the best Switch Axe build includes Zoh Shia and Gore armor. The damage received during knockback-resistant attacks, which the Switch Axe often performs, can be recovered using Zoh Shia's Pulse. The weapon's Reinforcement Bonus is allocated to Element Boost, enhancing the ability to induce Paralysis, making this build ideal for multiplayer.
5 Element Damage-Focused Build
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Fire 400 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Blaze-Handicraft Jewel 3 Mastery Jewel 3 | ||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Element Type | Fire Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best Fire Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout combining Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial fire damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Water 400 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Stream-Handicraft Jewel 3 Mastery Jewel 3 | ||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Element Type | Water Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best Water Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout combining Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial water damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Thunder 400 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Bolt/Handicraft Jwl 3 Mastery Jewel 3 | ||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Element Type | Thunder Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best Thunder Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout combining Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial thunder damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Ice 400 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Frost-Handicraft Jewel 3 Mastery Jewel 3 | ||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Element Type | Ice Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best Ice Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout combining Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial ice damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() (Artian) | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
717 | Dragon 400 | 5% | 0 |
Decoration | Quickswitch/Handicraft Jwl 3 Dragon-Handicraft Jewel 3 Mastery Jewel 3 | ||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Element Type | Dragon Element Type x3 | ||
Production | Attack Infusion x3 | ||
Reinforcement | Element Boost x4 Sharpness Boost x1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best Dragon Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout combining Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial Dragon damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Non-Artian 5 Element Build with Gore
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
735 | Fire 200 | 15% | 0 |
Weapon Skills | |||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Decoration | Blaze-Handicraft Jewel 3 Quickswitch Jewel II 2 Quickswitch Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best forgeable Fire Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout using Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial fire damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
840 | Water 250 | -15% | 0 |
Weapon Skills | |||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Decoration | Stream-Handicraft Jewel 3 Quickswitch Jewel II 2 Quickswitch Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best forgeable Water Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout using Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
735 | Thunder 250 | 15% | 0 |
Weapon Skills | |||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Decoration | Bolt/Handicraft Jwl 3 Quickswitch Jewel II 2 Quickswitch Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best forgeable Thunder Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout using Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
770 | Ice 200 | 0% | 0 |
Weapon Skills | |||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Decoration | Frost-Handicraft Jewel 3 Quickswitch Jewel II 2 Quickswitch Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best forgeable Ice Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout using Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Affinity | Defense |
770 | Dragon 250 | 0% | 0 |
Weapon Skills | |||
Phail | Element Phial | ||
Decoration | Dragon-Handicraft Jewel 3 Quickswitch Jewel II 2 Quickswitch Jewel 1 |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
The best forgeable Dragon Element Damage-focused Switch Axe build after the update features a loadout using Zoh Shia and Gore armor pieces. With high Attack and Affinity, this build enables substantial damage output. However, it does not include any support skills such as Evade Distance, Stun Resistance, or Earplugs, so players will need to be cautious with their positioning and movement during hunts.
Switch Axe's High Rank Builds (HR20-40)
▼ Early High Rank | ▼ Up to HR40 | ▼ HR40 and Above |
Switch Axe Best Build for Early High Rank
Weapon Strenghtened to Iron Accelerator III
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
665 | - | 0% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Poison Phial |
Switch Axe's High Rank early recommended weapon is "Iron Accelerator III". It becomes possible to strengthen it when you progress a little through the story and can go to Ruins of Wyveria. From now on, you can advance up to HR40 only with Iron Accelerator III.
Lala Barina Alpha Equipment is Recommended for Armor
Armor | Skill | |
---|---|---|
![]() | Barina Headgear Alpha | |
![]() | Barina Mail Alpha | |
![]() | Barina Vambraces Alpha | |
![]() | Rompopolo Coil Alpha | |
![]() | Barina Greaves Alpha | |
![]() | Foray Charm I | - |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
Switch Axe's recommended equipment for the early stages of High Rank is equipment centered around "Lala Barina Alpha Equipment" that can be created from Chapter 4. Lala Barina Alpha and Rompopolo Alpha create a configuration that activates Foray Lv5 and makes use of the Poison Element of the recommended weapon Iron Accelerator III.
Switch Axe Best Build up to HR40
Weapon Remains Iron Accelerator III
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
665 | - | 0% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Poison Phial |
You can keep using "Iron Accelerator III" up to HR40.
Armor is Guardian Ebony Equipment
Armor | Skill | |
---|---|---|
![]() | G. Ebony Helm Alpha | |
![]() | Rathian Mail Alpha | |
![]() | G. Ebony Braces Alpha | |
![]() | G. Ebony Coil Alpha | |
![]() | G. Ebony Greaves Alpha | |
![]() | Foray Charm I | - |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
Switch Axe's recommended equipment up to HR40 is equipment based on the High Rank "Guardian Ebony Equipment". When you reach HR20, you can fight High Rank "Guardian Ebony" in Ruins of Wyveria, allowing you to update your armor. You can also take advantage of the consistent firepower boost with Burst and the Poison Element of Iron Accelerator III at Foray Lv3.
Switch Axe Best Build for HR40 and Above
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
805 | - | 0% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Exhaust Phial | ||
Decoration | Quickswitch Jewel 1 Quickswitch Jewel 1 Quickswitch Jewel 1 |
Armor | Slot | Decoration | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | G. Fulgur Helm Beta | ②ーー | - |
![]() | Arkvulcan Mail Beta | ③②ー | - |
![]() | G. Arkveld Vambraces Beta | ①①① | - |
![]() | Gore Coil Beta | ③②ー | - |
![]() | Gore Greaves Beta | ③①① | - |
![]() | Exploiter Charm II | - | - |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
Switch Axe's recommended weapon up to HR40 is "Bone Smasher". Exhaust Phial causes fatigue, and if you keep attacking the monster's head, you can aim for Stun. For the armor, it only uses Quickswitch Jewel 1, which can be created immediately after finishing the story. Since the armor slots are empty, you can use whatever you require depending on the Decorations you have.
Switch Axe's Low Rank Builds (HR1-8)
Iron Accelerator II from Chapter 3
Weapon | Sharpness | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | |||
Attack | Element | Critical | Defense |
560 | - | 0% | 0 |
Weapon Skill | |||
Phial | Poison Phial |
Switch Axe's recommended early game weapon is "Iron Accelerator II". You can upgrade and create it in Chapter 3. The Attack and Sharpness are increased, and Rapid Morph Lv2 is also appealing.
Use G. Ebony Odogaron Armor in Chapter 3
Armor | Skill | |
---|---|---|
![]() | G. Ebony Helm | |
![]() | Ajarakan Mail | |
![]() | G. Ebony Braces | |
![]() | G. Ebony Coil | |
![]() | Balahara Greaves | |
![]() | Hope Charm | - |
Active Skills | |
---|---|
Switch Axe's recommended early game equipment is "Guardian Ebony Equipment" which can be created from Chapter 3. You can increase your firepower by activating the skill, Burst.
Best Low-Rank Build Per WeaponSwitch Axe's Best Skills
▼ Weapon Skill | ▼ Armor Skill |
Recommended Weapon Skills
Skill name | Effect |
---|---|
Rating: ★★★ Increases the speed and firepower of Switch Axe and Charge Blade's Morph actions. | |
Rating: ★★★ Charge attacks charge faster, making it easier to charge gauges for Long Sword, Dual Blades, Gunlance, Sword and Shield, Bows, and Bowguns. | |
Rating: ★★★ Long Sword, Dual Blades, Sword and Shield, Insect Glaive, increase the duration of the enhanced state. | |
Rating: ★★・ Weapon Sharpness becomes longer. However, the length will not exceed the Sharpness limit. | |
Rating: ★★・ When a critical hit occurs, reduce Sharpness consumption. | |
Rating: ★★・ When a large monster in battle becomes angry, Attack and Affinity will increase. | |
Rating: ★... Suppress Sharpness consumption. | |
Rating: ★... Increase the player's Attack. | |
Rating: ★... Affinity is UP. |
Recommended weapon skills for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds are "Rapid Morph", "Focus", and "Power Prolonger". This is Switch Axe's most important skill, so be sure to activate it if it is not attached to your weapon skill.
Recommended Armor Skills
Skill name | Effect |
---|---|
Rating: ★★★ Increases the damage of critical attacks. | |
Rating: ★★★ When attacking a monster, if the attack is quite effective on that part, Affinity will increase. | |
(Arch-temp Rey Dau Set) | Rating: ★★★ Boosts attack and lowers defense but lets you survive one lethal hit. |
Rating: ★★★ When facing a large monster, you will be infected with Frenzy. | |
Rating: ★★★ Once infected, makes it easier to overcome the Frenzy and increases affinity if cured. | |
(Zoh Shia Set) | Rating: ★★★ Automatically recover HP until the maximum value even if there is no red health gauge in your HP bar. |
Rating: ★★★ By continuing to attack, the Attack and Element values will gradually increase. | |
Rating: ★★★ Temporarily increases attack power after being knocked back. | |
Rating: ★★★ Increases affinity if stamina is kept full for a period of time. | |
Rating: ★★・ Increases evade distance. | |
Rating: ★・・ Reduces stun duration. |
Recommended armor skills for Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds include "Weakness Exploit", "Burst", and "Ebony Odogaron's Power".
Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles

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Equipment Guide by Monster
Mantles Guide
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Equipment Related Guides
Equipment Related Guides | |
---|---|
▶ How to Hide Headgear? | ▶ Alpha & Beta Armor Guide |
▶ Guardian Armor List | ▶ How to Upgrade Armor |
▶ Melding Pot | ▶ Decoration Farming |
▶ Palico Equipment List | ▶ Best Palico Equipment |
▶ Immortal Equipment | - |