A guide on how to use Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Rise (Switch). Includes changes in Switch Axe moves (Silkbind attacks), gameplay trailer, recommended combos, and more!
Table Of Contents
Controls Of Axe Mode
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
 | ▼Overhead Slash |
| Rapidly press | ▼Wild Swing |
| + | ▼Rising Slash |
| + | ▼Forward Slash |
| ▼Morph / Reload |
| + | ▼Invincible Gambit |
| + | ▼Switch Charger |
Overhead Slash
| Command | |
|---|
Swing down your axe vertically. Relatively slow attacking motion.
Wild Swing
| Command | Rapidly press |
|---|
Swings around your axe repeatedly. Can attack an enemy in front of your without moving. Consumes your stamina each time you swing an axe.
Follow Up Moves 1
| After 3rd Wild Swing | Action |
|---|---|
| Heavy Slam |
After performing Wild Swing 3 times, press X to perform a Heavy Slam. This move will often prime you to reach Maximum Potency.
Follow Up Moves 2
| After Wild Swing | Action |
|---|---|
| Sweeping Slash |
After performing Wild Swing, press ZR to use high damaging sweeping slash. Press ZR again after this move to morph to Sword mode and perform an attack.
Rising Slash
| Command | + |
|---|
This move can reach enemies overhead. Careful not to knock down your allies near you while playing multiplayer mode.
Forward Slash
| Command | + |
|---|
Good move to initiate your attack. Press A after Forward Slash to perform a Wild Swing and press X to reach Maximum Potency.
Morph / Reload
| Command | |
|---|
Switches from Axe mode to Sword mode. Press ZR after certain attack motions to morph and attack simultaneously.
Controls Of Sword Mode
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
| ▼Overhead Slash |
| ▼Double Slash |
| + | ▼Element Discharge |
| ▼Morph / Reload |
| + | ▼Invincible Gambit |
| + | ▼Switch Charger |
Overhead Slash
| Command | |
|---|
Swing down your sword vertically. Relatively slow attacking motion.
Double Slash
| Command | |
|---|
Great move to fill Switch Gauge. You'll be invulnerable from enemy's attack while performing this move so use when the enemy has an opening.
Element Discharge
| Command | While Switch Gauge is full, + |
|---|
Element Discharge is the strongest move of Switch Axe. If the sword gauge is full, you can stick to the enemy and blast an Element Discharge from close distance.
Morph / Reload
| Command | |
|---|
Switches from Sword mode to Axe mode. Press ZR after certain attack motions to morph and attack simultaneously.
New Silkbind Attacks Of Switch Axe
Invincible Gambit
| Command | + |
|---|
Moves forward while performing a spinning attack. You'll be immune to flinching or being knocked back while this move is active.
Switch Charger
| Command | + |
|---|
Uses a Wirebug to launch you forward while quickly regenerating your Switch Gauge. Recommended combo is to use this move after Element Discharge to go back to attack motion instantly.
Recommended Combos Of Switch Axe
Filling Sword Gauge → Element Discharge Combo
| Command |
|---|
| →→→→+→ Rapidly press repeatedly |
Double Slash (A) of Sword mode fills the gauge quickly. Once the gauge is full, press X + A to perform Element Discharge.
Maximum Potency Forward Slash Combo
| Command |
|---|
| +→→→→ |
While in Axe mode, perform Forward Slash (L+X) and use Wild Swing (A) 3 times in a a row. Then, press X to enter Maximum Potency status. You don't have to land this attack to the enemy to enter Maximum Potency status so use it before the combat.
Tips On How To Use Switch Axe
Characteristics Of The Switch Axe
| 1 | Powerful Axe & Sword Mode |
|---|---|
| 2 | Axe Mode Has Longer Reach |
| 3 | Maintain Maximum Potency |
| 4 | Sword Mode Prevents Attacks From Being Deflected |
| 5 | Use ELement Discharge With Sword Mode |
| 6 | Sword Mode Requires Switch Guage |
| 7 | Slow Movement |
| 8 | Can't Guard Enemy's Attacks |
Powerful Axe & Sword Mode
The Axe mode's attack & usability improved significantly in previous Monster Hunter World. You can deal heavy damage on both Sword and Axe mode.
Axe Mode Has Long Reach
Compared to Dual Blades and Hammer, the Axe mode of Switch Axe has longer reach. With this longer reach, you can cut the tail of the monster easily.
Maintain Maximum Potency
The Axe mode can enter Maximum Potency. In this status, you can charge the sword gauge more quickly. Maintain this status during the combat to quickly fill the gauge.
Sword Mode Prevents Attacks From Being Deflected
While in Sword mode, your attacks won't be deflected just like the skill called Mind's Eye.
Slow Movement
The attack speed and the movement speed while the weapon is unsheathed is extremely slow. Use moves like Invincible Gambit to compensate its low mobility.
Can't Guard Enemy's Attack
Switch Axe don't have guarding motion. In previous Monster Hunter World, you could compensate this weakness by equipping a skill called Evade Window.
