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Switch Axe - Best Loadout Build & Skill Guide

MHW: ICEBORNE | Switch Axe - Best Loadout Build & Skill Guide

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Read this Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Switch Axe guide on the best loadout and armor build for this weapon. Includes recommended equipment, elements, decorations, skills, and more!!!

Safijiiva Weapon Builds

Iceborne: Recommended Builds

Top Recommended Builds

Recommended Elemental Builds

Recommended Skills

Related Article On Switch Axe

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Best Switch Axe skill iconBest Skills Endgame Switch Axe Tier ListEndgame Tier List
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Safijiiva Blast Weapon Build

Master Rank Safi'Jiiva Blast Switch Axe Build

Master Rank Safi
WeaponAugment
Decorations
Safi's ShatteraxeHealth Regen 1
Affinity Increase 1
Element/Status Effect Up 1
Expert Jewel 4
ArmorDecorations
Kaiser Crown β + Charge/Vitality Jewel 4
Damascus Mail β +Enhancer/Vitality Jewel 4
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Expert Jewel 1
Kaiser Vambraces β +Enhancer/Vitality Jewel 4
Critical Jewel 2
Kaiser Coil β +Earplug Jewel 3
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Blast Jewel 1
Garuga Greaves β +Enhancer Jewel 2
Critical Jewel 2
Critical Jewel 2
Attack Charm 4-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 7Attack Boost Lvl 4
Earplugs Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Critical Boost Lvl 3Blast Attack Lvl 3
Focus Lvl 3Power Prolonger Lvl 3
Heat Guard Lvl 1Earplugs Lvl 1
Heat Guard Lvl 1Master's Touch (Set Bonus)

Recommended Weapon Skill Awakening

Skill No. Of Frames
Attack Increase VI 1
Attack Increase V 4

Points of Recommendations

  • More versatile & stronger than most crafted weapons
  • Master's Touch lessens sharpness loss & need for sharpening
  • Can easily stack Blast Attack due to armor set

Safijiiva Crested Armor Build

Safi'jiiva Weapon & Crested Armor Set

This set is inspired by the armor build originally shared by aquCHAOS on Youtube.

Crested Armor Build Details

WeaponAugment
Decorations
Safi's DrakaxeHealth Regen 3
Furor/Vitality Jewel 4
ArmorDecorations
Safi Crested Crown β + Furor/Vitality Jewel 4
Grinder Jewel 1
Grinder Jewel 1
Safi Crested Chest β +Throttle/Medicine Jewel 4
Furor Jewel 2
Safi Crested Vambraces β +Destroyer/Medicine Jewel 4
Sharp Eye Jewel 2
Mind's Eye Jewel 2
Safi Crested Belt β +Destroyer/Medicine Jewel 4
Grinder Jewel 1
Safi Crested Boots β +Resistor/Evasion Jewel 4
Destroyer Jewel 2
Dragon Jewel 1
Wyrmsbane Charm 5-
Temporal Mantle+Expert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Glider Mantle+ Furor/Vitality Jewel 4
Furor/Protector Jewel 4
Skills
Dragon Attack Lvl 6Evade Window Lvl 4
Blight Resistance Lvl 3Critical Boost Lvl 3
Partbreaker Lvl 3Resentment Lvl 3
*Lvl 5 with Mantle
Speed Sharpening Lvl 3Health Boost Lvl 2
*Lvl 3 with Mantle
Latent Power Lvl 1Mind's Eye/Ballistics Lvl 1
Protective Polish Lvl 1Dragonvein Awakening (Set Bonus)
True Dragonvein Awakening (Set Bonus)-

Recommended Weapon Skill Awakening

Skill No. Of Frames
Affinity Increase VI 1
Element Up V 4

Points of Recommendations

  • Useful for farming Safi'jiiva quest due to Dragon Attack & Partbreaker skills
  • Dragonvein Awakening works well with Resentment skill

Safijiiva Zero Sum Discharge Build

Safi'jiiva Weapon With Armor Focusing on ZSD

This set is inspired by the armor build originally shared by Thales Moustache on Youtube.

Zero Sum Discharge Build Details

WeaponAugment
Decorations
Safi's Drakaxe
*(works with any Safi Switch Axe)
Health Regen 1
Attack Increase 1
Tenderizer/Vitality Jewel 4
ArmorDecorations
Golden Headdress β + Enhancer/Vitality Jewel 4
Expert Jewel 1
Buff Chest α +Expert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Ruinous Vambraces β +Enhancer/Vitality Jewel 4
Expert Jewel 1
Ruinous Coil β +Enhancer/Protection Jewel 4
Protection Jewel 1
Garuga Greaves β +Critical/ProtectionJewel 4
Critical Jewel 2
Critical Jewel 2
Attack Charm 4-
Glider Mantle+ Flawless/Medicine Jewel 4
Flawless/Medicine Jewel 4
Rocksteady Mantle+Medicine Jewel 1
Medicine Jewel 1
Skills
Attack Boost Lvl 7Critical Eye Lvl 7
Agitator Lvl 5Health Boost Lvl 3
Critical Boost Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Power Prolonger Lvl 3Divine Blessing Lvl 3
Earplugs Lvl 1Fortify Lvl 1
Recovery Up Lvl 2
*when wearing Mantle
Peak Performance Lvl 2
*when wearing Mantle
Nergigante Ambition (Set Bonus)-

Recommended Weapon Skill Awakening

Skill No. Of Frames
Attack Increase VI 1
Attack Increase V 4

Points of Recommendations

  • Focuses on big damage during Zero Sum Discharge move
  • Can work with any Safi'jiiva weapon
  • Recovery is hastened with Nergigante Set Bonus

Recommended Iceborne Starter Switch Axe Builds

Mighty Gear Build

:Mighty Gear Build
WeaponDecorations
Mighty Gear 1Earplug Jewel 3
ArmorDecorations
Jagras Helm α +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Bone Mail α +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Jagras Vambraces α + Tenderizer Jewel 2
Beo Coil α +Critical Jewel 2
Jyura Greaves α +Critical Jewel 2
Handicraft Charm 3-
Skills
Attack Boost Lvl 4Health Boost Lvl 3
Earplugs Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Handicraft Lvl 3Speed Eating Lvl 2
Evade Extender Lvl 2Focus Lvl 2
Critical Boost Lvl 2Recovery Up Lvl 1
Water Attack Lvl 1-

Points of Recommendations

  • Easily accessible when starting Iceborne
  • Increases the gauge quickly
  • Easily stacks damage by using decorations
Check Out All Iceborne Starter Build Guide Here!

Mid Game Saber's Bite Build

WeaponDecorations
Saber's Bite IIMighty Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
ArmorDecorations
Glavenus Helm α +Vitality Jewel 1
Nargacuga Mail β +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Glavenus Braces α +Vitality Jewel 1
Nargacuga Faulds α +Vitality Jewel 1
Nargacuga Greaves β +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Attack Jewel 1
Attack Charm 3-
Skills
Evade Window Lvl 5Attack Boost Boost Lvl 4
Focus Lvl 3Maximum Might Lvl 3
Weakness Exploit Lvl 3Health Boost Lvl 3
Handicraft Lvl 1Stamina Surge Lvl 1

Points of Recommendations

  • Can be assembled before the Velkhana story point
  • Viable loadout option until endgame

Iceborne Middle Phase Builds

WeaponDecoration
Saber's Bite ⅡMighty Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
ArmorsDecorations
Glavenus Helm α +Vitality Jewel 1
Nargacuga Mail β +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Glavenus Braces α +Vitality Jewel 1
Nargacuga Faulds α +Vitality Jewel 1
Nargacuga Greaves β +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Attack Jewel 1
Attack Charm III
Skills
Evade Window Lv5Attack Boost Lv4
Focus Lv3Maximum Might Lv3
Weakness Exploit Lv3Health Boost Lv3
Handicraft Lv1Stamina Surge Lv1

Points Of Recommendation

  • Forgeable Before Velkhana
  • Able to use until end of the story mode

Iceborne Late Phase (MR~70) Builds

WeaponDecoration
Evanescent GlowExpert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
ArmorsDecorations
Fulgur Helm β +Expert Jewel 4
Charger Jewel 2
Damascus Mail β +Earplug Jewel 3
Enhancer Jewel 2
Expert Jewel 1
Dmascus Vambraces α +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Medicine Jewel 1
Shara Ishvalda Coil α +Enhancer Jewel 2
Enhancer Jewel 2
Garuga Greaves β +Tenderizer Jewel 2
Vitality Jewel 1
Elementless Jewel 2
Handicraft Charm III-
Skills
Critical Eye Lv7Handicraft Lv5
Power Prolonger Lv3Weakness Exploit Lv3
Focus Lv3Health Boost Lv3
Recovery Up Lv2Earplugs Lv1
Speed Sharpening Lv1Non-elemental Boost Lv1

High Affinity & Purple Sharpness

Evanescent Glow boasts its high affinity and purple sharpness, which empowers its high raw damage. The skill Focus & Power Prolonger allow you to fight monster easily. Health Boost & Recovery Up allows for high survivability.

Iceborne Endgame Switch Axe Builds

DPS & Evasion Build

DPS & Evasion Build
WeaponDecorations
Evanescent Glow-
ArmorDecorations
Barioth Helm α +Jumping Jewel 2
Enhancer Jewel 2
Nargacuga Mail β +Evasion Jewel 2
Nargacuga Vambraces β +Refresh Jewel 2
Acidic Glavenus Coil β +Handicraft Jewel 3
Nargacuga Greaves β +Evasion Jewel 2
Handicraft Charm 3-
Skills
Razor Sharp / Spare ShotHandicraft Lvl 5
Evade Window Lvl 3Evade Extender Lvl 2
Health Boost Lvl 3Power Prolonger Lvl 1
Non-elemental BoostCritical Eye Lvl 2
Earplugs Lvl 1Tool Specialist Lvl 2
Stamina Surge Lvl 2-

Points of Recommendations

  • Balanced DPS and Survivability build
  • Strong non-elemental damage output
  • Several skills allow for survival in different situations

Non-elemental Crit Build

Versatile Crit Build
WeaponDecorations
Evanescent Glow-
ArmorDecorations
Odogaron Helm α +Enhancer Jewel 2
Nargacuga Mail β +Sheath / Expert Jewel 4
Nargacuga Vambraces β +Sheath / Expert Jewel 4
Odogaron Coil β +Enhancer Jewel 2
Critical Jewel 2
Nargacuga Greaves β +Resistor / Expert Jewel 4
Handicraft Charm 3-
Skills
True Razor Sharp / Spare ShotCritical Eye Lvl 6
Evade Window Lvl 3Bleeding Resistance Lvl 2
Stamina Surge Lvl 2Power Prolonger Lvl 2
Quick Sheath Lvl 2Critical Boost Lvl 1
Blight Resistance Lvl 1Handicraft Lvl 1

Points of Recommendations

  • High crit chance with boosted damage
  • Slow sharpness loss
  • Fast movement due to Evade Window & Quick Sheath

Terror Tyrannos Build For Switch Axe

*Following information are Monster Hunter World's best loadout, not Iceborne.

Terror Tyrannos Build For Switch Axe
WeaponAugmentation
Terror TyrannosAffinity Increase
Attack Increase
ArmorDecorations
Nergigante Helm αExpert Jewel 1
Drachen Mail αCritical Jewel 2
Drachen Vambraces αTenderizer Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Drachen Coil αTenderizer Jewel 2
Drachen Greaves αMighty Jewel 2
Handicraft Charm III-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 7Attack Boost Lvl 4
Critical Boost Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Handicraft Lvl 3Maximum Might Lvl 3
Power Prolonger Lvl 1Master's Touch
Elemental Airborne-

Full Use Of Master's Touch & High Affinity Rate

This build focuses on using the full potential of the Master's Touch skill that comes with the Drachen armor set. Combined with the high attack power of the Terror Tyrannos, this set is built for maximum damage & reduced loss of sharpness.

High Crit & Affinity Build For Switch Axe

High Crit & Affinity Build For Switch Axe
WeaponDecorations
Power Smasher ⅡCritical Jewel 2
ArmorDecorations
Drachen Armet αElementless Jewel 2
Attack Jewel 1
Damascus Mail βAttack Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Expert Jewel 1
Drachen Vambraces αTenderizer Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Drachen Coil αCharger Jewel 2
Drachen Greaves αTenderizer Jewel 2
Leaping Charm II-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 6Attack Boost Lvl 5
Critical Boost Lvl 3Weakness Exploit Lvl 3
Focus Lvl 3Evade Extender Level 2
Power Prolonger Lvl 1Non-elemental Boost
Master's TouchAirborne
Elemental Airborne-

Build For High Critical & Affinity Rates

With this Switch Axe build, you will have very high affinity and critical rates, allowing you to do a lot of damage per hit. Sacrificing weapon sharpness, this build also has a bit of survival features with the Evade Extender skill.

Elementless & Evasion Build For Switch Axe

Elementless & Evasion Build For Switch Axe
WeaponDecorations
Taroth Axe Paralysis
► How To Get This Weapon
Elementless Jewel 2
ArmorDecorations
Kaiser Crown γCritical Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Kulve Taroth's Ire αExpert Jewel 1
Kaiser Vambraces αVitality Jewel 1
Drachen Coil αJumping Jewel 2
Kaiser Greaves γJumping Jewel 2
Vitality Jewel 1
Evasion Charm III-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 7Critical Boost Lvl 3
Weakness Exploit Lvl 3Evade Window Lvl 3
Stun Resistance Lvl 2Health Boost Lvl 2
Evade Extender Lvl 2Power Prolonger Lvl 1
Non-elemental BoostMaster's Touch

Switch Axe Build With High Attack Stat

The weapon featured in this build has an extremely high attack power with no elemental attribute, making it viable against any monster. It is also a very mobile with its Evade Window & Evade Extender skills.

Taroth Axe Water Attack Build

Taroth Axe Water Attack Build
WeaponDecorations
Taroth Axe Water
► How To Get This Weapon
Earplug Jewel 3
ArmorDecorations
Xeno'jiiva Headgear γEnhancer Jewel 2
Vitality Jewel 1
Vitality Jewel 1
Kirin Jacket γVitality Jewel 1
Stream Jewel 1
Xeno'jiiva Claws γEvasion Jewel 2
Evasion Jewel 2
Stream Jewel 1
Kulve Taroth's Malice βHandicraft Jewel 3
Stream Jewel 1
Xeno'jiiva Spurs γEvasion Jewel 2
Stream Jewel 1
Stream Jewel 1
Awakening Charm II-
Skills
Water Attack Lvl 5Handicraft Lvl 5
Health Boost Lvl 3Free Elem/Ammo Up Lvl 3
Power Prolonger Lvl 3Evade Window Lvl 3
Blight Resistance Lvl 2Earplugs Lvl 1
Critical Boost Lvl 1Special Ammo Boost Lvl 1
Razor Sharp/Spare Shot-

Built For High Water Attack Boost

With the Taroth Axe Water's powerful water attack damage stat, this build focuses on amping up your elemental attack even more. It also focuses on survival during the hunts with Evade Window, Health Boost, and etc.

Kjarr Axe "Thunder" Attack Build

Kjarr Axe Thunder Attack Build
Weapon-
Kjarr Axe "Thunder"
► How To Get This Weapon
-
ArmorDecorations
Kaiser Crown γTenderizer Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Empress Mail βVitality Jewel 1
Bolt Jewel 1
Bolt Jewel 1
Kaiser Vambraces γHandicraft Jewel 3
Empress Coil γEarplug Jewel 3
Kaiser Greaves γTenderizer Jewel 2
Handicraft Charm III-
Skills
Critical Eye Lvl 7Handicraft Lvl 4
Health Boost Lvl 3Thunder Attack Lvl 3
Weakness Exploit Lvl 3Peak Performance Lvl 2
Evade Window Lvl 2Earplugs Lvl 1
Elemental AirborneMaster's Touch
Stamina Cap Up-

Build For Thunder Attack Damage

This build fully exploits the Master's Touch skill for high crit rate & reduction of sharpness loss. With this weapon, you'll do more Thunder attack damage due to its high elemental attack stat.

Kjarr Axe "Paralysis" Attack Build

Kjarr Axe Paralysis Attack Build
WeaponAugmentation /
Decorations
Kjarr Axe "Paralysis"
► How To Get This Weapon
Health Increase
Release Jewel 3
ArmorDecorations
Empress Crown αJumping Jewel 2
Paralyzer Jewel 1
Xeno'jiiva Hide βParalyzer Jewel 1
Paralyzer Jewel 1
Kushala Grip γMedicine Jewel 1
Medicine Jewel 1
Medicine Jewel 1
Empress Coil γEarplug Jewel 3
Kushala Crus γCharger Jewel 2
Awakening Charm II-
Skills
Evade Window Lvl 3Paralysis Attack Lvl 3
Recovery Up Lvl 3Free Elem/Ammo Up Lvl 3
Focus Lvl 3Evade Extender Lvl 3
Health Boost Lvl 2Power Prolonger Lvl 2
Earplugs Lvl 1Tool Specialist Lvl 1
Stamina Cap Up-

Build That Increases Chance To Paralyze Monsters

This build focuses on adding chances to paralyze monster with every hit, making it immobile & open to a flurry of attacks. This set also activates Earplugs Lvl 4 when Hunter uses their Zero Sum Discharge attack.

Augment For Health Increase

This weapon only has one slot for augmentation and it should be Health Increase. This will increase your survival rate so you can do more hits and increase your chances of paralyzing the monster.

Lunastra Weapon Blast Attack Build

Lunastra Weapon Blast Attack Build
WeaponDecorations
Empress Axe "Styx"Evasion Jewel 2
Charger Jewel 2
ArmorDecorations
Empress Crown βRelease Jewel 3
Expert Jewel 1
Damascus Mail βRelease Jewel 3
Zorah Claws γTenderizer Jewel 2
Tenderizer Jewel 2
Empress Crown γMind's eye Jewel 2
Kushala Crus γTenderizer Jewel 2
Bolt Jewel 1
Bolt Jewel 1
Earplugs Charm III-
Skills
Earplugs Lvl 5Evade Window Lvl 5
Health Boost Lvl 3Focus Lvl 3
Power Prolonger Lvl 3Evade Extender Lvl 3
Divine Blessing Lvl 3Razor Sharp/Spare Shot
Stamina Cap Up-

Break More Monster Parts With Blast Attack

This build focuses on breaking monster parts through the use of the Blast attribute. It doesn't have much attack boost and isn't recommended for speed hunting but it's best used when farming materials or monsters parts.

Set Allows For Flexibility In Decorations

You are free to swap out any of the decorations you've put into this set, making it a flexible build that can improve your gameplay and quality of life in the game.

Best Skills For Switch Axe

Recommended Skills For Attacking

Skill Recommendation / Overview
Weakness Exploit
★★★

Hitting monster weak spots can do critical hits & increased damage
Master's Touch
★★★

Prevents sharpness loss when dealing critical hits
Handicraft
★★・

Elongates weapon's sharpness gauge but not beyond its maximum
Attack Boost
★★・

Increases attack power plus affinity rate at higher levels
Critical Eye
★★・

Increases you affinity rate
Critical Boost
★★・

Strengthens damage of critical hits
Maximum Might
★★・

Affinity rate increases when stamina is full
Non-elemental Boost
★・・

Strengthens non-elemental weapons you've equipped

Recommended Supporting Skills

Skill Recommendation / Overview
Health Boost
★★★

Increases health points
Evade Extender
★★・

Increases distance of rolls and dodges
Evade Window
★★・

Elongates invincibility when dodging
Focus
★★・

Charges gauges and charge rate faster for weapons with gauges & charge attacks
Earplugs
★★・

Lessens stun duration from monster roars & shouts
Power Prolonger
★★・

Elongates the activation of your charges & gauges
Protective Polish
★・・

Negates sharpness loss a few moments after sharpening a weapon
Speed Sharpening
★・・

Lessens time to sharpen weapon

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Anonymous 4

I just want to know but is the first midgame iceborne build with 2 glavenus 3 nargacuga and a great jagras axe worth it cause im farming to build it and im tired of farming

Anonymous 3

This entire build seems kind of off. Why use the Glow when you can use the Gold Rathian axe for higher raw damage and comfy white sharpness. Purple isn't that important and sword mode gives mind eye.

Anonymous 2

agreed with guy below. the deco list for it seems to be far from complete O.o

Anonymous 1

The End game "DPS & Evasion Build" is incorrect and cannot be replicationed.
The Barioth helm, for example, does not have 2 decorations slots for "size 2 gems" to be able to fit the 'required' jumping and enhancer jewel.

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