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One of the most deceptively complex weapons inMonster Huntergames is the Switch Axe, which returns inMonster Hunter Wildswith a newly reworked combat system. With a Switch Axe,Monster Hunter Wildsplayers can build two separate bars for each of the two forms, which enable powerful elemental bonuses and finishing moves when filled.
The basicSwitch Axe playstyle is not too hard to grasp, but there’s a lot more going on than just weapon swapping in the middle of a combo. ThisMonster Hunter WildsSwitch Axe guide goes into the unique mechanics of this morphing weapon, explains how to build and use its three Gauges, details the complete Switch Axe moveset, and suggests the best Switch Axe combos you should know – get the most out of this combo-heavy and mechanical weapon with theseMonster Hunter WildsSwitch Axe tips.
Switch Axe Mechanics & Playstyle
How The Switch Axe Works In Monster Hunter Wilds
InMonster Hunter Wilds, the Switch Axe weapon features both an Axe Form and a Sword Form.As you attack in Axe Form, the yellow Switch Gauge meter will build(found below the stamina bar). When the meter passes a small white line threshold, the weapon can morph into Sword Form. The more the Switch Gauge is filled, the longer you may attack inSword Form, which builds up the red Amp Meter.
The key to learning how to use the Switch Axe inMonster Hunter Wildsisunderstanding how to efficiently swap between these two formstobuild the red Amp Meter unleash the full elemental damageof this devastating weapon type.
Spend some time in the Training Area getting used to the flow of the Switch Axe as you swap between weapons to build towards a powerful elemental finisher.
Though it’s a relatively simple weapon rotation compared to some of the most complexMonster Hunter Wildsweapons, you must pay careful attention to your Switch Gauge and Amp Gauge meters, and to your positioning with its high-committment combos, to maximize its potential.
Switch Gauge, Power Axe, & Amp Gauge
TheSwitch Axe weapon typecomes with three Gauges to keep track of: theSwitch Gauge, Amp Gauge, and Power Axe Gauge.
As you connect hits in Axe Form, you will build up the yellowSwitch Gaugemeter. As you attack in Sword Form, the Switch Gauge will slowly deplete with each hit. Your Switch Axe will be forced back into Axe Form if the meter goes below the white threshold line. However, as the Switch Gauge depletes, the Amp Meter (bottom-right of the Switch Gauge) will build with each hit that connects in Sword Form.
When this redAmp Gaugeis full, all of your Sword attacks will deal extra damage based on the type of Phial your Switch Axe has. you’re able to only use the Full Release Slash and Zero Sum Discharge finishers while this meter is full, but the explosive Element Discharge and Unbridled Slash can be used as long as your Switch Gauge is not depleted.
There is also aPower Axe Gaugeon the bottom left of the Switch Gauge. This will fill as you perform certain heavy attacks with the Axe Form of the Switch Axe, like a Heavy Slam after mashing Wild Swing, or the follow-up attack after an Offset Attack. When this meter is orange, your Axe attacks will deal more damage and build the Switch Gauge faster.
What Are Switch Axe Phials?
All Switch Axes have a Phial type that grants extra elemental damage while in a fully Amped state. The Phial also determines the damage type of the elemental finishing moves like Unbridled Slash, Zero Sum Discharge, and of course Element Discharge.
The type of Phial associated with each Switch Axe can be found in the item description. There are six Phials Switch Axes can come with:
Complete Switch Axe Moveset In MH Wilds
To swap between Axe Form and Sword Form, press R2 (RT). To enable Sword Form, the Switch Gauge must be filled past the white marker orthe mechanic will not work. Press R2 (RT) while standing still to swap Switch Axe form, or press it after an attack to chain into a special Morph attack, which deals damage and swaps to the other form.
You can also press L2 (LT) toenter Focus Mode in either form. This allows you to target specific parts of a monster’s body, and if you press R1 (RB) while targeting an exposed wound in either form, you will initiate a special rapid Morph Slash flurry attack that will destroy it.
Overhead swing that can be chained three times
△
Sweeping attack that can be chained repeatedly
Strong uppercut-likeupward slash that can parry enemy attacks
Dash forward a short distance and strike while moving
Move forward + O
Move forward + B
Slash upward then back up slightly to create distance
Move backward + O
Move backward + B
Slash from overhead at the target while already moving foward
O while already moving forward
B while already moving forward
Xbox Input
Overhead Slash
Overhead swing thatcan target body parts like tailsand be chained three times
Sweeping attack that can be chained twice
Strong uppercut slash that can parry enemy attacks
RT + Y
Element Discharge
Stab forward with your Sword and release elemental damage as you mash △ (Y)
△ + O, then mash △
Y + B, then mash Y
Zero Sum Discharge
Stab forward with your Sword and release elemental damage before mounting your target
Requires the Amp Meter to be full
Hold △ + O
Full Release Slash
A powerful two-hit slash that deals elemental damage and fully consumes Amp Gauge
RT + Y + B
Unbridled Slash
A powerful two-hit slash that deals elemental damage and reduces Amp Gauge
