How do you use the Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe? If you can’t decide between two weapons, you’re in luck. The Switch Axe joins the Charge Blade as one of the two transformative weapons in Monster Hunter. It’s a firm favorite for hunters who prefer an aggressive playstyle and flashy combos, and we can walk you through exactly how to use it.
The Switch Axe is the perfect Monster Hunter Wilds weapon for players looking for the complexity of the MHWilds Charge Blade and the raw offensive power of the MHWilds Great Sword. It’s effectively two weapons in one, and while it isn’t the easiest to get to grips with in Monster Hunter Wilds, its extensive moveset makes it a highly versatile choice.
How to use the Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe
To use the Switch Axe, you must swap between Axe Mode and Sword Mode to build its various weapon gauges. Axe Mode keeps you light on your feet, perfect for setting up an attack or dodging and disengaging, whereas Sword Mode has low mobility but more power to offer.
Like the Long Sword, the Switch Axe has a weapon gauge that gradually fills in combat. Once you reach the Switch Gauge’s threshold, you can unleash the most powerful attacks in its moveset, so filling it is your top priority. Take advantage of Axe Mode’s reach to line up multiple Spiral Burst Axe attacks, then execute Heavy Slams to activate the Power Axe mode and benefit from attack and gauge replenishment speed buffs.
Once the Switch Gauge has topped out, morph to Sword Mode to fill the Amp Gauge and activate the Amped State. This empowers the Switch Axe even further, turning regular moves into explosive attacks and letting you execute devastating finishers like Full Release Slash and Element Discharge.
The Switch Axe benefits most from an aggressive playstyle, but its lack of guard means it’ll perform best in the hands of an experienced hunter who can read monster animations. However, there are some defensive moves that you can rely upon, such as Fade Step and offset attacks. The Monster Hunter Wilds focus mode is also the perfect complement to the Switch Axe, letting you land big finishers to break parts and target wounds.
Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe moveset
Here are all the moves and combos for the Switch Axe:
Axe Mode
- Overhead Slash: A forward-facing vertical chop that you can chain into Side Slash and Spiral Burst Slash. You can also perform it while moving forward for a Forward Overhead Slash variant.
- Forward Slash: A thrust attack inflicted when moving forward that you can chain into Side Slash and Spiral Burst Slash.
- Wild Swing: A diagonal cross-slash stationary attack that chains into Heavy Slam and Morph Sweep.
- Heavy Slam: A forward double-slam that activates Power Axe Mode.
- Morph Sweep: A horizontal sweep attack that switches from Axe Mode to Sword Mode.
- Morph Rising Double Slash: A powerful spin attack after the Axe: Spiral Burst Slash that also switches from Axe Mode to Sword Mode. You can then chain into the Triple Slash in Sword Mode.
Offset Rising Slash: A slow wind-up counter swing that knocks monsters off-balance. - Fade Slash: An evasive attack that combines an upward swing with a back step to force space between you and a monster.
- Follow-up Heavy Slam: A more powerful version of the standard Heavy Slam that’s available after a successful Offset Rising Slash.
- Follow-up Heavy Slam: A more powerful version of the standard Heavy Slam that’s available after a successful Offset Rising Slash.
- Follow-up Morph Slash: Switches from Axe Mode to Sword Mode to inflict an alternate Sword finisher.
- Focus Assault – Morph Combination: A relentless barrage of diagonal slashes with an optional chain into Power Axe Finisher. You can also switch from Axe Mode to Sword Mode.
- Power Axe Finisher: A powerful follow-up slam attack following Focus Assault.
- Morph: Switch from Axe Mode to Sword Mode.
Sword Mode
- Overhead Slash: A vertical chop you can chain into Rising Slash, Double Slash, or Morph Slash.
- Double Slash: A diagonal cross-slash that can be chained into Heavenward Flurry. Rapidly builds the Amp Gauge.
- Rising Slash: An upward slash that can be aimed left or right.
Triple Slash: A combo finisher available after performing a Morph Rising Double Slash in Axe Mode. - Morph Slash: A rapid slash attack that switches from Sword Mode to Axe Mode.
- Heavenward Flurry: A leaping spin attack with a short wind-up.
- Element Discharge: A forward thrust followed by a brief pause before discharging an explosion of elemental energy.
- Counter Rising Slash: Lift your sword to counter incoming attacks.
- Unbridled Slash: A finisher that doesn’t require you to be in the Amped State.
- Full Release Slash: An explosive finisher that releases a barrage of phial explosions in a wide area of effect. Must be in the Amped State.
- Zero Sum Discharge: Grab onto an enemy following a double Element Discharge and trigger a massive explosion of elemental energy. Must be in the Amped State.
- Morph: Switch from Sword Mode to Axe Mode.
Now that you’ve mastered the transformative power of the Switch Axe, it’s time to take the fight to the Monster Hunter Wilds monsters out there. If you need a helping hand, prepare to hop into MHWilds crossplay with fellow hunters who can take the heat off you. In the meantime, check out some of the best games like Monster Hunter before the MHWilds release date arrives.