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Trying out new weapons and finding out how they work is one of the best parts of playing a Monster Hunter game. When looking for a weapon that has quite a few options inMonster Hunter Wilds, you may not have to look further than the Switch Axe as a weapon of choice. The Switch Axe allows you to go from an Axe Mode and a Sword Mode, allowing you to power up each while regularly switching between the two to maintain constant damage to monsters.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Long Sword Guide
When seeking a weapon that rewards an aggressive playstyle, you can’t go wrong with the Long Sword.
Switch Axe Moves
While intimidating, these moves are easy to remember and key to using the Switch Axe.
Axe Mode Moves
PlayStation 5
Overhead Smash
Left Click
Wild Swing (Tap button repeatedly)
Right Click
Heavy Slam (Available after Wild Swing)
Offset Rising Slash
Triangle + Circle
Left Click + Right Click
Follow-up Heavy Slam (After perfect Offset Rising Slash)
Follow-up Morph Slash (After perfect Offset Rising Slash)
Fade Slash (Backward Directional Input)
Focus Mode: Morph Combination
Right Click + Shift
Elemental Discharge Finisher (After performing Morph Combination)
Sword Mode Moves
Overhead Slash
Double Slash
Heavenward Flurry (Available after Double Slash)
Counter Rising Slash (Available after Heavenward Flurry)
R2 + Triangle
R + Left Click
Element Discharge
Zero Sum Discharge (Hold inputs)
Unbridled Slash
R2 + Triangle + Circle
RT + Y + B
R + Left Click + Right Click
Full Release Slash
R2 (Hold) + Triangle + Circle
RT (Hold) + Y + B
R (Hold) + Left Click + Right Click
Maintain Damage Output by Switching Modes Regularly
Switching between modes will guarantee you have both gauges charging throughout fights.
Swapping between Axe and Sword modes is a major part of using the Switch Axe. Often, there are three separate gauges that the weapon has that will each power up its moves. In the Axe Mode, the weapon will charge the Axe Gauge; when this is too low, you will either need to attack or reload the weapon to use your Sword Mode once again. While in Sword Mode, you will use and deplete the Axe Gauge to use the Sword while also charging the Sword Gauge. This is where you’ll want to switch between the two modes regularly, charging both gauges and keeping them charged up to full as often as possible.
Both of the gauges work together extremely well, with most of the Switch Axe moves seamlessly transitioning between Axe and Sword modes. As you continue using the weapon, you will also notice a third gauge to the left of the Sword Gauge. This is the Power Axe gauge, which will power up your Axe Mode while also allowing you to charge up the Axe Gauge meter faster. While in your powered-up Sword Mode, you can also deal some specific damage types based on your Switch Axe Phial Types. Each version of the weapon will have certain phials you can utilize with the elemental moves like theZero Sum Discharge,Unbridled Slash, andElement Discharge.
Learn Your Counter Moves
While the Switch Axe hits hard and has a lot of options, you’ll want to keep yourself safe.
Some of the best moves with the Switch Axe are going to be your Offset Rising Slash and the Counter Rising Slash. While the weapon doesn’t give you the ability to block outright, it does reward you for learning proper timing when dealing with monsters and gaining the upper hand while they go on the offensive. The easier of the two moves to pull off is the Axe attack,Offset Rising Slash. It is a fantastic move to use while a monster is charging at you. This offset attack will counter a monster attack while also having your hunter move in for a follow-up attack. The next move that is somewhat harder to pull off is the Sword move,Counter Rising Slash. This is only available after you perform aHeavenward Flurry, which makes the counter something you have to plan out in the moment while fighting.
With enough practice and planning, you’ll be able to adjust and attack monsters while forcing your window to open. The Switch Axe is a versatile and fun weapon for newcomers and veterans alike, offering a variety of moves with a low-skill floor but a high ceiling. It may be a slower weapon at first, but with enough time fighting monsters and experimenting in the Training Area, you can learn the ins and outs of what makes the weapon special.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Sword and Shield Guide
Balancing offense and defense perfectly, the Sword and Shield weapon is always a solid choice for hunting.
Monster Hunter Wilds
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
