Monster Hunter Rise Switch Axe Weapon Guide ( Game News )
The Switch Axe is the heavy-hitting sword-axe in Monster Hunter Rise that is capable of switching between two modes. What the Switch Axe lacks in defense it makes up for in leaping attacks, elemental slices, and explosions. Let’s take a look at this weapon’s attacks, Silkbind Abilities, Switch Skills, and more to learn how to master the Switch Axe.
Axe Mode
The Switch Axe is a unique weapon in that it has two sets of moves, one for Axe mode and one for Sword mode. Axe mode makes you move faster, but the actual swings are slow and heavy. Conversely, you move slowly in Sword mode, but its attacks are quick. Below is the controls page in the game’s Hunter’s Notes for Axe mode.
By pressing ZR, you will switch between Axe and Sword mode. You will only be able to morph into Sword mode if the Switch Gauge is filled past the white indication line. Otherwise, you will perform a manual reload, taking a few seconds to fill up the Switch Gauge. After a manual reload you’ll have to press ZR again to switch into Sword mode, meaning manually reloading your gauge takes a considerable amount of time.
Instead, you can build up Switch Gauge by using Axe mode attacks or waiting. The Gauge will fill slightly over time, but it can be increased more significantly by using the Silkbind Ability Switch Charger.
Additionally, pressing X after a Wild Swing combo (Rapidly pressing A) will cause you to do a Heavy Slam, which will speed up charging the Switch Gauge. Use this in conjunction with Switch Charger to quickly get back into Sword mode.
Sword Mode
Here are the basic controls for Sword Mode. This mode of the Switch Axe gains access to Phials and the Amped State.
The Amped State builds up by attacking in Sword mode. Once the gauge is full, all attacks in both modes deal extra hits and apply the effect of the weapon’s phials. Phials will deal damage according to the weapon’s element, making Switch Axe great at building up elemental damage and effects like Poison. Here is each phial type and what they do.
Power Phial: increases physical damage.
Elemental Phial: increases weapon element damage.
Poison Phial: adds poison to attacks
Paralysis Phial: adds paralysis to attacks
Exhaust Phial: attacks siphon stamina from foes
Dragon Phial: adds dragon element to attacks
Pressing X+A while in Sword mode will perform an Elemental Discharge, where you will be stationary while thrusting the Switch Axe forward, releasing elemental energy as you repeatedly press A. After charging up, the energy will then be dispersed in front of you, exploding in a blast of elemental damage.
If you execute an Elemental Discharge while in the Amped State, you will instead perform Zero Sum Discharge, which will latch you onto the monster before releasing the blast of elemental damage. This ability is the Switch Axe’s most important method of dealing damage.
Silkbind Abilities
Switch Charger (ZL+A): Uses a Wirebug to launch you forward while quickly regenerating your Switch Gauge. In addition, the Switch Gauge won’t decrease for a short period of time.
This Ability makes charging the Switch Gauge easy. This Ability is incredibly versatile; it’s fast, repositions you, charges the Switch Gauge, and makes it so the Gauge won’t deplete for a short time. Luckily this Ability isn’t a Switch Skill, so you won’t have to choose it over the Switch Axe’s other equally amazing Silkbind Abilities.
Invincible Gambit (ZL+X): A forward-moving spinning attack that fortifies the user, making them immune to flinching or being knocked by even the fiercest of attacks.
This Ability gives Switch Axe some much-needed defense while also playing into the weapon’s strength of unleashing an unstoppable onslaught of attacks. However, Invincible Gambit does not charge the Switch Gauge with its three strikes.
Soaring Wyvern Blade (ZL+X): Uses a Wirebug to fly up while slashing, ending with an Advancing Slash from midair. If the Advancing Slash is successful, the weapon’s Amp Gauge fills up and a large explosion goes off where it connected.
This Ability may seem like just another flashy attack in the Switch Axe’s arsenal, but it’s a bit more versatile than that. Soaring Wyvern Blade can be used for repositioning, avoiding attacks, and charging the Amp Gauge.
Soaring Wyvern Blade can be used in Axe mode, but you will be unable to perform the Advancing Slash, so make sure to only use it when in Sword mode.
Switch Skills
In Monster Hunter Rise, each weapon is given a variety of Switch Skills that you can change around to fit your playstyle. Let’s take a look at the Switch Axe’s skills, and which ones you should choose.
Slot 1: Forward Slash or Forward Overhead Slash
Forward Slash: Thrusts the axe’s blade forward while stepping.
Forward Overhead Slash: A lunging attack performed by winding up the axe and smashing it down.
Forward Slash is a much faster move than Forward Overhead Slash,
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