Monster Hunter Wilds Guide: Switch Axe

The Switch Axe is a unique weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds that combines the power of a two-handed axe with the agility of a sword. Its hybrid mechanics make it one of the most versatile, yet challenging, weapons in the game. This guide will tell you how to use the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds, break down its mechanics, combo chains, and share tips for effective combat with monsters.

Switch Axe Mechanics and Playstyle

The Switch Axe has two forms, an axe form and a sword form. The key to mastering this weapon is to switch between these forms correctly to deal massive damage and increase efficiency.

In axe form, the hunter has access to powerful but slow attacks. These strikes are great for dealing high base damage and filling the switch meter. Each strike gradually increases the yellow meter, which is the key to switching to sword form.

One of the key features of this form is the ability to perform quick movements, such as dashing forward or backward. This allows the hunter to remain mobile even when using heavy weapons. In addition, the axe form provides access to the “Rising Parry” attack, which can parry incoming monster attacks. This is especially useful when you need to defend against powerful blows without losing control of the fight.

It is also worth noting that in the axe form, you can perform combos such as “Wild Slash”, which can be repeated multiple times to deal damage and fill the switch gauge. It is important to remember that using heavy attacks (“Heavy Strike”) activates the axe’s power gauge, which increases the attacks and fills the main switch gauge faster.

The sword form, on the other hand, offers fast slashing attacks that deal high slashing damage. However, it limits the hunter’s movement and requires careful management of the switch gauge, as each attack in this form gradually depletes the gauge.

When the switch gauge is filled above the white threshold, you can transform into your sword form by pressing the corresponding button. In this form, powerful finishing moves are available, such as Elemental Strike and Wild Strike, which deal additional elemental damage.

Pay special attention to the ammeter scale, which fills up during attacks in sword mode. Once it reaches its maximum, each subsequent attack begins to be amplified by additional damage, the type of which depends on the equipped Switch Axe flask. For example, using a Power flask activates explosive effects, while Elemental Boost adds elemental damage.

Scales and their meaning

To use a switch axe effectively, it is important to understand three key scales that affect its performance:

1. Switch gauge. Fills up when attacking in axe form. Depletes when using sword form. If the gauge drops below the white threshold, you will have to switch back to axe form.
2. Ammeter gauge. Accumulates when you attack in sword form. When full, it enhances your attacks by adding elemental damage. Allows you to use powerful finishing moves.
3. Axe Power Gauge: Activates when performing heavy attacks in axe form. Increases attack damage and increases the speed of the switch gauge.

Types of bottles and their impact

Each Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds comes equipped with a specific type of vial that plays a key role in combat stats. Not only do they determine additional damage or effects, but they also affect your combat style.

The Power Flask is a classic choice for players who prefer to deal pure burst damage. When using Elemental Discharges or other finishing moves like Full Release Strike, this flask adds powerful burst effects that can stun a monster or deal significant area damage. This is especially useful against large monsters with strong armor, as the explosions are effective at destroying their weak points.

An Elemental Flask adds elemental damage to attacks. This makes it an ideal choice for fighting monsters that are vulnerable to certain elements, such as fire, ice, or dragon damage. This type of flask enhances all elemental attacks, making them more effective against the corresponding enemies. For example, if an axe is equipped with a Fire Flask, it will be especially effective against monsters that are sensitive to fire damage.

Poison Flask accumulates poison status with each hit, which can seriously weaken a monster. After several successful hits, the enemy begins to lose health due to poison. This ability is especially useful in long battles. But it is worth remembering that the presented flask is less effective against monsters with high resistance to status effects.

The Paralysis Flask works similarly to the Poison Flask, but instead of poison, it stores the Paralysis effect. When a monster takes enough hits, it will temporarily become paralyzed, giving you or your team the opportunity to deal maximum damage. This flask is especially valuable in multiplayer modes, where a team can use Paralysis to perform combos.

he Dragon Flask adds Dragon damage, which is one of the rarest and most powerful damage types in the game. This flask is especially effective against monsters related to dragons, such as Nergiran or Malzix. If you are facing such enemies, the Dragon Flask will be your best choice.

The Exhaust Flask stores a stun effect that can temporarily stun an enemy, causing them to fall to the ground. This is especially useful for creating openings for finishing attacks or to knock a monster off their feet at a critical moment. The Exhaust Flask is often used in situations where a quick interruption of an enemy attack is required.

The choice of flask depends on your preferences and battle strategy. If you want to focus on dealing pure damage, choose a flask of power or element. If you prefer a tactical approach, use flasks with status effects. It is also important to consider the weaknesses of a particular monster, for example, if the enemy is vulnerable to fire, a flask of fire will significantly increase effectiveness in battle.

Basic attacks and combo chains

Let’s look at key attacks and combo chains that will help you use the Switch Axe effectively.

Axe Form Attacks:

1. Overhead Slash – A powerful overhead strike that can be combined up to three times.
2. Wild Swing is a wide attack that can be repeated multiple times.
3. Offset Rising Slash – A powerful uppercut that can parry an opponent’s attacks.
4. Forward Slash: Dash forward while attacking.

Sword Form Attacks:

1. Overhead Slash: Similar to the axe form slash, but with greater speed.
2. Double Slash: A wide attack that can be repeated twice.
3. Element Discharge: A powerful strike that unleashes elemental damage.
4. Full Release Slash: A finishing attack that deals maximum damage when the ammeter is full.

Combo:

• Axe Form: Top Strike > Side Strike > Spiral Strike.
• Axe Form: Wild Slash > Wild Slash > Heavy Strike.
• Combo Transformation: Upper Kick > Side Kick > Spiral Kick > Transformation > Double Kick > Sky Smash.

To effectively fight giant monsters, use Axe Form to build up your Switch Gauge. Focus on attacks that fill the gauge quickly, such as Wild Slash. Switch to Sword Form to deal damage.

Once the Switch Gauge is full, activate the Sword Form and begin a series of quick attacks. Use Finishing Moves to deal maximum damage. When the Ampere Gauge is full, use Elemental Discharge and Full Release Strike. Parry enemy attacks. Always have Rising Parry ready to defend against dangerous strikes.

The Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds is a powerful and versatile weapon that takes time and practice to master. With this guide, you can better understand its mechanics, learn how to combo attacks, and take advantage of all the available advantages.