Monster Hunter World(MHW) features 14 different weapon types, with theSwitch Axebeing one of them. In thisGuidewe’ll take a look at exactly how to use thisWeaponto its fullest, as well as show you some things you may not know about it. If you’re new to the game or you are a veteran of the franchise and just need a quick refresher, thisGuideis for you.
Switch Axe Guide
The Switch Axe is an extremely versatile weapon, but is a bit more complicated than most and as such isn’t recommended for brand new players. The Switch Axe uses aPhialsystem that fills while the players is wielding the Axe form of the weapon, which then allows this to be used in Sword form for increased effectiveness and damage. Both forms of the weapon are extremely good, with the Axe having excellent reach and the Sword having excellent damage. In short this is the weapon for the player who wants the best of both worlds.
Basic Combos
Special Attacks and Things of Interest
While in Axe form you fill your Switch Gauge naturally over time, which is important becauseyou cannot do attacks with the Sword form if you don’t have enough energy stored in your Gauge. Attacks with the Sword deplete this energy, making it so that you must alternate between the two forms somewhat regularly if you wish to use the Sword.
While in Sword form
produces anElement Discharge. Thrust the sword forward, spam
to build up energy and unleash it in an explosion.It costs a lot of theSwitch Gauge, but can be used mid combo.
Causing repeated damage with your Sword can put you into anAmped Statewhere you deal additional damage. you may track this by looking at the Switch Gauge on the top left-hand side of the screen andwhen the outside if its glowing different colors you are in this state.
While in an Amped State if you press
you will perform aZero Sum Discharge, which stabs the monster with the sword and climbs onto it to unleash the Phial’s explosion like normal Elemental Discharge, but with an even more bad ass animation and more damage.
Final Tips
Hunters using the Switch Axehave much better mobility in Axe form than Sword. Keep this in mind when fighting and try to stay on the Axe when you need to move around a lot. You also cannot block, like you can with theCharge Blade, so you’ll have to learn to Evade with this weapon.
Sharpnesson this weapon is generally pretty decent but it can deteriorate rather rapidly when using Element Discharge, which you will. So be sure to keep an eye out and use aWhetstoneif needed, especially if you have used this move a lot rather recently.
As mentioned above, attacks in Sword form utilize the effects of the Switch Axe’s Phials, making them much harder to deflect. This makes Sword form useful for targeting tough body parts that would be otherwise hard to strike.
Lastly, if you are new to the game and have a bit of experience under your belt, and are at the point where you are ready to try something more complicated, I highly recommend this weapon. It isn’t as challenging to learn as theCharge Blade, does tons of damage with an amazing moveset and won’t take as long to master.
Be sure to check out our otherWeapon and Monster Guidesfor all your needs and if you have specific questions be sure to check out theMonster Hunter World Wiki. Good Luck Hunters! May the furs be with you!
