Mastering the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds can prove challenging due to its intricate design. This weapon features two unique modes, effectively functioning as two separate arms in your arsenal. With its impressive damage output and swift attack sequences, the Switch Axe remains a formidable choice for players.
Overview of the Switch Axe
The Switch Axe allows hunters to alternate between Axe Mode and Sword Mode. In Axe Mode, the weapon offers greater reach, while Sword Mode enables quicker attacks that inflict higher damage. A key feature of the Switch Axe is its three charge bars:
- Orange Bar: Accumulated by inflicting damage with the Axe.
- Red Bar: Gained through attacks performed in Sword Mode.
- Green Bar: This indicates the duration you can maintain Sword Mode, replenished by attacking while in Axe Mode.
Your primary goal when wielding the Switch Axe is to maximize the Orange and Red Bars without exhausting the Green Bar. Effective switching between modes is crucial; once the Orange and Red Bars are at capacity, the damage potential of the Sword significantly increases.
Top Combos for the Switch Axe
When executed correctly, the Switch Axe can perform remarkable combos, leading to maximum damage and effective monster knockdowns. Though mastering these combos can be difficult due to the dual nature of the weapon, honing your skills can elevate your gameplay and effectiveness. Below are some of the best combination moves:
Wild Swing
The Wild Swing combo is simple yet effective. By continuously pressing the circle button while in Axe Mode, you can unleash a flurry of strikes while keeping the monster on the ground.
Fade into Forward Slash
This technique allows you to evade an incoming attack and retaliate with a Forward Slash, delivering punishing damage to your opponent. Proper timing is essential to avoid taking hits while maximizing damage output.
Wild Swing into Heavy Slam
A powerful combo, the Wild Swing into Heavy Slam, starts with the wild attack sequence in Axe Mode, followed by a Triangle input to execute a heavy slam that can knock down your foe.
Morph Slash into Elemental Overdrive
Undoubtedly the most formidable combination, the Morph Slash leading into Elemental Overdrive produces a massive explosion that can deal hundreds of damage when your gauge is fully charged.
Sweep Slash
The final combo to mention is the Sweep Slash, which allows for quick and effective damage delivery.
Pro Tips for the Switch Axe
While becoming familiar with Switch Axe combos is beneficial, implementing these critical tips can provide a significant advantage against the various monsters within Monster Hunter Wilds.
Prioritize Axe Mode
Although Sword Mode is enticing with its higher damage output, it is crucial to recognize its limitations. To maintain effectiveness, switch to Axe Mode frequently to prevent the Green Bar from running low, ensuring that the potential damage from Sword Mode remains consistently high.
Enhance Strengths with Decorations
The Switch Axe, while already powerful, can reach new heights when combined with the right elements and decorations. For instance, enhancing your weapon with Blast as a Status Effect can amplify the damage of your explosion attack—an effective approach considering no monster in the game is resistant to Blast damage. Some recommended decorations include:
- Blast Jewel: Increases Blast buildup rate.
- Focus Jewel: Enhances the fill rate for gauge-based weapons.
- Quickswitch: Boosts switching speed and attack power for Switch Axes.
For those favoring elemental damage, consider substituting Blast with Dragon elemental, as it is effective against many creatures.
Utilize Sword Mode for Tail Damage
The Switch Axe’s sharp Sword Mode is perfect for severing monsters’ tails, providing valuable materials that are often hard to obtain. Target the tails by first utilizing Axe Mode to inflict damage; once the monster is weakened, switch to Sword Mode for the final severing strike. Although it requires persistence, eventually, you will successfully remove the tail, allowing you to carve valuable resources.
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