The Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds is a remarkable weapon that excels at close-range combat by seamlessly transitioning between its two forms. However, its dual capabilities might prove daunting, especially for newcomers to the series. Early in the game, mastering the Switch Axe can require some patience. It’s essential not to be discouraged by its morphing mechanic, as with practice, you can harness its full potential.
To establish a powerful Switch Axe build in the early stages of Monster Hunter Wilds, players should focus on crafting one of the top early Switch Axes, equipping suitable armor sets, and prioritizing Equipment Skills that augment your damage output and evasion capabilities.
Top Early Switch Axes for Low HR Campaign
The best early Switch Axes vary depending on your progress within the Monster Hunter Wilds campaign. Our top recommendation is the Dosha Fleshhacker, which you can unlock after defeating the Alpha Doshaguma in the mid-campaign.
Iron Accelerator
| Switch Axe Name | Unlock Requirement | Materials & Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Accelerator | Hope Axe II | 1x Machalite Ore2x Earth Crystal800z |
To obtain the early game Switch Axe, upgrade your Hope Axe to Rank II and craft the Iron Accelerator. This weapon features the Rapid Morph skill, significantly reducing the time required to switch between Axe and Sword Form.
Barina Hache
| Switch Axe Name | Unlock Requirement | Materials & Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barina Hache | Bone Axe I | 1x Lala Barina Claw 2x Lala Barina Mucus 3x Lala Barina Shell 500z |
Utilize the Barina Hache after defeating the Lala Barina. This axe is highly effective in the early game due to its paralysis damage, allowing you to immobilize monsters with sufficient hits. Its high Affinity enables a greater chance to execute critical strikes.
While the Barina Hache offers impressive critical potential, be wary of the fact that the ultimate Low Rank Switch Axe has a -5% affinity. However, its high raw damage compensates for this slight disadvantage.
Dosha Flashhacker
| Switch Axe Name | Unlock Requirement | Materials & Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dosha Flashhacker | Bone Axe I | 1x Doshaguma Fang 2x Doshaguma Claw 3x Doshaguma Fur 800z |
Despite its -5% affinity, the Dosha Fleshhacker stands out as the premier early Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds, featuring exceptional raw damage and the Power Prolonger skill. This skill extends the duration you can remain in Sword Form, ensuring that your Switch Gauge and Amp Gauge are maintained for extended periods.
Due to its strength, both the Dosha Fleshhacker and its upgraded variants remain relevant well into the late stages of the game, eliminating the immediate need for an upgrade as you progress through High Rank content.
To unlock both the Barina Hache and the Dosha Fleshhacker, players must first create a Bone Axe, which is a common requirement for these Switch Axes.
Optimal Low HR Switch Axe Armor Sets
Doshaguma Set
The Doshaguma armor set is pivotal for Switch Axe builds during the early phases of Monster Hunter Wilds thanks to its impressive set bonus. Equipping the complete set provides one level each in the Item Prolonger and Recovery Speed skills, along with three levels in the Free Meal skill. What sets this armor apart is its set bonus; with just two pieces equipped, you activate the Doshaguma’s Might skill.
This skill is particularly advantageous as it boosts damage output following a successful Offset Attack or Power Clash. Given that the Axe Form offers an Offset Attack, Switch Axe users can reliably trigger the Doshaguma’s Might buff, enhancing their overall damage efficiency.
Hirabami Set
The Hirabami armor set grants access to one of the most potent Switch Axe skills available. With the complete set equipped, the Evade Window can be elevated to Level 5, significantly increasing the invulnerable window during dodges.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, unlike the forgiving dodge mechanics in Souls-like games, the standard evade is less lenient. However, with Level 5 Evade Window equipped, players can adeptly maneuver through attacks instead of merely evading them, fundamentally transforming close-range combat dynamics.
Balahara Set
The Balahara set is renowned for providing essential Equipment Skills in Monster Hunter Wilds. While it doesn’t offer a specific set bonus tailored for Switch Axe players, equipping the full set grants Level 1 Hunger Resistance and Quick Sheathe skills, along with a notable Level 3 Evade Extender.
This skill is perhaps the most advantageous for melee weapon builds, enhancing dodge rolls to cover greater distances. With the Balahara Set, your dodge rolls will extend almost threefold, greatly improving mobility in challenging encounters.
Lala Barina Set
The daunting Lala Barina spider boss yields one of the best early armor sets for Switch Axe builds. This set enhances Recovery Up to Level 3 while providing Level 2 Paralysis Resistance. Although it lacks a distinct set bonus, the Recovery Up skill offers substantial regenerative benefits, especially in the earlier game segments.
While the Lala Barina set is not the most synergistic option for Switch Axes compared to the Hirabami, Balahara, and Doshaguma sets, it remains a solid choice for early game survivability.
Premier Early Switch Axe Skills & Talismans
Optimal Low Rank Switch Axe Equipment Skills
When crafting the finest Switch Axe build, players should focus on three key skills: Evade Extender, Evade Window, and Adrenaline Rush. These skills can be acquired through the aforementioned armor sets, but Adrenaline Rush is exclusive to the Counterattack Charm and select Rathalos and Xu Wu gear.
- Evade Extender: Enhances the distance of evasion.
- Evade Window: Increases the invincibility period while dodging.
- Adrenaline Rush: Empowers attacks following a close dodge of enemy strikes.
As you progress through the Low Rank campaign, adopting either the Hirabami or Balahara sets can grant these skills early on, while also staying vigilant for these skills in any gear that you acquire later in the campaign.
Essential Early Switch Axe Talismans
In Monster Hunter Wilds, Talismans complement your armor and weapons. After advancing past the initial chapter of the campaign, players gain access to crafting Talismans at the Blacksmith (Gemma), who can also upgrade armor and weapons.
Talismans, akin to Rings in other RPGs, provide bonus abilities but do not contribute to defensive stats. The following four Talismans are crucial for establishing an effective Switch Axe build early in the game:
| Talisman Name | Talisman Effect | Crafting Materials (Lvl 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Counterattack Charm | Grants the Adrenaline Rush skill. | 3000z2x Balahara Shell1x Balahara Skull1x Nerscylla Claw2x Dragonite Ore |
| Leaping Charm | Grants the Evade Extender skill. | 1500z2x Balahara Shell1x Balahara Skull1x Nerscylla Claw2x Dragonite Ore |
| Recovery Charm | Grants the Recovery Up skill. | 500z2x Lala Barina Floret1x Lala Barina Mucus1x Congalala Pelt2x Sturdy Bone |
| Sheathe Charm | Grants the Quick Sheathe skill. | 1500z2x Balahara Scale1x Balahara Skull1x Hirabami Tail Claw2x Dragonite Ore |
| Hope Charm | Grants the Self-Improvement and Recovery Up skills. | N/A (rewarded for preordering the game) |
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