The Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds is a weapon with a serious identity crisis—in the best way possible. It morphs between a slow, high-reach Axe Form and a fast, high-damage Sword Form, keeping you on your toes while dishing out brutal combos. But don't let the "switch" mechanic fool you—this Monster Hunter Wilds weapon isn't just about form-swapping. With multiple Gauges to manage and some of the most explosive finishers in the game, mastering the Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe takes skill, timing, and a little bit of flair. Do you know how to use switch axe? Let's break down everything you need to know and turn this beast of a weapon into your ultimate hunting tool.

How The Switch Axe Works in Monster Hunter Wilds

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At its core, the Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe has two forms:

• Axe Form – Slower, but gives you better mobility and reach. Also lets you build your Switch Gauge (the yellow meter under your stamina bar).
• Sword Form – Faster, but with limited mobility. Burns through your Switch Gauge but builds the Amp Meter (the red meter on the bottom right of your Switch Gauge). Your goal? Balance both forms effectively to keep your meters charged and unleash devastating elemental finishers when the Amp Meter is full. Axe Form also has access to Offset Rising Slash, a parry-like attack that can save your skin, while Sword Form unlocks powerful slashes and explosive finishers.

The Three Gauges You Need to Manage

• Switch Gauge (Yellow Bar) – Fills up in Axe Form and depletes in Sword Form. If it empties, you're forced back into Axe Form.
• Amp Meter (Red Bar, Bottom Right) – Builds in Sword Form. When full, your attacks deal extra elemental damage.
• Power Axe Gauge (Bottom Left) – Fills when using certain Axe Form attacks. When orange, your Axe Form attacks deal more damage and build the Switch Gauge faster. Keeping an eye on all three meters is key to maintaining momentum in battle. If you're reckless, you’ll run out of steam at the worst possible moment.

Switch Axe Phials – The Secret Sauce

Every Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe has a Phial type, which determines the extra damage you deal in Amped Sword Form. These are the six Phial types:

• Power Phial – Pure explosive damage. The ultimate raw damage boost.
• Element Phial – Increases elemental damage. Great for targeting monster weaknesses.
• Poison Phial – Builds up Poison damage over time.
• Paralysis Phial – Causes paralysis buildup, locking monsters in place.
• Dragon Phial – Deals Dragon elemental damage (strong against Elder Dragons).
• Exhaust Phial – Stuns monsters and drains their stamina, making them sluggish. Your choice of Phial can drastically change your playstyle—Power Phial for raw damage, Element Phial for elemental weaknesses, or Status Phials for crowd control.

Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe Moveset – The Basics

Switching Forms

• Press R2 (RT) while standing still – Swap between Axe and Sword.
• Press R2 (RT) after an attack – Perform a Morph Attack, dealing damage while swapping forms.

  Axe Form Attacks

• Overhead Slash – Standard attack, can chain three times.
• Wild Swing – Repeated horizontal swings, can combo into a Heavy Slam.
• Offset Rising Slash – A strong upward slash that can parry attacks.
• Fade Slash – A backward step with a slash for repositioning.

  Sword Form Attacks

• Overhead Slash – Standard fast attack, useful for tail cutting.
• Double Slash – Two sweeping attacks for quick damage.
• Counter Rising Slash – Uppercut attack that can parry.
• Element Discharge – Stabs forward and releases elemental damage (mash △/Y for more hits).
• Zero Sum Discharge – Aerial finisher that mounts the monster and explodes.
• Full Release Slash – The strongest finisher, consumes the entire Amp Gauge for massive damage.

Best Switch Axe Combos – Wreck Monsters Like a Pro

Basic Axe Combo – Good for Building Switch Gauge

Overhead Slash + Side Slash + Spiral Burst Slash A simple but effective way to build your Switch Gauge before swapping to Sword Form.

Power Axe Boost – Heavy Slam for Bonus Damage

Wild Swing + Wild Swing +Heavy Slam Finishing this combo activates the Power Axe Gauge, making your Axe Form attacks stronger.

Morph Combo – Smooth Transition to Sword Form

Overhead Slash + Side Slash +Spiral Burst Slash + Morph + Double Slash + Heavenward Flurry Builds up both Switch and Amp Meters, setting you up for big Sword Form damage.

Elemental Finisher – When the Amp Meter is Full

Element Discharge + Element Discharge Finisher +Unbridled Slash OR Full Release Slash If the Amp Meter is full, unleash Full Release Slash for massive elemental damage. If you want a quicker option, go for Unbridled Slash after an Element Discharge Finisher.

Switch Axe Tips – Master the Weapon Like a Veteran

Stay Aggressive – The Switch Axe thrives on constant attacking. Keep those Gauges filled! Know When to Morph – Don't stay in one form too long. If your Switch Gauge is low, swap back to Axe Form to recharge. Watch Your Positioning – High-commitment combos leave you vulnerable. Don't overextend! Use Power Axe Mode – If you land a Heavy Slam, your Axe attacks get a huge damage boost. Take advantage of it! Zero Sum Discharge = Free Ride – If a monster is downed, land a Zero Sum Discharge for devastating mounted damage.

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Wrapping Up

The Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds is a high-risk, high-reward weapon that lets you mix precision with raw power. Whether you're a fan of big elemental explosions or strategic weapon swapping, this weapon gives you the tools to completely dismantle monsters. Just remember—stay aggressive, manage your meters, and unleash hell when the time is right. Happy hunting!

FAQs

How does the switch axe work in Monter Hunter Wilds?

For the switch axe to work, use the Axe's mobility and attack power, then when you see an opportunity, swap to the formidable Sword. While in Sword Mode, try to unleash a powerful Element Discharge.

What is a switch axe in MH Wilds?

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Switch Axe has a significant identity crisis, but in the greatest way possible. It switches between a slow, high-reach Axe Form and a quick, high-damage Sword Form, keeping you on your toes while unleashing devastating combos.

How to hide your helmet in Monster Hunter Wilds?

To hide your helmet in Monster Hunter Wilds, enter your Tent, navigate to the 'Appearance Menu', and select the 'Equipment Appearance' option. All you have to do now is press the yellow toggle button to the right of the 'Head' armor to conceal your helmet while maintaining all of its stats and bonuses.