Sunbreak Charge Blade Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset

This is a guide to the Charge Blade, a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Charge Blade controls and combos, how to elementally boost the Shield and the Sword, how to use the Savage Axe-like Switch Skill, as well as details on other Charge Blade Switch Skills.

All Charge Blade Guides
Trees & Full List	How to Use	Best Builds

Charge Blade Balance Changes

Update 10.0

Charge Blade Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 10.0)

・ Adjusted all of the following weapon actions: ・ [Morph Slash] 　・ Axe: Ultra Element Discharge (Elemental Phial Explosion): Attack power slightly increased; Elemental scaling increased 　・ Axe: Ultra Element Discharge (Impact Phial Explosion): Attack power slightly increased ・ [Counter Morph Slash] 　・ Axe: Ultra Element Discharge (Elemental Phial Explosion): Attack power slightly increased; Elemental scaling increased 　・ Axe: Ultra Element Discharge (Impact Phial Explosion): Attack power slightly increased ・ Added combos that chain from small and medium guard reactions. ・ Axe: Ultra Element Discharge: The height of the phial explosion's hit detection has been increased. ・ The window of time available for entering combo commands after a Forward Dodge in Sword mode was moved earlier, making it easier to chain it into other attacks. ・ The phial charge failure animation will no longer trigger when performing a Charge action (e.g., for a Condensed Element Slash) after charging a phial from a zero phial state in Sword mode. ・ Sword Boost Mode now lasts longer. ・ Axe: Amped Element Discharge: It is now easier to chain from Element Boost into the preparatory action for an Amped Element Discharge. ・ Sword: Shield Thrust: It is now easier to chain this into Charged Double Slash combos. ・ Fixed a bug where the hit detection for the downward axe attack in the Midair Ultra Element Discharge was slightly slower when you had phials charged compared to when you didn't have any phials charged, when performing the Discharge directly before hitting the ground. ・ Axe: Amped Element Discharge: Made it more difficult for this attack not to connect during frame drops (due to shortness of the hit detection time window). ・ Fixed a bug where the Sword mode recovery animation for getting up from the ground would trigger instead of the Axe mode animation when recovering from certain types of reactions (extreme knockbacks, non-recoverable knockbacks, and whirlwinds) in Axe mode. ・ Fixed a bug where the blinking effect on the HUD would sometimes look displaced when your energy is overcharged.

Charge Blade received some buffs across the board and the update fixed the weird SAED hitzone that caused pain to all Charge Blade users in base Rise. It also boosted the power of Elemental Phials, making them more viable than ever.

Besides Ready Stance, which gives Charge Blade user a really huge guard-counter opening, all the additional Switch Skills in the Sunbreak expansion proved to be lacking and so there isn't much change for this weapon - gameplay-wise.

Weapon Changes in Sunbreak

Charge Blade New Sunbreak Attacks and Moves

Official Charge Blade Preview Video

Silkbind Attack: Ready Stance

This Silkbind Attack binds the axe and sword together. When hit by an attack while in this stance, it lowers your guard reaction, allowing you to easily chain sword and axe attacks. This is also one of the few ways to guard in Axe mode.

You can chain an attack even without blocking anything. The type of attack you can execute after the guard depends on the input and the amount of knockback taken. Guarding against a heavy knockback attack can be followed up with an Amped Element Discharge.

Switch Skill: Phial Follow-up: Firing Pin

Unlike the regular Phial Follow-up, this Switch Skill has the elemental energy build up on the target instead of in your weapon. This means less elemental energy is generated for your phials. You can apply multiple lumps of elemental energy on monsters with an Element Boosted Sword or with a Shield Thrust using an Element Boosted Shield.

You can detonate the built-up energy in Axe Mode, and doing so will extend the duration of the Elemental Boost.

Silkbind Attack: Air Dash

This Silkbind attack provides Hunters with quick aerial maneuvers that can be used to be aggressive or defensive. It can be followed up with a Jumping Slash or Phial Explosion, both giving advantages in different situations.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Release Date and New Monsters

How Good is the Charge Blade?

Tier List Ranking

MHRise Ranking	→	Sunbreak Ranking
(S - A - B) 3 Level Tier		(SS - S - A) 3 Level Tier

The changes with Charge Blade in Sunbreak offered great alternative playstyles for this really technical weapon. The new switch skills and the addition of the Burst armor skill made playing the Condensed Spinning Slash playstyle as viable as the Elemental Discharge playstyle - giving the Charge Blade more flexibility. Elemental damage is also great with the Charge Blade when using SAEDs, but requires proper knowledge of positioning to avoid missing often.

Weapon Tier List

Charge Blade Strengths

Element Discharges are very powerful. Can easily switch between Sword and Axe Modes. Has inherent guard between attacks Can stun monsters by using Impact Phials

Element Discharges Are Very Powerful

The Charge Blade's power is all on the element discharges. The phials can also vary between an Impact or Element Phial, each with different uses. The Charge Blade is very flexible!

Easy Switch Between Sword and Axe

In Sword Mode, the hunter has good mobility and can guard with a shield. In Axe Mode, the hunter has poor mobility but greater damage. Charge Blade users can easily switch between the two!

Guard Points Between Attacks

Charge Blades have guard frames called Guard Points. When a monster hits you during a Guard Point, you can immediately execute an Element Discharge!

Can Stun Using Impact Phials

Using Charge Blades with Impact Phials is a good way to stun monsters, as long as you are hitting them on the head.

Charge Blade Weaknesses

A very complicated weapon Very long attack animations

Most Complicated Weapon in the Game

This weapon is the most complicated in the game. There are a lot of technicalities to this weapon, so it is not beginner-friendly. A deep understanding of the underlying mechanics is required!

Long Attack Animations

The Charge Blade has very long attack animations that are sometimes difficult to time. For example, Super Amped Elemental Discharges / Ultra Element Discharges have a long wind-up animation before hitting the monster!

Charge Blade Controls

Sword Controls

Controls		Action
PC Left Click	PS Triangle	Weak Slash
Switch X	Xbox Y
PC + Left Click + Right Click	PS + Triangle + Circle	Forward Slash
Switch + X + A	Xbox + Y + B
PC During a combo, + Directional Keys + Right Click	PS During a combo, + Left Stick + Circle	Fade Slash
Switch During a combo, + Left Stick + A	Xbox During a combo, + Left Stick + B
PC + MB4 + Left Click	PS + R2 + Triangle	Morph Slash
Switch + zR + X	Xbox + RT + Y
PC + MB4 + Right Click	PS + R2 + Circle	Charge
Switch + zR + A	Xbox + RT + B
PC MB4	PS R2	Guard
Switch zR	Xbox RT
PC Hold Right Click	PS Hold Circle	Charged Double Slash
Switch Hold A	Xbox Hold B
PC + Middle Click + Left Click	PS + L2 + Triangle	Morphing Advance
Switch + zL + X	Xbox + LT + Y
PC + Middle Click + Right Click	PS + L2 + Circle	Counter Peak Performance
Switch + zL + A	Xbox + LT + B

Axe Controls

Controls		Action
PC Left Click	PS Triangle	Rising Slash
Switch X	Xbox Y
PC Right Click	PS Circle	Element Discharge
Switch A	Xbox B
PC + Left Click + Right Click	PS + Triangle + Circle	Amped Element Discharge
Switch + X + A	Xbox + Y + B
PC MB4	PS R2	Morph Slash
Switch zR	Xbox RT

Useful Combos

Sword: Basic Combo
Sword: Forward Slash	Sword: Return Stroke	Sword: Spinning Slash
+ X + A	X	X
+ Left Click + Right Click	Left Click	Left Click
+ Triangle + Circle	Triangle	Triangle
+ Y + B	Y	Y

Elemental Roundslash Combo (Power Mode requires more than 1 phial)
Sword: Charged Double Slash	Sword: Shield Thrust	Axe: Amped Element Discharge	Axe: Element Boost Spinning Slash
Hold A	+ X + A	+ X + A	zR
Hold Right Click	+ Left Click + Right Click	+ Left Click + Right Click	MB4
Hold Circle	+ Triangle + Circle	+ Triangle + Circle	R2
Hold B	+ Y + B	+ Y + B	RT

Sword: Sword Mode-boosting Combo (During Elemental Boost Only)
Sword: Charged Double Slash	Charge	Sword: Condensed Element Slash
Hold A	+ zR + A	While charging, hold X
Hold Right Click	+ MB4 + Right Click	While charging, hold Left Click
Hold Circle	+ R2 + Circle	While charging, hold Triangle
Hold B	+ RT + B	While charging, hold Y

Axe: Combo into Amped Element Discharge
Axe: Dash Slam	Axe: Element Discharge II	Axe: Amped Element Discharge
+ Left Stick + X	A	A
+ Directional Button + Left Click	Right Click	Right Click
+ Left Stick + Triangle	Circle	Circle
+ Left Stick + Y	B	B

Axe: Combos from Axe Mode into Element Discharge
Axe: Rising Slash	Axe: Element Discharge II	Axe: Rising Slash	Axe: Element Discharge II
X	A	X	A
Left Click	Right Click	Left Click	Right Click
Triangle	Circle	Triangle	Circle
Y	B	Y	B

Charge Blade Silkbind Attacks

Morphing Advance

Switch Controls	＋ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + Y

Morphing Advance is a Silkbind Attack where the hunter will dash in the input direction while morphing into Axe Mode. While dashing, your hunter will have knockback protection, so use this to close the gap between you and the monster efficiently! This uses one Wirebug and has fast Wirebug recovery speed.

You can follow up the Morphing Advance with a Spinning Slash, changing it back to Sword Mode. You can also perform an Axe: Element Discharge II to stay in Axe Mode or unleash an Amped Element Discharge.

Counter Peak Performance

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

This Silkbind Attack holds your hunter to the ground with threads. When hit by an attack, the Charge Blade phials will automatically be fully charged. You can even follow up by elementally boosting your sword with a Condensed Element Slash or finishing with an Amped Element Discharge! This costs one Wirebug to use and has medium Wirebug recovery speed.

Axe Hopper

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

This Silkbind Attack can be switched out with Counter Peak Performance and Ready Stance. It uses one Wirebug and has a medium Wirebug recovery speed.

The axe is raised overhead and then slammed down, launching the hunter into the air. The hunter can also attack while airborne with a Midair Element Discharge Slash with A or Right Click or an Ultra Element Discharge with X + A or Left Click + Right Click.

Ready Stance

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + B

This Silkbind Attack binds the axe and sword together to act as a powerful guard. When hit by an attack while in this stance, it lowers your guard reaction, allowing you to easily chain sword and axe attacks. It's also a way to guard while in Axe mode while remaining in Axe mode, making it suitable for Savage Axe users. It costs one Wirebug and has fast Wirebug recovery.

You can still follow up with an attack even if you don't block anything, and it will be treated as if you took minor knockback. The following are the moves you can follow up with after guarding:

Controls		Action
After Minor Knockback
PC Left Click	PS Triangle	Sword: Return Stroke
Switch X	Xbox Y
PC + Directional Keys + Left Click	PS + Left Stick + Triangle	Sword: Forward Slash
Switch + Left Stick + X	Xbox + Left Stick + Y
PC Right Click	PS Circle	Axe: Element Discharge II
Switch A	Xbox B
PC + Directional Keys + Right Click	PS + Left Stick + Circle	Axe: Element Discharge I
Switch + Left Stick + A	Xbox + Left Stick + B
PC MB4	PS R2	Morph Slash
Switch zR	Xbox RT
After Major Knockback
PC Left Click	PS Triangle	Sword: Morph Slash
Switch X	Xbox Y
PC + Left Click + Right Click	PS + Triangle + Circle	Axe: Amped Element Discharge
Switch + X + A	Xbox + Y + B

Air Dash

Switch Controls	＋ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click
PS Controls	+ L2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	+ LT + Y

This Silkbind attack provides Hunters with quick aerial maneuvers that can be used to be aggressive or defensive. It can be followed up with a Jumping Slash or Phial Explosion, both giving advantages in different situations.

Charge Blade Switch Skills and Best Setup

Switch Skills are unlocked with different conditions as you progress in the game. Base game MHRise provides Hunters with three (3) slots of Switch Skills, with the Sunbreak expansion adding two (2) more.

Note: Skills in red are exclusive to the Sunbreak expansion.

Skill Slot	Switch Skill Choices
1	・ Morph Slash ・ Counter Morph Slash
2	・ Condensed Element Slash ・ Condensed Spinning Slash
3	・ Phial Follow-Up ・ Phial Follow-Up: Firing Pin
4	・ Counter Peak Performance ・ Axe Hopper ・ Ready Stance
5	・ Morphing Advance ・ Air Dash

Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills

Condensed Spinning Slash

Switched With
Condensed Element Slash
Description
Activates the Element Regeneration system while charging. The shield rotates and acts as a spinning saw blade. Switches the weapon to Axe mode and turns energy into phials.
Controls
Switch Hold while charging Release X at the right time PC Hold while charging Release Left click at the right time PlayStation Hold while charging Release Triangle at the right time Xbox Hold while charging Release Y at the right time

To activated the Condensed Spinning Slash (CSS) or Savage Axe, charge your weapon and hold the attack button until the shield starts spinning. Once the Charge Blade shield is spinning, it can be released and swung onto an enemy. Hold the attack button whenever it hits the enemy to deal multiple hits. Good timing and positioning is crucial for this move so take note!

If you're not planning to use SAEDs often, this Switch Skill should be used immediately after acquiring it. This allows you to charge your phials while in Axe Mode! It greatly helps in maintaining phial charges while also dealing high damage in Axe Mode.

Counter Morph Slash

Switched With
Morph Slash
Description
A more defense-focused switching attack with a longer blocking effect. If successful, the follow-up Element Discharge Slash's damage increases.
Controls
In Sword Mode, + + + + In Axe Mode, or or or In Sword mode: zR + X MB4 + Left Click R2 + Triangle RT + Y In Axe Mode: zR, MB4, R2, or RT

This Switch Skill lengthens the Morphing Guard Point for the Charge Blade. If you're used to utilizing that specific Guard Point, we suggest getting this Switch Skill. If not, stick to Morph Slash because Counter Morph Slash can hinder the fast and fluid morphing combos of the Charge Blade.

Axe Hopper

Switched With
Counter Peak Performance
Description
Slam the Axe overhead, using recoil and Ironsilk to propel you to the air. While airborne, you can execute a Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED). Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
Switch + zL + A PC + Middle Click + Right Click PlayStation + L2 + Circle Xbox + LT + B

Axe Hopper can give instant access to Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED). Though this is a very easy way to execute SAED, we don't recommend using this because the capability of Counter Peak Performance to charge your phials after blocking an attack is too good.

The DPS from this is not worth it compared to the sheer utility offered by Counter Peak Performance.

Phial Follow-up: Firing Pin

Switched With	Controls
Phial Follow-up	Shield Thrust during Elemental Boost or sword attacks in Sword Boost Mode. Continuing to attack will amplify the energy built up on your target
Description
Lowers the pressure of elemental energy generated through Shield Thrust using Elemental Boost or sword attacks while in Sword Boost Mode. The elemental energy generated builds up on your target, but disappears over time. Can be detonated by any attack in Axe mode, and extending the time limit of the Elemental Boost.

Leaves a 'firing pin' on the monster that you need to hit at a later time to unlease huge damage. Consider using this Switch Skill if using SAEDs often as this is a source of additional damage.

Air Dash

Switched With
Morphing Advance
Description
Raises the Hunter up while whirling an axe then propels you away with Phial Explosion. Damage often leaves monsters mountable and you can control your fall direction to some degree. If no Phial explosion was triggered, you'll fall straight down. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
Switch + → (in midair) Axe: Jumping Slash Phial Explosion zL + X PC + → (in midair) Axe: Jumping Slash Phial Explosion Middle Click + Left Click PlayStation + → (in midair) Axe: Jumping Slash Phial Explosion L2 + Triangle Xbox + → (in midair) Axe: Jumping Slash Phial Explosion LT + Y

This Silkbind attack provides Hunters with quick aerial maneuvers that can be used to be aggressive or defensive. It can be followed up with a Jumping Slash or Phial Explosion, both giving advantages in different situations.

Ready Stance

Switched With
Counter Peak Performance
Description
Binds sword and shield with Ironsilk and enters a guard stance. After guarding, a heavy knockback leaves you in Sword Mode, and lowers your guard reaction so you're able to chain sword/axe attacks. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1
Controls
Switch + zL + A PC + Middle Click + Right Click PlayStation + L2 + Circle Xbox + LT + B

This Silkbind attack puts the Hunter in a guarding position that will enable them to take on attacks with lower reaction time. Depending on the knockback, it can be chained with multiple attacks as well! Equip this Switch Skill if you're using the Condensed Spinning Slash, as it's the only way the guard in Axe Mode while retaining the boost.

Charge Blade Attacks and Moves

Sword: Weak Slash

Switch Controls	In Sword Mode, X
PC Controls	In Sword Mode, Left Click
PlayStation Controls	In Sword Mode, Triangle
Xbox Controls	In Sword Mode, Y
Basic Combos	Slash up by pressing X / Left Click / Triangle / Y again Hold A / Right Click / Circle / B for a charged attack Press zR + X / MB4 + Left Click / R2 + Triangle / RT + Y after to morph to Axe Mode

A stationary slash attack that does not move the hunter. The very basic starting point for many combos.

Sword: Forward Slash

Switch Controls	In Sword Mode, + X + A
PC Controls	In Sword Mode, + Left Click + Right Click
PlayStation Controls	In Sword Mode, + Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls	In Sword Mode, + Y + B
Basic Combos	Slash up by pressing X / Left Click / Triangle / Y again Hold A / Right Click / Circle / B for a charged attack Press zR + X / MB4 + Left Click / R2 + Triangle / RT + Y after to morph to Axe Mode

An advancing slash move while in Sword Mode. Useful when you need to close the gap between you and the monster. Forward Slash also functions as the sword draw attack.

Sword: Fade Slash

Switch Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Left Stick + A
PC Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Directional Button + Right Click
PlayStation Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Left Stick + Circle
Xbox Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Left Stick + B
Basic Combos	Hold A / Right Click / Circle / B for a charged attack Press X + A / Left Click + Right Click / Triangle + Circle / Y + B after to do a Shield Thrust Press zR + X / MB4 + Left Click / R2 + Triangle / RT + Y after to morph to Axe Mode

This move can help with positioning by allowing you to move quickly after an attack. You can use it to line up your Amped Element Discharges. It has a Guard Point at the end as well.

Sword: Charged Double Slash

Switch Controls	In Sword Mode, hold A
PC Controls	In Sword Mode, hold Right Click
PlayStation Controls	In Sword Mode, hold Circle
Xbox Controls	In Sword Mode, hold B
Basic Combos	Press X / Left Click / Triangle / Y after to do a Spinning Slash Press X + A / Left Click + Right Click / Triangle + Circle / Y + B after to do a Shield Thrust Press zR + X / MB4 + Left Click / R2 + Triangle / RT + Y after to morph to Axe Mode

A charged move that does two slashes when released at the right time. This is the most effective way to get phial charges. Failing to get the timing right will do a single-hit weaker Charged Rising Slash that doesn't charge the phials as much.

Axe: Smash

Switch Controls	While sheathed, + zR + X
PC Controls	While sheathed, + MB4 + Left Click
PlayStation Controls	While sheathed, + R2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	While sheathed, + RT + Y
Basic Combos	Press X / Left Click / Triangle / Y after to do a Rising Slash Press A / Right Click / Circle / B after to do an Element Discharge Press zR / MB4 / R2 / RT to morph into Sword Mode

This move acts as the axe draw attack, allowing you to use axe attacks without having to morph from Sword Mode first.

Axe: Rising Slash

Switch Controls	In Axe Mode, X
PC Controls	In Axe Mode, Left Click
PlayStation Controls	In Axe Mode, Triangle
Xbox Controls	In Axe Mode, Y
Basic Combos	Press X / Left Click / Triangle / Y again to do an Overhead Slash Press A / Right Click / Circle / B after to do an Element Discharge Press zR / MB4 / R2 / RT to morph into Sword Mode

A move in Axe Mode that swings the axe upward, hitting anything high above. Useful against flying monsters like Rathalos or monsters with an elevated head like Anjanath.

Axe: Element Discharge

Switch Controls	In Axe Mode, A
PC Controls	In Axe Mode, Right Click
PlayStation Controls	In Axe Mode, Circle
Xbox Controls	In Axe Mode, B
Basic Combos	Press X / Left Click / Triangle / Y to do a Rising Slash Press A / Right Click / Circle / B again for Element Discharge II Press X + A / Left Click + Right Click / Triangle + Circle / Y + B after for an Amped Element Discharge

This move consumes one charged phial to imbue this swing of the axe with phial-boosted capabilities. Element Discharge I swings around once while Element Discharge II has two swings and a longer motion, so it's best to use the latter when there's an opening.

Elemental Boost

In Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise), you can execute an Elemental Boost to put charged phials to your sword, boost the damage of your axe attacks, and improve your shield's guard capacity.

Elementally Boosting the Shield

Switch Controls	After a Shield Thrust or Cancelling Amped Element Discharge, zR
PC Controls	After a Shield Thrust or Cancelling Amped Element Discharge, MB4
PlayStation Controls	After a Shield Thrust or Cancelling Amped Element Discharge, R2
Xbox Controls	After a Shield Thrust or Cancelling Amped Element Discharge, RT

Elementally boosting the shield gives you stronger axe attacks and can be done by cancelling the Amped Element Discharge animation with the Guard button. In addition, the boosted shield improves guarding ability and triggers small explosions when blocking attacks.

Having the Elemental Boost active also changes the Amped Element Discharge to the Super Amped Elemental Discharge (also known as the Ultra Element Discharge).

Elementally Boosting the Sword

Switch Controls	Hold after Charging ( + ) then release at the right time. Hold X after Charging (zR + A) then release at the right time.
PC Controls	Hold after Charging ( + ) then release at the right time. Hold Left Click after Charging (MB4+ Right Click) then release at the right time.
PlayStation Controls	Hold after Charging ( + ) then release at the right time. Hold Triangle after Charging (R2 + Circle) then release at the right time.
Xbox Controls	Hold after Charging ( + ) then release at the right time. Hold Y after Charging (RT + B) then release at the right time.

Take note: to do this attack, your shield must be elementally boosted, and Condensed Element Slash must be chosen as a Switch Skill. Elementally boosting the sword gives all its attacks the phial properties and prevents deflection.

Axe: Amped Element Discharge

Sword Mode
Switch Controls	→ + → + X → X + A → X +A
PC Controls	→ + → + Left Click → Left Click + Right Click → Left Click +Right Click
PlayStation Controls	→ + → + Triangle → Triangle + Circle → Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls	→ + → + Y → Y + B → Y +B
Axe Mode
Switch Controls	+ X + A
PC Controls	+ Left Click + Right Click
PlayStation Controls	+ Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls	+ Y + B

A very powerful move capable of hitting multiple times and depending on the phial type, can stun or deal more damage against monsters.

Axe: Super Amped Elemental Discharge /
Axe: Ultra Element Discharge

When the Charge Blade's Shield is elementally boosted, the Amped Element Discharge will convert to Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED), also known as Ultra Element Discharge (UED), which uses all of the phials stored. You'll know that the Super Amped Elemental Discharge is executed when the camera pans out and your hunter swings the axe in a huge circle.

You can cancel this into a normal Amped Element Discharge by inputting ↓ + X / S + Left Click / ↓ + Triangle / ↓ + Y at the start of the SAED motion. This is usually used to conserve phials when the monster's opening is not that huge.

Morph Slashes

Sword: Morph Slash

Switch Controls	In Sword Mode, + zR + X
PC Controls	In Sword Mode, + MB4 + Left Click
PlayStation Controls	In Sword Mode, + R2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	In Sword Mode, + RT + Y

While in Sword Mode, make sure to charge your phials to unleash devastating Element Discharges against enemies. You can chain any of the other axe attacks after morphing, including the Amped Element Discharge.

Axe: Morph Slash

Switch Controls	In Axe Mode, zR
PC Controls	In Axe Mode, MB4
PlayStation Controls	In Axe Mode, R2
Xbox Controls	In Axe Mode, RT

Your Axe Mode is your battle mode, but it leaves you extremely vulnerable. Unleash all your damage, then quickly morph back to Sword Mode to regain mobility and guarding capabilities. This attack can be chained from most axe moves.

Guard Points

Start of Sword: Morph Slash
Switch Controls	In Sword Mode, + zR + X
PC Controls	In Sword Mode, + MB4 + Left Click
PlayStation Controls	In Sword Mode, + R2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	In Sword Mode, + RT + Y
After Sword: Spinning Slash
Switch Controls	After Return Stroke or Charged Slash, X
PC Controls	After Return Stroke or Charged Slash, Left Click
PlayStation Controls	After Return Stroke or Charged Slash, Triangle
Xbox Controls	After Return Stroke or Charged Slash, Y
End of Sword: Fade Slash
Switch Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Left Stick + A
PC Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Directional Button + Right Click
PlayStation Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Left Stick + Circle
Xbox Controls	During a Sword Mode combo, + Left Stick + B
Start of Axe: Smash (Axe Draw Attack)
Switch Controls	While sheathed, + zR + X
PC Controls	While sheathed, + MB4 + Left Click
PlayStation Controls	While sheathed, + R2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls	While sheathed, + RT + Y
End of Axe: Morph Slash
Switch Controls	While in Axe Mode, zR
PC Controls	While in Axe Mode, MB4
PlayStation Controls	While in Axe Mode, R2
Xbox Controls	While in Axe Mode, RT

Guard Points refer to the guard that automatically blocks monster attacks when they attack you during specific periods of certain attacks, usually when your shield is directly in front of an attack. Note that this consumes the weapon's sharpness.

If your shield is charged, it will deal some phial or stun damage when successfully pulled off. You can even follow up with a Super Amped Elemental Discharge!

Recommended Combos for the Charge Blade

Red Phial Collection Combo

Switch Controls	Hold → + → Hold → Hold A → X + A → Hold A → X
PC Controls	Hold → + → Hold → Hold Right Click → Left Click + Right Click → Hold Right Click → Left Click
PlayStation Controls	Hold → + → Hold → Hold Circle → Triangle + Circle → Hold Circle → Triangle
Xbox Controls	Hold → + → Hold → Hold B → Y + B → Hold B → Y

With this combo, you can go straight to the red phials from uncharged phials. Once you've done this, you can go straight to Amped Element Discharge or Super Amped Elemental Discharge if your shield is elementally boosted.

Super Amped Elemental Discharge from Sword & Shield Mode

Switch Controls	→ + (x2) X → X + A (x2)
PC Controls	→ + (x2) Left Click → Left Click + Right Click (x2)
PlayStation Controls	→ + (x2) Triangle → Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls	→ + (x2) Y → Y + B

With this combo, you can go into the Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED) from the Sword & Shield Mode. It takes a long time to set up, so make sure you do this when the monster is down.

Element Discharge Loop Combo

Switch Controls	In Axe Mode, → → → ... X → A → X → A ...
PC Controls	In Axe Mode, → → → ... Left Click → Right Click → Left Click → Right Click ...
PlayStation Controls	In Axe Mode, → → → ... Triangle → Circle → Triangle → Circle ...
Xbox Controls	In Axe Mode, → → → ... Y → B → Y → B ...

You can use this combo when you want to hit the head to inflict phial damage. For impact phials, you can chain stuns as well, so you can do this while a monster is down to prolong its downtime.

The Savage Axe Loop Combo

Switch Controls	In Sword Mode, Charge( +) → Hold → Hold → Hold → Hold ... Charge (zR + A) while in Sword Mode → hold X → hold A → hold X → hold A...
PC Controls	In Sword Mode, Charge( + ) → Hold → Hold → Hold → Hold ... Charge (MB4 + Right Click) while in Sword Mode → hold Left Click → hold Right Click → hold Left Click → hold Right Click...
PlayStation Controls	In Sword Mode, Charge( + ) → Hold → Hold → Hold → Hold ... Charge (R2 + Circle) while in Sword Mode → hold Triangle → hold Circle → hold Triangle → hold Circle...
Xbox Controls	In Sword Mode, Charge( + ) → Hold → Hold → Hold → Hold ... Charge (RT + B) while in Sword Mode → hold Y → hold B → hold Y → hold B...

This combo utilizes the Savage Axe-like Switch Skill, Condensed Spinning Slash. If Savage Axe was your go-to Charge Blade move back in Monster Hunter World (MHW), then you'll see how great it looks in MH Rise. Condensed Spinning Slash attacks an area multiple times, realeasing a phial at the end, so when you're using an Impact Phial Charge Blade, stunning the monster is very likely.

Also, feel free to use this beside your allies because this does not throw them airborne!

Tips on How to Use the Charge Blade

Counterattack using Counter Peak Performance Charge Phials in Sword Mode, Discharge in Axe Mode Transfer the Charge from Sword to Shield for Bonus Damage in Axe Mode Understand Phial Playstyles

Counterattack using Counter Peak Performance

The addition of the Counter Peak Performance gives the Charge Blade counterattack capabilities (besides the Guard Points). Use this Silkbind Attack when able because it can be chained into an Amped or Ultra Element Discharge!

Charge Phials in Sword Mode, Discharge in Axe Mode

Phials make Charge Blades a force to be reckoned with. Always take time to collect and charge phials during Sword Mode and discharge them in Axe Mode. This is the basic gameplay loop for the Charge Blade!

Overcharging Can Cause Swords to Bounce-Off

Whenever you attack with the Charge Blade in Sword Mode, you accumulate Sword Energy. These can then be charged into your phials and then transferred to your shield. If you charge with the Sword too much, your attacks will bounce off. Always charge the phials using depending on the number of phials you need.

Phial Charge Accumulation Colors

These are the different colors of the phials when your Charge Blade is building up energy. Do not let it reach the overcharged state because your attacks will bounce off.

	No Charge
	3 Phials (5 with Load Shells)
	5 Phials
	Overcharged

Transfer the Charge from the Blade to the Shield for Bonuses

Switch Controls	Cancel an Amped Element Discharge with zR
PC Controls	Cancel an Amped Element Discharge with MB4
PlayStation Controls	Cancel an Amped Element Discharge with R2
Xbox Controls	Cancel an Amped Element Discharge with RT

When your phials are fully charged, take time to transfer the charges from the sword to the shield to elementally boost it. When your shield is charged, it improves the attack power of your axe attacks and your guarding!

In addition, when your shield is charged, you gain access to the Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED) which dishes out tons of damage!

Understand Phial Playstyles

The Charge Blade has two types of phials — Element and Impact, each with different ways of playing optimally. Element Phials are ideally centered around spamming SAEDs to maximize damage, so knowing how to fire these off quickly is important.

Impact Phials are more effective when they can stun monsters and focus on weakpoints, so a playstyle using the Condensed Spinning Slash and Ready Stance is best used with these.

Changes from MHW: Iceborne

Savage Axe is now in the Condensed Spinning Slash Switch Skill

Savage Axe is Now in the Condensed Spinning Slash Switch Skill

The Condensed Spinning Slash Switch Skill has the animation and movements of Savage Axe in MHW: Iceborne. You can charge phials while in Axe Mode with this Switch Skill, so if you liked using the Savage Axe in World, then you'll use this one all the time!

Monster Hunter Rise (MHRise) Related Guides

Weapon Type Guides
Weapons and Weapon Types	Weapon Type Tier List	Builds for Each Weapon Type

Melee Weapon Guides

Melee Weapons
Great Sword Guide | Weapon Tree	Long Sword Guide | Weapon Tree	Sword and Shield Guide | Weapon Tree
Dual Blades Guide | Weapon Tree	Lance Guide | Weapon Tree	Gunlance Guide | Weapon Tree
Hammer Guide | Weapon Tree	Hunting Horn Guide | Weapon Tree | Melodies	Switch Axe Guide | Weapon Tree
Charge Blade Guide | Weapon Tree	Insect Glaive Guide | Weapon Tree | Kinsects

Ranged Weapon Guides

Ranged Weapons
Light Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree	Heavy Bowgun Guide | Weapon Tree	Bow Guide | Weapon Tree