Sunbreak Switch Axe Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset | Monster Hunter Rise

This is a guide to the Switch Axe, a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Switch Axe controls and combos, how to use Switch Axe discharge, Switch Axe Phials as well as details on Switch Axe Switch Skills.

All Switch Axe Guides
Trees & Full List	How to Use	Best Builds

Balance Changes (Update 10.0)

Switch Axe Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 10.0)

・ Adjusted all of the following weapon actions: 　・ Axe: Wide Sweep (Finisher 2nd Hit): Attack power slightly increased; Part damage slightly increased 　・ Axe: Wide Sweep (Finisher 3rd Hit): Attack power increased; Part damage slightly increased 　・ Axe: Wild Swing: Attack power now increases according to the number of attacks. 　・ Axe: Heavy Slam: Reduced the number of Wild Swings required in order to combo from Wild Swing into Heavy Slam. 　・ Axe: Heavy Slam: Part break and flinch multipliers have been added to the buff effects from Heavy Slam. 　・ Compressed Finishing Discharge: The damage reaction from the explosion has been changed. 　・ Axe: Rising Slash: The attack range has been increased. ・ Fixed a bug where the hit vibrations from landing a Forward Slash would not trigger after using Soaring Wyvern Blade in midair. ・ Fixed a bug where Axe: Side Slash would result as your draw attack directly after climbing a ledge with your weapon sheathed, regardless of your Switch Skill settings. ・ Fixed a bug where the Axe mode recovery animation for getting up from the ground would trigger instead of the Sword mode animation when recovering from certain types of reactions (extreme knockbacks, knockbacks you can't Wirefall from, and whirlwinds) in Sword mode. ・ Axe: Wild Swing: Fixed a bug where this couldn't be chained into other moves during certain timings if the Wild Swing was started from the left side and no repeat inputs were made.

Though pretty short, Switch Axe actually received a quite significant overall increase in damage and firepower after the update.

With the obvious buff on attack power and part damage, it's even easier now to break monster parts - something the Switch Axe is known for.

Another buff is the introduction of a new counterattack silkbind: Elemental Burst Counter. Not only does this provide the Switch Axe with a much needed counterattack opportunity, it also fully charges the amp gauge instantly. This gives the spotlight to previously hard-to-charge phials like Power - enabling the Switch Axe to deal significant damage while being comfortable to use!

Weapon Changes in Sunbreak

Switch Axe New Sunbreak Attack and Moves

Official Switch Axe Preview Video

Silkbind Attack: Elemental Burst Counter

Elemental Burst Counter is a new Silkbind Attack for the Switch Axe in Sunbreak. This move acts as a counter-attack that uses up the Switch Axe's energy and releases an Elemental Burst right after.

If you manage to land the burst right as a monster attacks, you'll be able to perform a Power Finisher and will automatically put your Switch Axe into an Amped State. Useful for Power Phial Switch Axes that takes forever to charge.

Can Be Used Against Monster Roars

As this move is a counter, it can be used to bypass monster roars and launch an attack instead of being deafened if used at the right time.

Switch Skill: 2-Staged Morph Slash Combo

2-Staged Morph Slash Combo is a new Switch Skill for the Switch Axe added in Sunbreak.

This two-staged combo is performed after Wild Swings wherein the weapon morphs into Sword Mode and into Axe Mode.

While under this combo, Sword Mode attacks are more powerful, while attacks in Axe Mode will fill the Switch Gauge faster.

Silkbind Attack: Wire Step

An evasion move that can be used to flank enemies. Use this to reposition and continue your combo from a safe place.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Release Date and New Monsters

How Good is the Switch Axe?

Tier List Ranking

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

The Switch Axe improved a lot in the Sunbreak expansion with the addition of a counterattack Silkbind move that not only parries attacks but also instantly charges the Amp gauge to full.

However, this proved to be unreliable and pretty clunky to time, so weaving in the Elemental Burst Counter in your playstyle would be a tall mountain to climb. What's more, the counter costing 2 wirebugs doesn't give too much of a leeway if you failed to execute the move successfully.

Weapon Tier List

Switch Axe Strengths

Element discharge Sword Mode superiority Long reach Counter option in Sunbreak

Element Discharge

An attack unique to the Switch Axe wherein you can make a high damage attack using a large portion of the energy stored in the Switch Gauge.

Sword Mode Superiority

The Sword in Sword Mode uses the effects of a Switch Axe's phial which makes the attacks harder to deflect. Oftentimes, the Sword Mode is used to target tough body parts.

Long Reach

In Axe Form, the Switch Axe has incredible reach. Even going so far as to hit enemies while they are up in the air.

Counter Option in Sunbreak

The Switch Axe has reeived its badly-needed counter move in Sunbreak, in the form of Elemental Burst Counter.

Switch Axe Weaknesses

Sword Mode Consumes Gauge and Can Throw You off if You're Not Mindful Cannot Guard Low mobility Constantly uses Wirebugs

Sword Mode Consumes Gauge and Can Throw You off if You're Not Mindful

Pay close attention to your switch gauge whenever you use your Sword since attacking in Sword Mode consumes the Switch Gauge. Always try to play for an element discharge.

Cannot Guard

The Switch Axe cannot guard hits. Added to this is your slower movement speed when using this weapon. It's also a weapon not blessed with any new counterattack move.

Low Mobility

Attacking with this weapon is mostly taking huge swings at an enemy monster, which carries you forward and makes use of the momentum you have while you are doing attack combos. Having Evade Extender and Evade Window would be huge.

Constantly Uses Wirebugs

With the arrival of Switch Skill Swap, the Switch Axe can now have access to offensive and defensive kits anytime.

This, however, requires constant use of Wirebugs, and there may be a moment where a hunter will run out of charges to use to evade attacks as it has been previously used to execute Silkbind Attacks.

Switch Axe Controls

Axe Controls

Switch	PC	Action
X	Left Click	Overhead Slash
(Rapidly Press) A	Right Click	Wild Swing
+ X + A	+ Left Click + Right Click	Rising Slash
+ Left Stick + X	+ Directional Button + Left Click	Forward Slash
zR	MB4	Morph/Reload
+ zL + X	+ Middle Click + Left Click	Invincible Gambit
+ zL + A	+ Middle Click + Right Click	Switch Charger

Sword Controls

Switch	PC	Action
X	Left Click	Overhead Slash
A	Right Click	Double Slash
+ X + A	+ Left Click + Right Click	Element Discharge
zR	MB4	Morph

Useful Combos

Axe: Basic Combo
Axe: Forward Slash	Axe: Overhead Slash	Axe: Side Slash	Axe: Rising Slash
+ Up + X + W + Left Click	X Left Click	X Left Click	X Left Click

Axe: Combo into Sword Mode
Axe: Wild Swing	Axe: Heavy Slam	Axe: Morph Rising Double Slash	Sword: Triple Slash
Rapidly press, A Rapidly press, Right Click	X Left Click	zR MB4 Click	A Right Click

Sword: Combo During an Opening
X Slash Combo	A Slash Combo	Element Discharge	Element Discharge Finisher
(x3) X (x3) Left Click	(x2) A (x2) Right Click	+ X + A + Left Click + Right Click	Rapidly press X Rapidly press, Left Click

Switch Axe Silkbind Attacks

Official Switch Axe Preview Video

Switch Charger

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click

You are launched forward with the help of a Wirebug as you quickly regenerate your Switch Gauge. This move also negates Switch Gauge usage for a short period of time so feel free to go ham in Sword Mode for a bit!

Invincible Gambit

Switch Controls	+ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click

Invincible Gambit is a forward dashing move consisting of three slashes that has knockback protection during its duration. Use this to tank hits without getting thrown off!

Soaring Wyvern Blade

Switch Controls	+ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click

The attacks lead with a slash upwards with the Wirebug, culminating in a targeted Forward Slash to a foe.

On top of that, landing the Forward Slash successfully also fills up the Activation Gauge and creates a large explosion.

Wire Step

Switch Controls	+ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click

An evasion move that can be used to flank enemies. Use this to reposition and continue your combo from a safe place.

Elemental Burst Counter

Switch Controls	+ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click

Elemental Burst Counter is a new Silkbind Attack for the Switch Axe in Sunbreak. This move acts as a counter-attack that uses up the Switch Axe's energy and releases an Elemental Burst right after.

If you manage to land the burst right as a monster attacks, you'll be able to perform a Power Finisher and will automatically put your Switch Axe into an Amped State. Useful for Power Phial Switch Axes that takes forever to charge.

Switch Axe Switch Skills

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	・ Forward Slash ・ Forward Overhead Slash
2	・ Finishing Discharge ・ Compressed Finishing Discharge
3	・ Axe: Wide Sweep ・ 2-Staged Morph Slash Combo
4	・ Invincible Gambit ・ Soaring Wyvern Blade ・ Wire Step
5	・ Switch Charger ・ Elemental Burst Counter

Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills

Forward Overhead Slash

Switched With	Controls
Forward Slash	+ Up + X + W + Left Click
Description
A lunging attack performed by winding up the axe and smashing it down. Difficult to pull off but delivers good damage. A subsequent Sword Mode attack will turn into a Double Slash.

This changes your first Axe attack into an Overhead Slash which can hit monster parts high on the ground. The subsequent Sword Morph attack will also change to a Double Slash so there is no reason not to switch to this Skill when acquired.

Compressed Finishing Discharge

Switched With	Controls
Finishing Discharge	or after Finishing Discharge X or Left Click
Description
Puts you in a knockdown-resistant state and delivers a swift strike accompanied by an elemental explosion. The Activation Gauge has no effect on this action.

If you like integrating elemental explosions in your Switch Axe combos, use this Switch Skill. This also has a rocksteady effect so you won't have to worry about getting knocked back.

Soaring Wyvern Blade

Switched With	Controls
Invincible Gambit	+ or + After jumping up, press X or Left Click to perform a Forward Slash. zl + X or Middlie Click + Left Click
Description
Launches you in the air while ending with a Forward Slash in midair. If Forward Slash connects, an explosion occurs. Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Using this one over Invincible Gambit is entirely by choice. Invincible Gambit has an innate Rocksteady effect that prevents knockback while dashing while Soaring Wyvern Blade deals immense damage! For general usage, we suggest going for Soaring Wyvern Blade.

2-Staged Morph Slash Combo

Switched With	Controls
Axe: Wide Sweep	Switch Wild Swing → Press Axe Morph Slash I → Press Sword Morph Slash II
Description
A two-stage attack that follows a Wild Swing. First stage morphs into Sword Mode, second stage morphs into Axe Mode. During this time, Sword Mode attacks are increased and Axe Mode attacks fill the Switch Gauge faster.

A more stationary version of the series of Axe Swings done after the Wild Swing. This makes sure your pinpoint accuracy is maintained while dishing damage.

What more, the sword part of this combo charges your amp gauge, making sure your Switch Gauge is properly managed during the fight! It's an alternative (and great way) to charge your amp gauge!

Wire Step

Switched With	Controls
Invincible Gambit	+ zL + X + Middle Click + Left Click
Description
An evasion technique that allows you to morph into Axe Mode while flanking the enemy. Highly effective for maneuvering while in Axe Mode. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

An evasion move that can be used to flank enemies. Use this to reposition and continue your combo from a safe place.

Elemental Burst Counter

Switched With	Controls
Switch Charger	Switch + zL + A PC + Middle Click + Right Click
Description
Compresses switch gauge energy that can be released as an elemental burst. Initial activation drains the Switch Gauge. If timed right, can counter all monster attack and the Switch Axe would go into the amped state. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2

Elemental Burst Counter is a new Silkbind Attack for the Switch Axe in Sunbreak. This move acts as a counter-attack that uses up the Switch Axe's energy and releases an Elemental Burst right after.

If you manage to land the burst right as a monster attacks, you'll be able to perform a Power Finisher and will automatically put your Switch Axe into an Amped State. Useful for Power Phial Switch Axes that takes forever to charge.

Switch Axe Attacks and Moves

Wild Swing

Switch Controls	Rapidly Press X
PC Controls	Rapidly press Right Click

Unlimited Wild Swing makes a return to Monster Hunter Rise. It's an unlimited slash attack that you can use until your stamina runs out. It doesn't deal the best damage but its DPS is good to use if Sword Form is unavailable and the monster gets downed.

Heavy Slam

Switch Controls	After two or more Wild Swings, X
PC Controls	After two or more Wild Swings, Left Click

The follow-up move to Wild Swing also makes a triumphant return. It's a high damage move that powers up your Axe which makes it an ideal combo finisher for Wild Swing.

Fade Slash

Switch Controls	After Heavy Slam, + Down + A
PC Controls	After Heavy Slam, + Right Click

A follow-up move to the Heavy Slam finisher. It's an evasive attack that allows you to make a distance from your target. It can be pretty helpful if your stamina gets depleted by Wild Swing's stamina consumption.

Morph

Switch Controls	zR
PC Controls	MB4

Allows the Switch Axe to change to its alternate form. E.g. Axe to Sword and vice versa.

Reload

Switch Controls	zR
PC Controls	MB4

While in Axe Form, the hunter can execute a very lengthy reload to restore the Switch Gauge allowing the Switch Axe to morph to its Sword Form. This only happens when your Switch Gauge is below the line so you don't want to do this whenever your Switch Gauge runs out. Always recharge your Switch Gauge in Axe Mode!

Element Discharge

Switch Controls	In Sword Form, + X + A
PC Controls	In Sword Form, + Left Click + Right Click

While in Sword Form, you can use Elemental Discharge to unleash a strong attack with a strong finisher. You will be unable to move during this period so only use it against monsters that are vulnerable or those that are not actively targeting you.

Zero Sum Elemental Discharge

Switch Controls	In Sword Form and with max gauge, + X + A
PC Controls	In Sword Form and with max gauge, + Left Click + Right Click

If you manage to max out the Sword Gauge while in Sword Form, the Elemental Discharge move will immediately latch you onto the monster. This is called a Zero Sum Elemental Discharge.

Zero Sum Discharge Is Harder to Execute

With the removal of the Clutch Claw and mantles, executing the Zero Sum Discharge is now harder. It is now a prerequisite to identify the monster's attack patterns to know if their attack can cancel your Zero Sum Elemental Discharge. While the Invincibility Gambit makes it easy to do, it's an overall nerf compared to Monster Hunter World.

Switch Axe Phial Types and Progression

Phials are special features of the Switch Axe that changes the way it deals and maximizes damage. Every Switch Axe along a specific tree will have unique phial types so you might want to keep an eye out for the ones you need!

Here we explain the different phial types and their effects:

Phial	Effect
Elemental Phial	Increase the elemental damage a weapon does. The Switch Axe must have a natural element of element/status effect for this to be effective.
Dragon Phial	Gives an amount of Dragon Element.
Power Phial	Boosts the raw damage of the Switch Axe.
Paralysis Phial	Adds a paralysis effect.
Exhaust Phial	Allows the Switch Axe to drain monsters' stamina with certain attacks. This will make the monster more prone to exhaustion and increase the chances of stunning them.

Switch Axe Tree: List of All Switch Axes

Recommended Switch Axe Combos

Standard Sword Mode Combo Loop for General Use

Switch Controls	In Sword Form, → → → ... A → X → A → X...
PC Controls	In Sword Form, → → → ... Right Click → Left Click → Right Click → Left Click...

This is a combo that you can easily do anytime. It's also versatile and can flow easily into other combos.

It's recommended to start with Double Slash at the start rather than the end, as it is quite slow and leaves you open to attacks.

High Damage Combo For When the Monster is Down

Switch Controls	In Sword Form, → Axe Form → Sword Form → ... A → zR axe form → zR sword form → A...
PC Controls	In Sword Form, → to Axe Form → to Sword Form → ... Right click → MB4 axe form → MB4 sword form → Right Click...

When you down the monster but you're not in the Amped State, this is a combo that utilizes two Double Slashes with two Morphs in between. You can also use the Element Discharge after a Double Slash.

Quick Element Discharge Combo

Switch Controls	In Sword Form, → + → ↓ + → ( + ) A → X + A → Down + X → (zL + A)
PC Controls	In Sword Form, → + → + → ( + ) Right Click → Left Click + Right CLick → S + Left Click → (Middle Click + Right Click)

With this combo, you can hit a fast Element Discharge from a Double Slash. This is useful for monsters with hard skin.

A downside of this combo is that it quickly consumes your Switch Axe Gauge, but you can easily recover it with a Switch Charger.

Heavy Slam Combo

Switch Controls
In Sword Form, → () → → → → () A → zR → A (x2) → X → (zR)	In Axe Form, → → → → → () A (x2) → X → zR → A → (zR)
PC Controls
In Sword Form, → → → → → () Right Click → MB4 → Right Click (x2) → Left Click → (MB4)	In Axe Form, → → → → → () Right Click (x2) → Left Click → MB4 → Right Click → (MB4)

This combo is useful when neither the Power Axe mode nor the Amped State is active. You easily can boost your damage with the Heavy Slam.

Tips on How to Use the Switch Axe

Keep attacking! Learn how to use the Switch Axe gauge Learn the Different Phial Types and Effects Utilize Invincible Gambit Use Elemental Discharges Aim for Zero Sum Discharge

Keep Attacking!

Switch Axe requires that you attack all the time to keep all the gauges at full. The basic combo is to accumulate various Switch Axe gauges by continuously attacking the monster. Once you stop attacking, the gauge will cease to accumulate and even lose its charges.

Learn How to Use the Switch Axe Gauge

	Description
Switch Gauge	This gauge is needed to be maintained above the line to allow transformation to Sword Mode. If the accumulated charge goes below the line, you won't be able to transform to Sword Mode unless you charge by attacking or reloading.
Awakening Gauge	When accumulated to maximum, Sword Mode attacks will start to discharge Phials. Attack in Sword Mode to activate. The gauge will disappear over time.
Strengthened Axe State	An icon that indicates that Axe Mode will charge the Awakening Gauge faster. It is also easier to flinch monsters in this state. Do this by executing a Wild Swing thrice (A x3 or Right Click x3) then pressing X or Left Click to do an Overhead Slam. This will disappear after around 1 minute or when you fill up the Awakening Gauge.

Learn the Different Phial Types

Like in Monster Hunter World, Switch Axes in MH Rise have different Phial Types that are unleashed when you reach the Awakening state of the Switch Axe. Each phial has its effects so know how and when to use them in hunts!

Master the Art of Switching

Axe Mode	Sword Mode
Enlarge	Enlarge

The Switch Axe can be switched between Sword Mode and Axe Mode with both modes coexisting perfectly with each other.

Axe Mode charges the gauge that allows you to switch to Sword Mode. Sword Mode charges the Awakening gauge to put phial attacks on both modes. Knowing this basic gameplay loop can get you started with using the Switch Axe.

In addition, you can put Rapid Morph in your builds to make switching attacks smooth like butter!

Switch Axe Builds and Best Equipment

Utilize Invincible Gambit or Soaring Wyvern Blade

Since you cannot guard with the Switch Axe, you are better off releasing an unrelenting flurry of blows against a monster. With the help of the new silkbind attack called Invincible Gambit, you are immune to flinches and knockbacks. Essentially making you a force of nature to be reckoned with.

If you are DPS-heavy, we suggest getting Soaring Wyvern Blade! This attack imbues phials on your downward dash while also dashing across in the air. Not to mention, it looks very cool too!

Use Elemental Discharges

You enter an Amped State once you land enough hits with the Sword Mode, which in turn also fills up your Switch Axe gauge. You can release a high damage blow in exchange for a large portion of energy.

Aim for Zero Sum Discharge

This is Switch Axe's most damaging move where you attack a monster and unload all your phial charges. As a Switch Axe user, you should always aim for this whenever an opportunity arises. This also provides Super Armor in MH Rise which won't throw you off whenever you use it so just go ahead and do it!

Changes from MHW: Iceborne

Wild Swing now has a larger evade window Axe Strengthened State now charges the Awakening Gauge faster Amped state is also now in Axe Mode Zero Sum Discharge grants super armor to prevent falling off Zero Sum Discharge ignores monster armor Power Phial Switch Axes take much longer to charge.

Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Links

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