Switch Axe Controls and New Moves | Monster Hunter Rise | MHR (MHRise)

This is a guide and gameplay preview of the Switch Axe weapon in Monster Hunter Rise (MHR). Learn about the new changes and moves available for the Switch Axe, with details on its new Silkbind Attacks.

Switch Axe Controls

Axe Controls

Button	Action
	Overhead Slash
(Rapidly Press)	Wild Swing
+	Rising Slash
+	Forward Slash
	Morph/Reload
+	Invincible Gambit
+	Switch Charger

Sword Controls

Button	Action
	Overhead Slash
	Double Slash
+	Element Discharge
	Morph

Useful Combos

Axe: Basic Combo

Forward Slash to Overhead Slash to Side Slash to end with Rising Slash

Input
+ to to to

Sword: Combo During an Opening

X Slash Combo to A Slash Combo To Element Discharge to end with Element Discharge Finisher

Input
x3 tox2 to +to(rapid press)

Switch Axe New Moves

Official Switch Axe Preview Video

You are launched forward with the help of a Wirebug as you quickly regenerate your Switch Gauge. This move also negates Switch Gauge decrease for a short period of time.

Input	+

Invincible Gambit

While doing an Invincible Gambit, you are immune to flinching or being knocked back.

Input	+

Switch Axe Returning Moves

Wild Swing

The 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 it's DPS is good to use if sword form is unavailable and the monster gets downed.

Input	(Rapidly Press)

Heavy Slam

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

Input	After two or more Wild Swings,

Fade Slash

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

Input	After Heavy Slam,

Morph

Allows the Switch Axe to change to its alternate form. Eg, Axe to sword and vice versa.

Input

Reload

While in Axe form, the hunter can reload to restore the sword gauge allowing the Switch Axe to morph to it's sword form faster.

Input

Element Discharge

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 aren't targeting you or are vulnerable.

Input	Requires Sword Form. +

Zero Sum Discharge

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

Input	Requires Sword Form and Full Sword Gauge +

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 discharge. While the Invincibility Gambit makes it easy to do, it's an overall nerf compared to Monster Hunter World.

Switch Axe Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Element discharge Sword Mode superiority Long reach

Element discharge

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

Weaknesses

Sword Mode consumes gauge Cannot Guard Low mobility

Sword Mode consumes gauge

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.

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.

How to Use the Switch Axe

Master the Art of Switching

Axe Mode	Sword Mode

The Switch Axe can be switched between Sword Mode and Axe Mode. The Axe mode boasts an extended reach while the Sword Mode gives you slower movement speed and consumes the slash gauge when attacking. Know when to use the two modes interchangeably by mastering combos.

Utilize Invinvcible Gambit

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 knock backs. Essentially making you a force of nature to be reckoned with.

Element Discharge

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

Zero Sum Discharge

in Monster Hunter World Iceborne, Zero Sum Discharge made you mount a monster and release a devastating blow. Unlike MHWI, however, there is a possibility that the Clutch Claw is absent. making Zero Sum Discharge a harder move to spam.

Monster Hunter Rise Related Links

All Weapons and How to Use Them

All Weapon Guides

All Weapon Guides
Great Sword	Long Sword	Sword and Shield	Dual Blades
Hammer	Hunting Horn	Lance	Gunlance
Switch Axe	Charge Blade	Insect Glaive	Bow
Light Bowgun	Heavy Bowgun

Weapon Tier List