Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Sunbreak Switch Axe Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset

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MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe Guide Combos Controls and Moveset

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
Switch Axe 1Trees & Full List Switch Axe 2How to Use Switch Axe 3Best Builds

Switch Axe 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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe 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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe EBC Roar

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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe 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

MHRise Sunbreak - 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
A Rank Icon
(S - A - B)
3 Level Tier
S Rank Icon
(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

Check IconElement discharge

Check IconSword Mode superiority

Check IconLong reach

Check IconCounter option in Sunbreak

Element Discharge

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Use 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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe and 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

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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Elemental Burst Counter

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

Switch Axe Weaknesses

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

Check IconCannot Guard

Check IconLow mobility

Check IconConstantly 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

Controls Action
PC
MH Rise - Left Click
Left Click
PS
PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Triangle
Overhead Slash
Switch
NSW - X
X
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png
Y
PC
Rapidly press
MH Rise - Right Click
Right Click
PS
Rapidly press
PS4 - Circle Button.png
Circle
Wild Swing
Switch
Rapidly press
NSW - A
A
Xbox
Rapidly press
XBOX - B Button.png
B
PC
MH Rise - Left Click + MH Rise - Right Click

Left Click + Right Click
PS
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

Triangle + Circle
Rising Slash
Switch
NSW - X + NSW - A

X + A
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png

Y + B
PC
MH Rise - W ButtonMH Rise - A ButtonMH Rise - S ButtonMH Rise - D Button + MH Rise - Left Click

Directional Button + Left Click
PS
PS4 -  Left Stick.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

Left Stick + Triangle
Forward Slash
Switch
NSW - Left Analog + NSW - X

Left Stick + X
Xbox
XBOX - Left Stick.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

Left Stick + Y
PC
MH Rise - M4 Click
MB4
PS
PS4 - R2 Button.png
R2
Morph/Reload
Switch
NSW - ZR
zR
Xbox
XBOX - Right Trigger.png
rt
PC
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Left Click

Middle Click + Left Click
PS
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

L2 + Triangle
Invincible Gambit
Switch
NSW - ZL + NSW - X

zL + X
Xbox
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

LT + Y
PC
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Right Click

Middle Click + Right Click
PS
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

L2 + Circle
Switch Charger
Switch
NSW - ZL +NSW - A

zL + A
Xbox
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - B Button.png

LT + B

Sword Controls

Controls Action
PC
MH Rise - Left Click
Left Click
PS
PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Triangle
Overhead Slash
Switch
NSW - X
X
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png
Y
PC
MH Rise - Right Click
Right Click
PS
PS4 - Circle Button.png
Circle
Double Slash
Switch
NSW - A
A
Xbox
XBOX - B Button.png
B
PC
MH Rise - Left Click + MH Rise - Right Click

Left Click + Right Click
PS
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

Triangle + Circle
Element Discharge
Switch
NSW - X + NSW - A

X + A
Xbox
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png

Y + B
PC
MH Rise - M4 Click
MB4
PS
PS4 - R2 Button.png
R2
Morph
Switch
NSW - ZR
zR
Xbox
XBOX - Right Trigger.png
rt

Useful Combos

Endless Thrusting Combo
Cancel Thrust High Thrust I High Thrust II Cancel Thrust
NSW - Left Analog + NSW - X
Left Stick + X
NSW - A A NSW - A A NSW - X X
MH Rise - W ButtonMH Rise - A ButtonMH Rise - S ButtonMH Rise - D Button +
MH Rise - Left Click Directional Button + Left Click
MH Rise - Right Click Right Click MH Rise - Right Click Right Click
MH Rise - W ButtonMH Rise - A ButtonMH Rise - S ButtonMH Rise - D Button +
MH Rise - Left Click Directional Button + Left Click
PS4 -  Left Stick.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Left Stick + Triangle
PS4 - Circle Button.png Circle PS4 - Circle Button.png Circle
PS4 -  Left Stick.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Left Stick + Triangle
XBOX - Left Stick.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
Left Stick + Y
XBOX - B Button.png B XBOX - B Button.png B
XBOX - Left Stick.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
Left Stick + Y
Axe: Basic Combo
Cancel Thrust High Thrust I High Thrust II Cancel Thrust
NSW - Left Analog + NSW - X
Left Stick + X
NSW - X X NSW - X X NSW - X X
MH Rise - W ButtonMH Rise - A ButtonMH Rise - S ButtonMH Rise - D Button +
MH Rise - Left Click Directional Button + Left Click
MH Rise - Left Click Left Click MH Rise - Left Click Left Click MH Rise - Left Click Left Click
PS4 -  Left Stick.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Left Stick + Triangle
PS4 - Triangle Button.png Triangle PS4 - Triangle Button.png Triangle PS4 - Triangle Button.png Triangle
XBOX - Left Stick.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
Left Stick + Y
XBOX - Y Button.png Y XBOX - Y Button.png Y XBOX - Y Button.png Y
Axe: Combo into Sword Mode
Axe: Wild Swing Axe: Heavy Slam Axe: Morph Rising Double Slash Sword: Triple Slash
Rapidly pressNSW - A A NSW - X X NSW - ZR zR NSW - A A
Rapidly pressMH Rise - Right Click Right Click MH Rise - Left Click Left Click MH Rise - M4 Click MB4 MH Rise - Right Click Right Click
Rapidly pressPS4 - Circle Button.png Circle PS4 - Triangle Button.png Triangle PS4 - R2 Button.png R2 PS4 - Circle Button.png Circle
Rapidly pressXBOX - B Button.png B XBOX - Y Button.png Y XBOX - Right Trigger.png RT XBOX - B Button.png B
Sword: Combo During an Opening
X Slash Combo A Slash Combo Element Discharge Element Discharge Finisher
NSW - X(3x)
X
NSW - A(2x)
A
NSW - X + NSW - A
X + A
Rapidly pressNSW - X X
MH Rise - Left Click(3x)
Left Click
MH Rise - Right Click(2x)
Right Click
MH Rise - Left Click + MH Rise - Right Click
Left Click + Right Click
Rapidly pressMH Rise - Left Click Left Click
PS4 - Triangle Button.png(3x)
Triangle
PS4 - Circle Button.png(2x)
Circle
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
Triangle + Circle
Rapidly pressPS4 - Triangle Button.png Triangle
XBOX - Y Button.png(3x)
Y
XBOX - B Button.png(2x)
B
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png
Y + B
Rapidly pressXBOX - Y Button.png Y

Switch Axe Silkbind Attacks

Official Switch Axe Preview Video

Switch Charger

MH Rise - Switch Charger.gif

Switch Controls
NSW - ZL + NSW - A

zL + A
PC Controls
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Right Click

Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - B Button.png

LT + B

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

MH Rise - Invincible Gambit

Switch Controls
NSW - ZLNSW - X

zL + X
PC Controls
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Left Click

Middle Click + Left Click
PS Controls
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

L2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

LT + Y

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Soaring Wyvern Switch Skill

Switch Controls
NSW - ZLNSW - X

zL + X
PC Controls
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Left Click

Middle Click + Left Click
PS Controls
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

L2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

LT + Y

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

MHRise Sunbreak - Wire Step

Switch Controls
NSW - ZLNSW - X

zL + X
PC Controls
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Left Click

Middle Click + Left Click
PS Controls
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png

L2 + Triangle
Xbox Controls
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - Y Button.png

LT + Y

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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe Elemental Charge Counter

Switch Controls
NSW - ZL + NSW - A

zL + A
PC Controls
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Right Click

Middle Click + Right Click
PS Controls
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png

L2 + Circle
Xbox Controls
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - B Button.png

LT + B

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

MH Rise - SA Foward Overhead Slash

Switched With
Forward Slash
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.
Controls
Switch
NSW - Left Analog + NSW - X
Up + X
PC
MH Rise - W Button + MH Rise - Left Click
W + Left Click
PlayStation
PS4 -  Left Stick.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
Up + Triangle
Xbox
XBOX - Left Stick.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
Up + Y

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

MH Rise - SA Compressed Finishing Discharge

Switched With
Finishing Discharge
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.
Controls
Switch
NSW - X, MH Rise - Left Click, PS4 - Circle Button.png, or XBOX - B Button.png
X, Left Click, Circle, or B

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

MH Rise - SA Soaring Wyvern Blade

Switched With
Invincible Gambit
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
Controls
Switch
NSW - ZL + NSW - X
zL + X
After jumping up, press X to perform a Forward Slash.
PC
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Left Click
Middle Click + Left Click
After jumping up, press Left Click to perform a Forward Slash.
PS
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
L2 + Triangle
After jumping up, press Triangle to perform a Forward Slash.
Xbox
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
LT + Y
After jumping up, press Y to perform a Forward Slash.

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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe 2-Staged Morph Slash Combo

Switched With
Axe: Wide Sweep
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.
Controls
Switch
Wild Swing
Press Button zR.png Axe Morph Slash I
Press Button zR.png Sword Morph Slash II

PC
Wild Swing
Press MH Rise - M4 Click Axe Morph Slash I
Press MH Rise - M4 Click Sword Morph Slash II

PS
Wild Swing
Press PS4 - R2 Button.png Axe Morph Slash I
Press PS4 - R2 Button.png Sword Morph Slash II

Xbox
Wild Swing
Press XBOX - Right Trigger.png Axe Morph Slash I
Press XBOX - Right Trigger.png Sword Morph Slash II

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

MHRise Sunbreak - Wire Step

Switched With
Invincible Gambit
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
Controls
Switch
NSW - ZL + NSW - X
zL + X
After jumping up, press X to perform a Forward Slash.
PC
MH Rise - M4 Click + MH Rise - Left Click
MB4 + Left Click
After jumping up, press Left Click to perform a Forward Slash.
PlayStation
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Triangle Button.png
L2 + Triangle
After jumping up, press Triangle to perform a Forward Slash.
Xbox
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - Y Button.png
LT + Y
After jumping up, press Y to perform a Forward Slash.

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

MH Rise Sunbreak - Switch Axe Elemental Charge Counter

Switched With
Switch Charger
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
Controls
Switch
NSW - ZL + NSW - A
zL + A
Press zR to execute the counter Elemental Burst.
PC
MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Right Click
Middle Click + Right Click
Press MB4 to execute the counter Elemental Burst.
PlayStation
PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
L2 + Circle
Press R2 to execute the counter Elemental Burst.
Xbox
XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - B Button.png
LT + B
Press RT to execute the counter Elemental Burst.

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

MH Rise - Switch Axe Wild Swing

Switch Controls Rapidly Press
NSW - A A
PC Controls Rapidly press
MH Rise - Right Click Right Click
PS Controls Rapidly Press
PS4 - Circle Button.png Circle
Xbox Controls Rapidly Press
XBOX - B Button.png B

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

MH Rise - Switch Axe Heavy Slam

Switch Controls
After two or more Wild Swings,
NSW - X X
PC Controls
After two or more Wild Swings,
MH Rise - Left Click Left Click
PS Controls
After two or more Wild Swings,
PS4 - Triangle Button.png Triangle
Xbox Controls
After two or more Wild Swings,
XBOX - Y Button.png Y

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

MH Rise - Switch Axe Fade Slash

Switch Controls
After Heavy Slam,
NSW - Left Analog + NSW - A
Down + A
PC Controls
After Heavy Slam,
MH Rise - D Button + MH Rise - Right Click
Right Click
Switch Controls
After Heavy Slam,
PS4 -  Left Stick.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
Down + Circle
Switch Controls
After Heavy Slam,
XBOX - Left Stick.png + XBOX - B Button.png
Down + B

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

MH Rise - Switch Axe Morph

Switch Controls Button zR zR
PC Controls MH Rise - M4 Click MB4
PS Controls PS4 - R2 Button.png R2
Xbox Controls XBOX - Right Trigger.png RT

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

Reload

MH Rise - Switch Axe Reload

Switch Controls Button zR zR
PC Controls MH Rise - M4 Click MB4
PS Controls PS4 - R2 Button.png R2
Xbox Controls XBOX - Right Trigger.png RT

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

MH Rise - Switch Axe Elemental DIscharge

Switch Controls In Sword Form,
NSW - X + NSW - A
X + A
PC Controls In Sword Form,
MH Rise - Left Click + MH Rise - Right Click
Left Click + Right Click
PS Controls In Sword Form,
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls In Sword Form,
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png
Y + B

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe ZSS Zero Sum Discharge

Switch Controls In Sword Form and with max gauge,
NSW - X + NSW - A
X + A
PC Controls In Sword Form and with max gauge,
MH Rise - Left Click + MH Rise - Right Click
Left Click + Right Click
PS Controls In Sword Form and with max gauge,
PS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png
Triangle + Circle
Xbox Controls In Sword Form and with max gauge,
XBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.png
Y + B

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 how damage is dealt and maximized. One can also have the chance to inflict a status effect.

Keep an eye out for what phial type a Switch Axe uses by checking out the Equipment Info carefully in every weapon of its tree.

Each different phial types has different effects. Make sure to decide on which one to take depending on what you will hunt!

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe General Combo

Switch Controls In Sword Form,
NSW - ANSW - XNSW - ANSW - X ...

AXAX...
PC Controls In Sword Form,
MH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Left ClickMH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Left Click...

Right ClickLeft ClickRight ClickLeft Click...
PS Controls In Sword Form,
PS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Triangle Button.pngPS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Triangle Button.png ...

CircleTriangleCircleTriangle...
Xbox Controls In Sword Form,
XBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Y Button.pngXBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Y Button.png ...

BYBY...

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe High Firepower Combo

Switch Controls In Sword Form,
NSW - ANSW - ZR Axe Form → NSW - ZR Sword Form → NSW - A...

AzR axe form → zR sword form → A...
PC Controls In Sword Form,
MH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - M4 Click to Axe Form → MH Rise - M4 Click to Sword Form → MH Rise - Right Click...

Right clickMB4 axe form → MB4 sword form → Right Click...
PS Controls In Sword Form,
PS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - R2 Button.png Axe Form → PS4 - R2 Button.png Sword Form → PS4 - Circle Button.png...

CircleR2 axe form → R2 sword form → Circle...
Xbox Controls In Sword Form,
XBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Right Trigger.png Axe Form → XBOX - Right Trigger.png Sword Form → XBOX - B Button.png...

BRT axe form → RT sword form → B...

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Quick Element Discharge Combo

Switch Controls In Sword Form,
NSW - ANSW - X + NSW - ANSW - Left Analog↓ + NSW - X → (NSW - ZL + NSW - A)

AX + ADown + X → (zL + A)
PC Controls In Sword Form,
MH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Left Click + MH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - S Button + MH Rise - Left Click → (MH Rise - Middle Click + MH Rise - Right Click)

Right ClickLeft Click + Right CLickS + Left Click → (Middle Click + Right Click)
PS Controls In Sword Form,
PS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Triangle Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 -  Left Stick.png↓ + PS4 - Triangle Button.png → (PS4 - L2 Button.png + PS4 - Circle Button.png)

CircleTriangle + CircleDown + Triangle → (L2 + Circle)
Xbox Controls In Sword Form,
XBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Y Button.png + XBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Left Stick.png↓ + XBOX - Y Button.png → (XBOX - Left Trigger.png + XBOX - B Button.png)

BY + BDown + Y → (LT + B)

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Heavy Slam Combo

Switch Controls
In Sword Form,
NSW - A → (NSW - ZR) → NSW - ANSW - ANSW - X → (NSW - ZR)

AzRA (x2) → X → (zR)
In Axe Form,
NSW - ANSW - ANSW - XNSW - ZRNSW - A → (NSW - ZR)

A (x2) → XzRA → (zR)
PC Controls
In Sword Form,
MH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - M4 ClickMH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Left Click → (MH Rise - M4 Click)

Right ClickMB4Right Click (x2) → Left Click → (MB4)
In Axe Form,
MH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Right ClickMH Rise - Left ClickMH Rise - M4 ClickMH Rise - Right Click → (MH Rise - M4 Click)

Right Click (x2) → Left ClickMB4Right Click → (MB4)
PS Controls
In Sword Form,
PS4 - Circle Button.png → (PS4 - R2 Button.png) → PS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Triangle Button.png → (PS4 - R2 Button.png)

CircleR2Circle (x2) → Triangle → (R2)
In Axe Form,
PS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Circle Button.pngPS4 - Triangle Button.pngPS4 - R2 Button.pngPS4 - Circle Button.png → (PS4 - R2 Button.png)

Circle (x2) → TriangleR2Circle → (R2)
Xbox Controls
In Sword Form,
XBOX - B Button.png → (XBOX - Right Trigger.png) → XBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Y Button.png → (XBOX - Right Trigger.png)

BRTB (x2) → Y → (RT)
In Axe Form,
XBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - B Button.pngXBOX - Y Button.pngXBOX - Right Trigger.pngXBOX - B Button.png → (XBOX - Right Trigger.png)

B (x2) → YRTB → (RT)

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

Check IconKeep attacking!

Check IconLearn how to use the Switch Axe gauge

Check IconLearn the Different Phial Types and Effects

Check IconUtilize Invincible Gambit

Check IconUse Elemental Discharges

Check IconAim 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, Right Click x3, Circle x3, or B x3) then pressing X, Left Click, Triangle, or Y 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

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Utilize Invincible 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 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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Use Element Discharge

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

Monster Hunter Rise - Switch Axe Use 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

Check IconWild Swing now has a larger evade window

Check IconAxe Strengthened State now charges the Awakening Gauge faster

Check IconAmped state is also now in Axe Mode

Check IconZero Sum Discharge grants super armor to prevent falling off

Check IconZero Sum Discharge ignores monster armor

Check IconPower Phial Switch Axes take much longer to charge.

Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Guides

MH Rise - Weapons Partial Banner

Weapon Type Guides
MH Rise - Weapons Page BannerWeapons and Weapon Types MH Rise - Weapon Tier ListWeapon Type Tier List MH Rise - Builds for Each WeaponBuilds for Each Weapon Type

Melee Weapon Guides

Melee Weapons
MH Rise - Great Sword IconGreat Sword
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Long Sword Icon Long Sword
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Sword & Shield IconSword and Shield
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Dual Blades IconDual Blades
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Lance IconLance
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Gunlance Icon Gunlance
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Hammer Icon Hammer
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Hunting Horn IconHunting Horn
Guide | Weapon Tree | Melodies
MH Rise - Switch Axe IconSwitch Axe
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Charge Blade IconCharge Blade
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Insect Glaive IconInsect Glaive
Guide | Weapon Tree | Kinsects

Ranged Weapon Guides

Ranged Weapons
MH Rise - Light Bowgun IconLight Bowgun
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Heavy Bowgun IconHeavy Bowgun
Guide | Weapon Tree
MH Rise - Bow IconBow
Guide | Weapon Tree

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