Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills

This is a guide to Switch Skills, a new feature in Monster Hunter Rise and the Sunbreak DLC. If you want to know more about how to unlock all the Switch Skills as well as a quick description on each Switch Skill, read on!

Switch Skill Related Guides
How to Unlock All Switch Skills
Base Game MHRise Switch Skills	Sunbreak Expansion Switch Skills

List of All Switch Skills

Base Game Switch Skills

Sunbreak DLC Switch Skills

Base game MH Rise provided us with three (3) Switch Skills to play with per weapon and the Sunbreak expansion extended that to five! Check out all the Switch Skills in the Base Game and Sunbreak Expansion in the links above!

How to Unlock Sunbreak Switch Skills

Switch Skills in the Sunbreak Expansion, like the base game, are unlocked by simply playing the game and progressing the story. Just keep playing the game normally and you'll get more Switch Skills!

Switch Skills are learned from Master Utsushi after fulfilling certain conditons.

	Unlock Conditions
First Set	Reach Elgado Outpost and learn Skill Swap from Master Utsushi.
Second Set	Reach MR4 and complete first two key quests before the Astalos urgent quest. Talk to Master Utsushi afterwards.

First Set: Arrive in Elgado

The first set of new Sunbreak Switch Skills are unlocked simply by reaching Elgado then talking to Master Arlow where he will ask you to learn Skill Swapping with Master Utsushi.

Utsushi will then give you the first fourteen (14) set of Sunbreak Switch Skills without anything in return.

Great Sword

Great Sword
Charged Slash Combo Original Skill	Surge Slash Combo Switch Skill
The bread-and-butter great sword combo. Build off of the Charged Slash, many a hunter knows this combo by heart.	An offensive style that combines speed with the weight of the weapojn to unleash a stream of powerful slashes. Proper footwork is required, but allows for a large number of combos.

Long Sword

Long Sword
Special Sheathe Combo Original Skill	Sacred Sheathe Combo Switch Skill
A special sheathe that is performed after attacking. The Iai Slash automatically increases Spirit Gauge. Countering the monster's attack via an Iai Spirit Slash will unleash a stream of damage.	Slow, methodical sheathe that can be done after an attack. Before finishing the sheathe, Hunters will be impervious to damage then consumes one level of Spirit Gauge. When the sword is fully sheath, Hunters can focus and charge their Long Sword using the Spirit Gauge to let out a flurry of damage.

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield
Sword/Shield Combo Original Skill	Twin Blade Combo Switch Skill
A two-hit attack that uses both the sword and shield. First hits the monster with the shield for stun damage, then the sword for raw damage.	Opens the combo with a circular attack then follows up with a blade thrust - both using the sword. Effective for dealing status and elemental damage.

Dual Blades

Dual Blades
Roundslash Combo Original Skill	Side Slash Combo Switch Skill
Slashing attack that will allow you to reposition. Hunters can continue or change directions when using this.	Allows Hunters to attack while evading! The distance is also pretty huge so it's a great reposition tool.

Lance

Lance
Guard Dash Original Skill	Shield Tackle Switch Skill
Allows mobility while guarding with your shield. Hunters can hop in any direction when using this - making sure you stay close with the monster!	A technique where you charge forward with your shield raised. You will be able to follow up with a variety of thrusting attacks afterwards.

Gunlance

Gunlance
Wyrmstake Cannon Original Skill	Erupting Cannon Switch Skill
Impales a monster with a stake from your Gunlance. Effects depend on the shelling type: Normal and Long detonate after multiple hits while Wide only detonates a single blast but capable of stunning monsters.	The Gunlance fires an exploding stake onto your target. When using this, the tip of the Gunlance heats up and slashing attacks are enhances for a certain period.

Hammer

Hammer
Spinning Bludgeon Original Skill	Spinning Bludgeon: Charge Switch Skill
Charge as you advance to unleash a devastating spinning attack. Allows you to land multiple successive blows and the number of rotations determines which attack can be performed next.	Stores released power and funnels it into the next Charge Switch attack. Power is build up when performing this move and charge level is maintained when executing a Charge Switch. Can be used to unleash a series of level 3 charged attacks!

Hunting Horn

Hunting Horn
Crush Attack Combo Original Skill	Swing Combo Switch Skill
Uses Swing and Crush attacks. Usefor from a fixed position and from close range. Combo loop varies depending on button input.	Two-hit attack that can be delivered from either the left or right. Allows you to quickly shift directions, making it useful for repositioning.

Switch Axe

Switch Axe
Axe: Wide Sweep Original Skill	2-Staged Morph Slash Combo Switch Skill
Closes the distance to your target by using centrifugal force of swinging the axe after Wild Swing. Useful for closing in on monsters.	A two-stage attack that follows a Wild Swing. First stage morphs into Sword Mode, second stage morphs into Axe Mode. During this time, Axe Morph Slash fills the Switch Gauge and Sword Morph Slash increases amp gauge.

Charge Blade

Charge Blade
Phial Follow-up Original Skill	Phial Power-up: Firing Pin Switch Skill
A small explosion is triggered by Shield Thrust during Elemental Boost or by sword attacks in Sword Boost Mode.	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.

Insect Glaive

Insect Glaive
Jumping Advancing Slash Original Skill	Kinsect Slash Switch Skill
Consumes stamina to perform a midair slash. If you have red extract absorbed, you'll perform a multi-hit Strong Jumpiong Advanced Slash. Landing either Slash with follow up with a Vaulting Dance.	Thrust forward with your glaive and Kinsect. If the slash connects, you'll perform a Vaulting Dance, absorbing the extract. However, absorbing the red extract won't allow you to absorb any other extract, but you'll be able to perform an Enhanced Insect Spiker as a trade-off.

Light Bowgun

Light Bowgun
Marksman Original Skill	Critical Firepower Switch Skill
Your usual shoot attack. Fires ammo to damage a monster.	A shooting style that further raises the damage output but narrows down the critical distance and increases recoil. Does not apply to certain ammo types.

Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun
Charged Shot Original Skill	Crouching Shot Switch Skill
Accumulates power by charging a shot. Damage is increased depending on how long the shot was charged.	Your Hunter crouches down and lets out a barrage of bullets, allowing you to fire in rapid succession. The longer you fire, the shorter the firing interval becomes. This also overheats your HBG so manage it properly, else you won't be able to use this technique in a long while.

Bow

Bow
Melee Attack Original Skill	Stake Thrust Switch Skill
A melee attack using the arrow. Perform a Charging Sidestep after a Melee Attack, you can follow-up with a Lunging Melee Attack.	Thrusts an explosive stake on your target. The stake reacts to follow-up attacks, dealing extra damage. The amount of damage dealt is determined by the type of arrow used.

Second Set: Two MR4 Key Quests Before Astalos

The second set of new Sunbreak Switch Skills are unlocked by reaching MR4 and finishing two key quests before fighting Astalos!

Go to Kamura Village then Utsushi will give you the remaining twenty-eight (28) Switch Skills - two for each weapon.

Great Sword

Great Sword
Hunting Edge Original Skill	Strongarm Stance Switch Skill
Flies up using a Wirebug for a hefty Roundslash. It the attack connects, the hunter bounces up and transitions directly to the next Charged Slash attack.	Reinforces the blade with Ironsilk to temporarily fend off attacks. If used while charging, you can quickly parry and unleash a True Charged Slash.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2

Great Sword
Power Sheathe Original Skill	Backslide Switch Skill
An auto-sheathing silkbind move that boosts attack slightly. Can be used to close gaps or evade, making it a well-rounded technique.	A quick evasive maneuver using a Wirebug. Maintains charge if using Surge Slash or and increases level while charging, making it an amazing repositioning tool.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Long Sword

Long Sword
Soaring Kick Original Skill	Tempered Spirit Blade Switch Skill
A quick Wirebug-induced jump kick. A missed kick ends the attack with a single slash, while a successful kick can be followed with either a Plunging Thrust or a Spirit Helm Breaker. Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium	A decisive maneuver that parries any incoming monster attack with a Spirit Blade. Time it properly to fill your Spirit Gauge and increase the Spirit Level by 1. Wirebug Recovery Speed: Slow
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Long Sword
Serene Pose Original Skill	Harvest Moon Switch Skill
Casts out Ironsilk and automatically counters any incoming attack. If successful, one level of Spirit Gauge will be consumed.	Casts out an Ironsilk ring that expands out like an arena. Within the ring, performing counters will deal additional hits. Sheathing or going out of the ring depletes the Spirit Gauge and cancels the move.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield
Windmill Original Skill	Destroyer Oil Switch Skill
A multi-step attack using a Wirebug's silk to spin the weapon around. Any incoming attack is negated while the weapon is spinning.	Uses a Wirebug to cover your blade with a special ointment whose effects triggered by the friction with the shield. While active, monsters flinch easily, creating more opening for attack.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Sword and Shield
Falling Shadow Original Skill	Shield Bash Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to leap forward and attack. If it lands, you will perform a Scaling Slash which can be chainged into various finishing attacks.	A mix of offense and defense, allows the Hunter to use a Wirebug to dash forward with the shield raised. If the attack connects with a monster, the Hunter can follow up with more attacks. Can also parry an incoming attack - if timed right.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Dual Blades

Dual Blades
Piercing Bind Original Skill	Spiral Slash Switch Skill
Thrusts an explosive kunai through a monster. When that body part is attacked again, it will inflict additional blows. After some time, the kunai will explode and deal additional damage based on the number of attacks dealt on that body part.	A silkbind attack that launches you spiraling forward. Once your attack connects, your body acts as a drill as your blades bore into your target's flesh. You can also perform Spiral Slash while midair.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Dual Blades
Shrouded Vault Original Skill	Ironshine Silk Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to close in rapidly on the enemy, which countering attacks through out the entire animation.	Evading just in time before an attack hits will sharpen your weapon. Works well with Shrouded Vault, and all other evasion moves. Effect lasts for 45s.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Lance

Lance
Anchor Rage Original Skill	Skyward Thrust Switch Skill
A defensive skill requiring a shield and some patience. Efficiently braces and absorbs power of the incoming attack - a high-risk move, but the more power absorbed the greater the damage.	A technique where a Wirebug launches you high into the air. Thrust your Lance towards the heavens and then pierce downwards. The falling portion of the attack inflicts multiple hits.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Lance
Twin Vine Original Skill	Sheathing Retreat Switch Skill
Draws a monster's attention by thrusting a kunai tethered with ironsilk. The hunter can leap in close to the target while connected. In addition, stamina consumption is reduced while tethered.	Automatically sheathes your weapon while using a Wirebug to pull you backwards out of harms way. Effective for strategic retreats.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1

Gunlance

Gunlance
Hail Cutter Original Skill	Bullet Barrage Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to launch you upwards performing a Rising Slash going up and an Overhead Smash going down. Can reload in midair that reduces Wyvern's Fire cooldown.	Uses a Wirebug to Blast dash toward your target, and unleashing all your ammo in one go. Shells, Wyrmstake Cannon, and Wyvern're will automatically be reloaded first before performing the attack so a windup animation is needed.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2

Gunlance
Guard Edge Original Skill	Reverse Blast Switch Skill
A strong block that uses wirebugs. If the block is timed right, you will enjoy bonus sharpness recovery. Can also combo into a variety of attacks afterward.	A rapid, backward evasive maneuver using a Wirebug to stop. If no shells are loaded, a quick reload will happen so be careful.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Hammer

Hammer
Silkbind Spinning Bludgeon Original Skill	Keeping Sway Switch Skill
A spinning attack using a Wirebug. Moves along an arc pattern like a midair spinning attack on slopes, but is just as effective on flat terrain.	A quick evasion maneuver at a high speed. Maintains your charge level during the evade.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Hammer
Impact Crater Original Skill	Impact Burst Switch Skill
Makes you leap into the air and come down with multiple hammer strikes. Power and number of hits are determined by your charge level before executing this move.	Makes any charge attack vibrate, creating a shockwave that makes it easier to flinch monsters. Activate and it will last for 55s so combo this with Impact Crater via Skill Swap to deal maximum damage!
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Hunting Horn

Hunting Horn
Earthshaker Original Skill	Sonic Bloom Switch Skill
Drives an Ironsilk-bound blade into the target like a stake. When it hits, the Horn is connected with the blade via a Wirebug thread and the vibration by the weapon explodes inside the target.	Places a Wirebug cocoon on the ground. When attacking, vibrations are sent to the cocoon charging it up. When full, it would explode and deal huge stun and exhaust damage. Note: Playing Magnificent Trio pops the cocoon at the end of the combo.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Hunting Horn
Slide Beat Original Skill	Silkbind Shockwave Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to push ahead with repeated attacks and ends with a performance that buffs strength. Can be used to close in to enemies and buffing yourself.	For a short period, any attack performed causes the silk to vibrate while creating a time-delayed shockwave that triggers additional hits. Additional hits do major stun, exhaust, and part damage.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Switch Axe

Switch Axe
Invincible Gambit Original Skill	Wire Step Switch Skill
A Wirebug technique to surge forward and dish out three strikes. You are impervious to knockdowns during the process making this useful in a pinch.	An evasion technique that allows you to morph into Axe Mode while flanking the enemy. Highly effective for maneuvering while in Axe Mode.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Switch Axe
Switch Charger Original Skill	Elemental Burst Counter Switch Skill
A technique that uses a Wirebug to restore your Switch Gauge as you move. Once active, the switch gauge won't deplete for a while so take advantage of it to dish out phial damage.	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 Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2

Charge Blade

Charge Blade
Counter Peak Performance Original Skill	Ready Stance Switch Skill
A blocking attack by the Charge Blade. If successful, phials are filled and you can lead into various attack-focused actions like Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED).	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 Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Charge Blade
Morphing Advance Original Skill	Air Dash Switch Skill
Used for quickly closing the distance to your target while morphing to Axe Mode. While advancing, you're immune to knockbacks but not damage. You can follow this move up by morphing back to Sword Mode.	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 Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Insect Glaive

Insect Glaive
Recall Kinsect Original Skill	Awakened Kinsect Attack Switch Skill
Emergency evasion technique that recalls your Kinsect. As the Kinsect returns, it will heal your hunter and recover its own stamina.	A technique that hurls a Kinsect forward to inflict massive damage. All extracts are consumed and the more extract you have, the stronger the attack will be. Afterwards, you'll close in to Kinsect using a Wirebug, while absorbing extract and marking your target. The move finishes with a Vaulting Dance.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Insect Glaive
Silkbind Vault Original Skill	Kinsect Glide Switch Skill
Performs a forward-leaping attack. Also useable midair, you can close in on a target quickly by following up with a Midair Evade or Jumping Advancing Slash.	Sends your Kinsect out and uses a Wirebug to quickly jump to it. The Kinsect will aim for a marker, or if there is none it would fly forward or follow the reticle. When the Kinsect hits a monster, it will absorb extract.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Light Bowgun

Light Bowgun
Fanning Vault Original Skill	Wyvern Counter Switch Skill
A jumping action using Wirebugs. Shots can be fired while in midair. You can also fire Wyvernblasts while airborne.	An urgent retreat that fires a shot with massive recoil. Use this mainly for evasion only as the shot does not deal huge damage.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost:1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Light Bowgun
Silkbind Glide Original Skill	Mech Silkbind Shot Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to pull you forward. Can be followed up with a powerful close-range attack that deals severing damage. After the attack, previously loaded ammo will be automatically reloaded.	Unleashes an onslaught of attacks. Each shot is laced with Ironsilk, giving each the increased power to break parts or make the monster mountable. Only lasts for a certain amount of time.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun
Counter Shot Original Skill	Rising Moon Switch Skill
Parrying skill using Wirebugs. Absorbs an attack from a monster without taking any damage then follow up with a powerful counterattack.	Generates a ring of Ironsilk. When ammo passes through it, it extends the ammo's range extending some ammo's viability from father away.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Heavy Bowgun
Free Silkbind Glide Original Skill	Setting Sun Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to pill you while gliding forward. Can be used to evade attacks and adjust position.	Generates a ring of Ironsilk. When ammo passes through it, range is decreased but firing pierce / multi-hit ammos will have increased number of hits upon impact.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Bow

Bow
Focus Shot Original Skill	Butcher's Bind Switch Skill
Wirebug evasive action. After landing, crouching will cause stamina to recover at a rapid pace.	Fires an arrow loaded with Ironsilk. Shooting the tether spot will deal sever damage. Missing any arrow would cancel the skill.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Bow
Herculean Draw Original Skill	Bolt Boost Switch Skill
A maneuver that increases damage. Shots can also be fired while evading.	Activates Super Critical Range for a short time. All arrows fired at Super Critical Range will deal increased damage. The activation lasts for around 105s.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

How to Unlock Base Game Switch Skills

Switch Skills won't be available at the start of the game and need to be unlocked during the story. Just talk to Master Utsushi when his prompt appears in your Map!

	Unlock Conditions
First Set	Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2 then talk to Master Utsushi.
Second Set	Create or upgrade a total of 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type.
Third Set	Set of quests unlocked from Hub ★4 and higher.

Quest Types and List of Quests

First Set: Unlocked at ★3 Village Quest Rank

This is a list of all Switch Skills that will be unlocked after finishing the ★3 Urgent Quest, Feathered Frenzy. Talk to Master Utsushi after you have finished this Urgent Quest. He will give you the Switch Skills for all fourteen (14) weapons.

Great Sword

Great Sword
Tackle Original Skill	Guard Tackle Switch Skill
A shoulder thrust that withstands all attacks. Keeps you from faltering or falling when attacked, making it useful for standing your ground while charging.	A forward-dashing attack using the flat side of the blade. More cumbersome that your standard tackle, but strong and allows you to guard.

Long Sword

Long Sword
Soaring Kick Original Skill	Silkbind Sakura Slash Switch Skill
A quick Wirebug-induced jump kick. A missed kick ends the attack with a single slash, while a successful kick can be followed with either a Plunging Thrust or a Spirit Helm Breaker.	A whirlwind-like attack, dashing past the target with a Wirebug. Increases the Spirit Gauge by 1.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield
Advancing Slash Original Skill	Sliding Slash Switch Skill
A drawn attack where you perform a downward slash while stepping forward. Negates stagger and knockbacks.	A sliding attack that slashes the target twice. High reach but no ability to turn. Allows for follow up jumping attack.

Dual Blades

Dual Blades
Demon Flurry Rush Original Skill	Demon Flight Switch Skill
A spinning multi-hit attack performed on the ground. Only available when Demon or Archdemon Mode is active.	An attack performed by slamming down both blades. A successful hit vaults you into the air, slicing your target as you spin upwards. Effective against monsters with weakpoints high above.

Lance

Lance
Dash Attack Original Skill	Shield Charge Switch Skill
A charging attack using the Lance. Continue to speed up after a certain amount of time.	A charging attack with the shield up. Can only dash for a limited amount of time while fending off attacks with the shield. Crashing into a monster deals shield-based blunt damage.

Gunlance

Gunlance
Hail Cutter Original Skill	Ground Splitter Switch Skill
Uses a Wirebug to launch you upwards performing a Rising Slash going up and an Overhead Smash going down. Can reload in midair that reduces Wyvern's Fire cooldown.	Scrapes the ground while slashing upwards. Increases shell, Wyrmstake Shot, and Wyvern Fire damage temporarily.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1

Hammer

Hammer
Silkbind Spinning Bludgeon Original Skill	Dash Breaker Switch Skill
A spinning attack using a Wirebug. Moves along an arc pattern like a midair spinning attack on slopes, but is just as effective on flat terrain.	Forward rush using Wirebugs. Enemy attack damage is negated while launching forward!
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Hunting Horn

Hunting Horn
Melody Mode: Performance Original Skill	Melody Mode: Echo Switch Skill
An action that affects invigorating melodies. Two attacks of the same note in a row generates a melody effect. Press zR, MB4, R2, or RT to boost your own abilities. A mode focused on combat.	An action that affects invigorating melodies. Generates a melody effect from the Staff using zR, MB4, R2, or RT while boosting your own abilities. A mode focused on applying various melody effects.

Switch Axe

Switch Axe
Invincible Gambit Original Skill	Soaring Wyvern Blade Switch Skill
A Wirebug technique to surge forward and dish out three strikes. You are impervious to knockdowns during the process making this useful in a pinch.	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	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Charge Blade

Charge Blade
Condensed Element Slash Original Skill	Condensed Spinning Slash Switch Skill
While charging, elemental energy gathers on the sword and strengthens it. Damage dealt by the sword is increased. Reinforcing the sword requires the shield to be elementally boosted.	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.

Insect Glaive

Insect Glaive
Tornado Slash Original Skill	Tetraseal Slash Switch Skill
Performed after a bludgeoning attack, using the entire body to swing the weapon. With Red Extract loaded, perform a Leaping Slash and press A, Left Click, Triangle, or Y.	Delivers four strikes on the spot. One of the attacks is hit with the handle's seal, which can lure in Powder Kinsects. With Red Extract loaded, perform a Leaping Slash and press A, Left Click, Triangle, or Y.

Light Bowgun

Light Bowgun
Fanning Vault Original Skill	Fanning Maneuver Switch Skill
A jumping action using Wirebugs. Shots can be fired while in midair. You can also fire Wyvernblasts while airborne.	Uses wirebug as a level to quickly flank left or right. Increases attack power temporarily.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun
Mech-Wyvernsnipe Original Skill	Healing Mech-Wyvernsnipe Switch Skill
Fires a specialized shot, different depending on the weapon. Has its own gauge, and replenishes over time.	Fires a specialized shot, different depending on the weapon. Has its own gauge, and replenishes over time. Regular Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe deals less damage but can heal the hunter.

Bow

Bow
Charging Sidestep Original Skill	Dodgebolt Switch Skill
Evasive skill that covers a lot of ground. Raises your charge level while dodging, and controls the direction of dodge using the left analog stick.	Spinning evade that doubles as an attack. Making it a near-miss can fill up the charge level considerably. Allows you to move forward, backwards, left, or right.

Second Set: Unlocked by Crafting Weapons

The second set of Switch Skills is unlocked by crafting or upgrading different weapons of the same weapon type. From our testing, it seems that this set of Switch Skills is unlocked after crafting or upgrading eight (8) times. Take note, this needs to be unlocked per weapon.

Great Sword

Great Sword
Hunting Edge Original Skill	Adamant Charged Slash Switch Skill
Flies up using a Wirebug for a hefty Roundslash. It the attack connects, the hunter bounces up and transitions directly to the next Charged Slash attack.	Uses a Wirebug to dash forward, and deliver a Strong Charged Slash. Has knockback protection as you dash forth.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Long Sword

Long Sword
Step Slash Original Skill	Drawn Double Slash Switch Skill
A top-down slash while moving forward. The sword takes a vertical path from top to bottom that allows you to hit any target up high.	A drawn attack that unleashes two attacks in a row. You can absorb attacks while moving forward and this move can be comboed with zR, MB4, R2, or RT to go straight to Spirit Blade II!

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield
Hard Basher Combo Original Skill	Drill Slash Combo Switch Skill
A derivative of the Shield Slam that converts Shield Bash to a Hard Bash. Basically an attack using nothing but a shield. A direct hit to the head may stun the target.	A derivative of the Shield Slam that converts Thrust to a Drill Slash. Basically a multi-hit attack with great potential when combined with an elemental weapon.

Dual Blades

Dual Blades
Demon Mode Original Skill	Feral Demon Mode Switch Skill
While active, your stamina gradually decreases while your attack and evasion change, resisting any knockback. Movement speed increases dramatically, allowing you to roam the field like a force of nature.	A more offernsive verson of Demon mode. You switch to an attack-focused stance, dealing slashing attacks when dodging.

Lance

Lance
Guard Original Skill	Insta-Block Switch Skill
Your regular block using a shield. Can be used to absorb incoming attacks.	Swings your shield in an arch to parry attacks. Time your guard just before a monster hits you to follow-up with a Cross Slash. Great for countering right after blocking.

Gunlance

Gunlance
Charged Shelling Original Skill	Blast Dash Switch Skill
Shelling attack from the Gunlance. Unleashes a fortified shot but needs time to charge up before firing.	Uses recoil to travel far. Aims the Gunlance backwards then launches forward to close in the target. It is possible to use Blast Dash again while hurtling!

Hammer

Hammer
Charge Switch: Strength Original Skill	Charge Switch: Courage Switch Skill
Lengthens required charge time, but allows for more powerful actions.	Decreases charging levels, but allows you to follow from one charge into another more quickly.

Hunting Horn

Hunting Horn
Earthshaker Original Skill	Bead of Resonance Switch Skill
Drives an Ironsilk-bound blade into the target like a stake. When it hits, the Horn is connected with the blade via a Wirebug thread and the vibration by the weapon explodes inside the target.	Places a Wirebug cocoon on the ground. If the same hunter generates melody effects, the effect also appears around the cocoon, as does as a Sonic Wave that damages monsters near it. Only one cocoon can be placed at a time.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2

Switch Axe

Switch Axe
Forward Slash Original Skill	Forward Overhead Slash Switch Skill
Thrust the axe's blade forward while stepping. Doesn't do a lot of damage, but is very versatile.	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.

Charge Blade

Charge Blade
Morph Slash Original Skill	Counter Morph Slash Switch Skill
Motion that switches Sword to Axe, and Axe to Sword. At the start and the end of the switching, the shield can block any incoming attacks.	A more defense-focused switching attack with a longer blocking effect. If successful, the follow-up Element Discharge Slash's damage increases.

Insect Glaive

Insect Glaive
Leaping Slash Original Skill	Advancing Roundslash Switch Skill
Downward slash technique performed while lunging forward. Can negate knockbacks without Orange Extracts. Can reach higher areas with its attack.	Attack performed by spinning foward like a top. When attacked during the spin, you will use that force to jump up. Only happens while you still have momentum.

Light Bowgun

Light Bowgun
Forward Dodge Original Skill	Quickstep Evade Switch Skill
Evasive maneuver while your Light Bowgun is drawn. Essential to create distance between you and the target.	Quick evasive maneuver while your Light Bowgun is drawn. Distance covered is much smaller but requires less time to recover. Ammo fired immediately after this deals increased damage.

Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun
Melee Attack Original Skill	Tackle Switch Skill
Bludgeon attack delivered by directly smashing with the weapon. Delivers impressive damage, and may stun your taret. If a shield is equipped, incoming attacks can be blocked while executing this.	A shoulder check by the Hunter. Prevents flinching and knockback, but still allow significant damage. Only use this for weak attacks that may knock you back!

Bow

Bow
Focus Shot Original Skill	Aerial Aim Switch Skill
Wirebug evasive action. After landing, crouching will cause stamina to recover at a rapid pace.	An action for firing arrows by jumping straight up with a Wirebug. Particularly damaging shots can be fired from midair. A close-range attack using an arrow can also be aimed directly underneath you.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Third Set: Unlocked by Doing High Rank Hub Quests (★4 and higher)

The third set of Switch Skills is unlocked by reaching high rank in the Hub (★4 and higher). After reaching the required Hub Rank, Master Utsushi will give you a set of quests that will unlock the final set of Switch Skills!

Hub Rank	Weapon Type	Quest
★4	Sword and Shield	Study the Sword & Shield
	Hunting Horn	Honing Your Hunting Horn
	Switch Axe	Study the Switch Axe
	Light Bowgun	Learning the Light Bowgun
★5	Great Sword	Grasp the Great Sword
	Hammer	Honing Your Hammer
	Lance	Learn the Lance
	Charge Blade	Charge Blade Coalescing
	Heavy Bowgun	Hone Your Heavy Bowgun
★6	Long Sword	Learn the Long Sword
	Dual Blades	Dissect the Dual Blades
	Gunlance	Grasp the Gunlance
	Insect Glaive	Invoke the Insect Glaive
	Bow	Be One with the Bow

Great Sword

Great Sword
True Charge Slash Original Skill	Rage Slash Switch Skill
A devastating Charged Slash attack delivering extensive damage, striking twice by making a large swing with the weapon. When striking the monster's weakspot, the second strike deals additional damage.	Strike from a unique stance. Not as powerful that True Charge Slash but when met with an attack, Rage Slash will increase its damage.

Long Sword

Long Sword
Spirit Roundslash Combo Original Skill	Spirit Reckoning Combo Switch Skill
Changes into a Spirit Blade on its third strike nd onwards. Follows from a Spirit Blade III into a Spirit Roundslash. A basic Spirit Blade combo that can easily hit the target while damaging any enemies close by.	Changes into a Spirit Blade at the third strike. Drives forward using Dividing Slash then finishes with the Spirit Reckining combo. Difficult to pull off, but has high damage.

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield
Windmill Original Skill	Metsu Shoryugeki Switch Skill
A multi-step attack using a Wirebug's silk to spin the weapon around. Any incoming attack is negated while the weapon is spinning.	A jumping Wirebug attack that uses the shield to uppercut the target. Can perform a Guard at the start and can finish off with a Falling Bash.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 2	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 2

Dual Blades

Dual Blades
Piercing Bind Original Skill	Tower Vault Switch Skill
Thrusts an explosive kunai through a monster. When that body part is attacked again, it will inflict additional blows. After some time, the kunai will explode and deal additional damage based on the number of attacks dealt on that body part.	Launches a Wirebug upwards and pulls you into the air. Does not deal any damage but allows you to execute aerial combos with the Dual Blades.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Slow Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Lance

Lance
Anchor Rage Original Skill	Spiral Thrust Switch Skill
A defensive skill requiring a shield and some patience. Efficiently braces and absorbs power of the incoming attack - a high-risk move, but the more power absorbed the greater the damage.	Two-step maneuver to counterattack. Uses the shield to parry then uses Wirebugs to pull you forward. Use this to confuse your targets and let out a flurry of strikes. Reposition using the Left Analog after the first dash or halt altogether.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Gunlance

Gunlance
Quick Reload Original Skill	Guard Reload Switch Skill
An action for shell reload. Allows for quicker shell reloading but does not reload the Wyrmstake cannon.	Has a Guard at the start of the reload. Reloads both the shells and the Wyrmstake Cannon but only reloads less shells than normal Reload.

Hammer

Hammer
Side Smash Original Skill	Water Strike Switch Skill
A side swipe with the Hammer. Can be used as the starting point of multiple Hammer combos.	Attack that allows you to absorb an enemy attack. Perform before getting hit to negate the damage. Can be followed-up by an upswing hammer attack.

Hunting Horn

Hunting Horn
Overhead Smash Original Skill	Melodic Slap Switch Skill
A mighty attack that swings the Hunting Horn down from above. Effective in reducing the target's stamina.	Swings the Hunting Horn around once, generating a forwards Sonic Smash. Low damage output but effective at stunning.

Switch Axe

Switch Axe
Finishing Discharge Original Skill	Compressed Finishing Discharge Switch Skill
Performs a thrust attack while fortifying elemental energy, ending with a massive explosion. If the Activation Gauge is full and the target is a large monster, the action becomes a Zero Sum Elemental Discharge.	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.

Charge Blade

Charge Blade
Counter Peak Performance Original Skill	Axe Hopper Switch Skill
A blocking attack by the Charge Blade. If successful, phials are filled and you can lead into various attack-focused actions like Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED).	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	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Insect Glaive

Insect Glaive
Recall Kinsect Original Skill	Diving Wyvern Switch Skill
Emergency evasion technique that recalls your Kinsect. As the Kinsect returns, it will heal your hunter and recover its own stamina.	A strong attack that pulls you downward with great force. The attack has a small damage radius which means all damage is concentrated at that one specific point.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

Light Bowgun

Light Bowgun
Reload Original Skill	Elemental Reload Switch Skill
Executes a reload. Reload speed depends on the ammo type.	Reloads take longer than usual but boosts elemental damage of elemental shots.

Heavy Bowgun

Heavy Bowgun
Counter Shot Original Skill	Counter Charger Switch Skill
Parrying skill using Wirebugs. Absorbs an attack from a monster without taking any damage then follow up with a powerful counterattack.	A parry skill using Wirebugs. Absorbs an attack from a monster without taking any damage. Will shorten the amount of time for a Charged Shot.
Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1	Wirebug Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

Bow

Bow
Power Shot Original Skill	Absolute Power Shot Switch Skill
A regular shot followed by a particularly powerful shot. Fires shots with a higher level than usual (but never over the charge level limit).	Fires a powerful shot after charging. Shots are fired with a higher level than usual (but never over the charge level limit). Power Shots will cost more stamina but can stun the target.

What are Switch Skills?

Silkbind and Regular Attack Switching

Switch Skills is a new mechanic introduced in Monster Hunter Rise (and expanded in the Sunbreak DLC) that allows you to customize and choose your Hunter's silkbind attacks and regular attacks

Regular Attacks are part a core of your weapon's move set, and can be switched out with another skill. Silkbind Attacks are attacks that require the use of a wirebug. These attacks deal massive damage, allow for counters, or grant special buffs.

These can be changed on the fly through the menu in Base Camps and Subcamps while in the middle of a hunt!

Switch Skill Swap in the Sunbreak Expansion

As of the Sunbreak Expansion, Skill Swap allows Hunters to swap between two switch skill loadouts - all with a simple press of a button. This allows even more on-the-fly customization and expanded strategies when it comes to Switch Skills!

Setups for the skill swap can be done through your Red and Blue Swap Scrolls, which are managed at an Item Box or at a camp.

How to Switch Skill Swap

How to Change Switch Skills

Five Slots as of the Sunbreak Expansion

In the Sunbreak expansion, Hunters would already have five (5) switch skills slots that can freely switched - two more than the normal three (3) switch skills slots in the base game.

MH Rise Base Game (3 Slots)	Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3
Sunbreak Expansion (+2 Slots)	Slot 4 Slot 5

You are only given a set of choices of skills to swap per skill type. Example, skills reserved for Switch Skill Slot 1 will only be swappable to other Switch Slot 1 skill and so on. Keep this in mind when you build your combos!

Match Switch Skills with Swap Scrolls

A tip to remember is that some skills such as Furious, Berserk, and Dereliction have active effects depending on what Swap Scroll is active. Make sure to organize your switch skills depending on what skills you have.

For example, on Dual Blades, you will want to have your Silkbind attacks Spiral Slash or Piercing Bind on your Red Swap Scroll when there is an active damage buff for that scroll (like the effect from Dragon Conversion).

Where To Change Switch Skills

Change Switch Skills Anywhere With an Item Box

You can change Switch Skills anywhere that has an item box. These places are as follows:

Kamura Village

Your Room (in Kamura Village)

Buddy Plaza (left of the Argosy)

Gathering Hub (right of the Quest Counter)

Hub Prep Area (across the room after entering)

Steelworks (near Hinoa)

Training Area (at the Entrance)

Elgado Outpost

Central Plaza (near Oboro the Merchant)

Tea Shop (on the left of the shop itself)

Your Room (in Elgado)

Mid-Quests

Base Camps

Sub Camps

Monster Hunter Rise Related Links

All Game Mechanics Guides

Sunbreak Guides
New Silkbind Attacks and Switch Skills	How to Switch Skill Swap
How to Get from MR 6 to MR 100 Fast	Anomaly Research Level: How to Get Max Level Fast
How to Bring Followers - List of Followers	Special Investigations: How to Unlock
Village Facility Guides
Room Guide: Things To Do Inside Your Room	Training Area Guide
Canteen and Food Skills	Gathering Hub Guide
Getting Started
Character Creation Guide	List of Controls
Palico Guide	Palamute Guide
Cohoot Guide	List of Settings
Can I Change My Name?	Can I Change Gender?
Hunter and Monster Stats
Explanation of Hunter Stats	Monster Stats Explained
Attack and Elemental Attack	Defense and Elemental Defense
Affinity and Negative Affinity	Monster Size and Effects
Abnormal Status and Elemental Blight Guide	Buff Duration: How Long Do Buffs Last?
Weapon and Armor-Related Guides
How to Rollback Weapons	How to Forge Weapons and Armor
Damage Types: Difference Between Sever, Blunt, Projectile Damage	How to Use Weapon and Armor Designs
How to Change Armor Pigment	How to Hide Armor Pieces
How to Upgrade Kinsects	How Does Sharpness Work?
Qurious Crafting: Armor Augments	Chaotic Gore Magala Weapons Explained
Gameplay Features
Wirebug Moves and Controls	Silkbind Attacks
How to Lock-On and Target Settings	Switch Skills Guide
Wyvern Riding Guide	Turf Wars
What is the Rampage?	Hunter Rank (HR) Guide
Unchangeable Appearance Features	How to Fast Travel
Fishing Guide	Quest Completion Rewards
How to Carry Eggs	Respawn Timers
Melding Pot Guide	Solo and Multiplayer Guide
Crafting List	How to Use Photo Mode
List of Lottery Prizes	How to Save the Game
Character Edit Vouchers
Online Play
Multiplayer and Co-op Guide	Hunter Connect and Like Function
How to use the Chat Feature	How to Use Gestures
Join Requests Guide	How Does Difficulty Scaling Work?