The Switch Axe is a versatile weapon that swaps between Axe and Sword Mode in Monster Hunter Wilds. Learn all the new moves for the Switch Axe, how to use it, its controls, as well as the pre-launch update.

Switch Axe Adjustments (December 19, 2024)

Smoother Combos and Uninterruptable Full Release Slash

Various adjustments were made to the Switch Axe, making it so that it will be more satisfying whenever you switch from Axe Mode to Sword Mode after building your Axe Mode gauge. This makes the combos flow more smoothly.

There were also some changes to the Switch Axe parameters, specifically to various moves. The biggest change, however, is for the Full Release Slash, which now negates knockback whenever it is used.

New Switch Axe Moves

Unbridled Slash and Full Release Slash

Platform	Combo Input
PC	+ + (During Amped State) (Hold) + + (During Amped State)
PS5	+ + (During Amped State) (Hold)+ + (During Amped State)
Xbox	+ + (During Amped State) (Hold)+ + (During Amped State)

The Unbridled Slash and Full Release Slash are new moves that execute a series of powerful sword swings, but are only available when both in Sword Mode and the Amped State.

How to Use the Switch Axe

Switch Axe Gameplay Tips
Gauge and Indicators Explained Use Axe Mode for Long-Ranged Attacks Use Sword Mode for High Damage and Mobility Utilize Morph Slash for Fluid Combat Build Around Phial Types and Effects

Gauge and Indicators Explained

Gauge Name	Explanation
Switch Gauge	Can morph into Sword Mode once it reaches 30%. Attacks in this form will consume the gauge.
Amp Gauge + Amped State	Gets filled when you land attacks in Sword Mode. Enter the Amped State once the Amp Gauge is full.

The Switch Axe comes a three-segment indicator to manage while fighting with it. The Switch Gauge (1) charges when landing attacks in Axe Mode, or when reloading, and is consumed when attacking in Sword Mode.

The Amp Gauge (2) fills up when landing attacks in Sword Mode. Filling the Amp Gauge causes Hunters to enter the Amped Stat, adding phial explosions to their Sword Mode attacks and enabling new moves.

Activate Power Axe Mode to Boost Axe Attacks

The last segment is the Power Axe Mode (3) indicator. It shows that Axe Mode currently deals more damage and charges the Switch Gauge faster. Power Axe Mode activates with certain attacks, like the Heavy Slam.

Use Axe Mode for Long-Ranged Attacks

The weapon's Axe Mode boasts greater reach with its sweeping attacks. This is perfect for hitting enemies with tall bodies, or hard to hit body parts that you need to aim for, like tails.

Axe Mode is also necessary to enable the more close-range, but stronger and faster Sword Mode. Be sure to swap back to Axe Mode when the Switch Gauge is low to refill it for more Sword Mode uptime.

Use Sword Mode for Higher Damage and Mobility

Sword Mode's attacks decrease the Switch Gauge on-hit, but are faster and do more damage. It performs better than Axe Mode against faster enemies, and charges the Amp Gauge that unlocks the weapon's true power.

Filling the Amp Gauge grants access to stronger moves, like the Zero Sum Discharge, and entering the Amped State enables the Full Release Slash. Sword attacks in the Amped State also cause phial explosions on-hit.

Utilize Morph Slash for Fluid Combat

Using Morph Slash in combos is key to having a fluid combat experience while using the Switch Axe. Morph Slash allows for a quick transition between modes, while also doing damage and filling up the weapon's gauges.

Build Around Phial Types and Effects

Phial Type	Phial Effects
Power Phial	Does Raw Damage
Element Phial	Does Elemental Damage
Status Effect Phial	Inflicts Status Buildup

Switch Axes come with different Phial types that affect the explosions that appear during Amped State attacks. Using a weapon with the right phial to target a monster's weakness can give hunters the upper hand in the fight.

Switch Axe Controls

Axe Mode Action and Inputs

Action	PC	PS5	Xbox
Overhead Slash
Wild Swing	(Tap) ↓	(Tap) ↓	(Tap) ↓
Heavy Slam
Offset Rising Slash	+	+	+
Follow-up Heavy Slam	+ (On a Perfect Offset)	or (On a Perfect Offset)	+ (On a Perfect Offset)
Follow-up Morph Slam	(On a Perfect Offset)	(On a Perfect Offset)	(On a Perfect Offset)
Fade Slash	+	↓ +	↓ +
Reload / Morph	(Reload)	(Reload)	(Reload)
Focus Mode: Morph Combination	+ ↓	+ ↓	+ ↓
Elemental Discharge Finisher

Sword Mode Action and Inputs

Action	PC	PS5	Xbox
Overhead Slash
Double Slash
Counter Rising Slash	+ ↓ (On a Successful Counter)	+ ↓ (On a Successful Counter)	+ ↓ (On a Successful Counter)
Heavenward Flurry
Element Discharge	+ ↓ (Tap)	+ ↓ (Tap)	+ ↓ (Tap)
Element Discharge Finisher
Zero Sum Discharge	(Hold) + (Hold) ↓ (Tap)	(Hold) + (Hold) ↓ (Tap)	(Hold) + (Hold) ↓ (Tap)
Zero Sum Discharge Finisher
Unbridled Slash	+ +	+ +	+ +
Full Release Slash	(Hold) + +	(Hold) + +	(Hold) + +

Recommended Switch Axe Combos

List of Recommended Combos
Axe Mode Basic Combo Axe Mode Wild Swing Gauge Combo Axe Mode Morph Combo Sword Mode Basic Combo Sword Mode Finisher Combo

Axe Mode Basic Combo

Platform	Combo Input
PC	→ →
PS5	→ →
Xbox	→ →

This is the simplest Axe Mode combo that can be used against monsters while there is no opening for more extended attacks. Be sure to use Fade Slash or a dodge to reposition according to the situation.

Axe Mode Wild Swing Gauge Combo

Platform	Combo Input
PC	Repeatedly Tap →
PS5	Repeatedly Tap →
Xbox	Repeatedly Tap +

For longer openings, attacking with Axe Mode's Wild Swing and finishing with a Heavy Slam is a good way to generate Switch Gauge charge.

Axe Mode Morph Combo

Platform	Combo Input
PC	→ → →
PS5	→ → →
Xbox	→ → →

Use this combo when the Switch Gauge is sufficiently full to quickly transform into Sword Mode. Note that the Morph Slash can be followed-up with further Sword Mode attacks, should opportunities present themselves.

Sword Mode Basic Combo

Platform	Combo Input
PC	→ → →
PS5	→ → →
Xbox	→ → →

This is a flexible Sword Mode combo that can be used for brief attacks. Players can opt not to commit to the Circle input at the end, and can even execute an earlier Circle button press to get quicker ending attacks for the string.

Using Morph Slash during the combo string to swap back to Axe Mode is also recommended, if players find that the Switch Gauge is running low.

Sword Mode Finisher Combo

Platform	Combo Input
PC	→ → → → → + → Repeatedly Tap
PS5	→ → → → → + → Repeatedly Tap
Xbox	→ → → → → + → Repeatedly Tap

This is one of the highest damaging strings that the Switch Axe has access to, at the cost of using up a lot of the Switch Gauge. Use this attack when the monster is immobilized to inflict high damage with Zero Sum Discharge.

Alternative Full Release Slash Finisher Combo

Platform	Combo Input
PC	→ → → → → + → (Hold) + +
PS5	→ → → → → + → (Hold)+ +
Xbox	→ → → → → + → (Hold)+ +

Players can also opt to use the Full Release Slash as another strong final attack in the combo. It does not require multiple taps to charge, and instead has players hold down the required buttons as an input.

The attack also has less recovery time after executing, allowing players to quickly move to their next course of action after unleashing it.

Monster Hunter Wilds Related Guides

All Weapons and Guides

All Weapon Guides

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