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Monster Hunter World (MHW)

How To Use Switch Axe

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This is a guide on how to use everyone's favorite transforming explosive weapon in Monster Hunter World (MHW), the Sword and Shield. Read on more to learn about their controls and how to effectively use it.

List of Contents

Switch Axe Basic Controls

Axe Form Controls

Triangle button.png
 Standard Attacks
O button.png Wild Swing
Triangle button.png + O button.png
 Rising Slash
Forward + O button.png
 Forward Slash
R2.png Morph Slash
R2.png without Sword gauge Reload

Sword Form Controls

Triangle button.png
 Standard Attack
O button.png Strong Attack
Triangle button.png + O button.png
 Element Discharge
Amped Triangle button.png + O button.png
 Zero Sum Discharge
R2.png
 Morph Slash
Forward + R2.png
 Downward Fade Slash

Both Form Controls

R2.png
 Morph
Triangle button.png off ledge
 Jumping Slash
R2.png off ledge
 Jumping Morph Slash
Triangle button.png + O button.png off ledge
 Jumping Element Discharge
Triangle button.png sliding
 Jumping Sweep
R2.png sliding
 Jumping Rising Slash

Axe and Sword Form

The Switch Axe is a two-in-one weapon with offensive versitility. This weapon has an Axe form and a Sword form that has different utilities when attacking.

Axe Form

The Axe form has higher mobility and range than the sword. The movement speed and ability to dodge with this form out is an advantage against faster monsters.

Sword Form

The Sword form is where the real damage lies. The heavy hitting sword form can deal extra attack power or status effects.

Switch Axe Phials and Series

These Phails add damage or status effects to specific weapons.

Phial Effect
Elemental Phial Increase the elemental damage a weapon does. The Switch Axe must have a natural element of status effect for this to be effective.
Dragon Phial Gives a fixed amount of Dragon Element in Sword Form.
Power Phial Boots the raw damage of the Switch Axe.
Paralysis Phial May be added to raw Switch Axes to add a paralysis effect in Sword mode.
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.

Related Links

How to Use Each Weapon

Melee Weapons
Great Sword Icon.jpegGreat Swords Long Sword Icon.jpegLong Swords
Sword & Shield Icon.jpegSword and Shields Dual Blades Icon.jpegDual Blades
Hammer Icon.jpegHammers Hunting Horn Icon.jpegHunting Horns
Lance Icon.jpegLances Gunlance Icon.jpegGunlances
Switch Axe Icon.jpegSwitch Axe Charge Blade Icon.jpegCharge Blades
Insect Glaive Icon.jpegInsect Glaives
Ranged Weapons
Light Bowgun Icon.jpegLight Bowguns Heavy Bowgun Icon.jpegHeavy Bowguns
Bow Icon.jpegBows

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