The High Rank Guide to the Switch Axe

[@joepool2246]

This was an S tier video overall, and to me, a perfect guide to switch axe in Rise. Thank you so much for the work it took to make this. Let alone the writing was so crisp and clear, with strong verb usage. Goodness, listen to me, I sound like an English teacher. Anyway, thank you again.

[@DreadxBjinn]

So not SS tier? Guess speedrunners can’t use it then 😔

[@Kaethena]

Very good guide, thank you. I only started using Switch Axe in Rise, after being a Hammer main, and it's turned into my new favourite weapon almost overnight. I like that you didn't go into the whole "Attack Boost out the wazoo and/or Affinity out the wazoo, too." When talking about builds. The trouble with most High Rank builds is that they assume you've beaten all the content and are looking to min/max to get speedrun times on monsters. I tried Attack Boost 7, mid way through High Rank, through the Rathalos set, and it did less damage than the set I was using, which had Bludgeoner 3 on it, because the weapons I had available to me had large green or less sharpness, and very little blue (no white). Evade Extender is a skill I cannot live without. I have basically lived in the Volvidon S set with changes to the head, throughout most of High Rank so far, because it just has a lot of the skills which benefit Switch Axe. Without needing access to the highest level gems. It's hard to appreciate how much an increase in mobility helps you more than an increase in damage, until you don't have it. One thing I was doing wrong, though, was using the Heavenward part of the sword combo. You're right, it is too long an animation commitment and using the morph combos earlier is the way to go. I guess I just thought it looked cool, lol. I always use Invincible Gambit because you can basically just spin 2 win your way out of almost anything, but the ability to use Soaring Wyvernblade at the end of a discharge knockback was something I didn't know about. I will be changing shortly. Thank you again. :)

[@largodeeprose]

The reload silk skill is so damn satisfying in this game, quality of life x100

[@sanguinetales]

I know everyone hates how slow manual reload is I just think it looks badass. I wish it came with a buff that makes it useful, maybe longer duration battery vs the quick reload.

[@bobthegaminggod2564]

As a swag axe main myself, I find this video amazing. Now, I have found the forward slash has a pretty important use. Forward slash is good for repositioning. If you fade slash or side step, it can be used for minor correction and better aiming. Overhead travels really far, so its great as an opener, but for minute corrections it sends you flying past where you were wanting to go. Different topic. Kushala swag axe has the potential to be absolutely busted. With the kushala soul ramp up skill, you can take the 15% critical, and bring it to 50%!!! Now, with skills for critical up (crit eye, crit boost, and weakness exploit) you can just pump out crits like candy. 100% crit is busted. Also, because of the rampage skill, you don't have to have as many levels in crit eye, meaning those slots can be used elsewhere. Do i have a set built yet, no... Am I going to make one? HELL YEAH!!!! Great vid keep it up man.

[@BigDBrian]

if you're close enough for forward overhead slash to go past the monster and miss, you have better options available. Overhead slam, uppercut, wild swings or morph overhead are all solid, depending on the length of the opening and your positioning.

[@bellystraw]

As a reward for watching this video I was bestowed a rapid morph level 3 evade extender 1 charm. Sadly no good slots but still very nice

[@merrickal]

Thank you for mentioning only the essential skills and encouraging experimentation. I had no idea elemental Swaxe is better as most melee weapons are so hard into raw. Really like the weapon and this guide makes me feel like taking it up again.

[@EACru2002]

Yeah I believe that, with this games complicated system of different hit zones on the monsters giving different elemental damage values, typically in past games, Dual Blades had the highest “value” number which equated to having to hit X amount of good hit zones for it to be better than raw. But in Rise, the Switch Axe’s value number was like 4-5x higher than Dual Blades so it is by far the best elemental melee weapon in the game. Some people would probably see that as a negative since you can’t just build one super weapon to rule them all, but I actually kinda enjoy crafting a bunch of weapons and builds for each monster.

[@whale9114]

Tip for people struggling with Tigre’s for some reason: invincible gambit helps a TON. You can use it to evade roars, charges and rocks. If you get good enough with it you can use it to the point you only take minimal damage because of the hyper armor.

[@NanoUchia]

I'm sorry but the clip you used when saying the disclaimer at 0:26 made me laugh so hard. *Video is for people who are at high rank and are familiar with the game* *Wirefalls into Magnamalo ball*

[@25Dzone]

I'm not HR but I've just returned to Rise after not really getting into it as much as I did other MH games but this video has honestly made me fall in love with Switch Axe. It's made hunting so much more fun and I'm excited to see what changes in Sunbreak!

[@artemis9590]

Sheesh this video is so out of date but so wonderful I wish you would make a new guide for Sunbreak and maybe Charge Blade as well ^_^

[@taufiqaiman9133]

Hi! This is a really great and concise guide for using swaxe in MHRise! I do want to argue that forward axe slash has some functionality of its own; because it's faster to execute, I usually use forward slash into morph: sword mode to quickly move forward, or forward slash into fade slash to hit and run, or just forward slash into side hops for repositioning. It may not deal as much damage as it's counterpart but it best used for mobility, with is always helpful when playing swaxe.

[@TheLEDkiller]

as a Charge Blade main I like to think that Switch Axe and Charge Blade mains are like siblings, both weapons are very technical to use and look sick af when someone pulls out the best that you can do with them!

[@devilvocano420]

We brothers

[@cobaltbluestickman5557]

I had the same thoughts back in MH4U, the first game the 2 weapons met. Unfortunately some of the 5th gen fans made it seem like a rivalry.

[@ayroonyeager]

This was an excellent video. Thank you for making this. Edit: I was not liking switch axe at all at first. But then I put 2 points into evade extender, and holy shit! What a game changer! I also agree that 3 points is too much. it really does make positioning more difficult.

[@MrHollowIchigo01]

i think this is the best guide i ever seen in my life!

[@axezrotv9695]

A quality video worth watching for switchaxe guide

[@lilacbombs_5197]

ugh, thank you SO much for this. I'm like hr rank 20 now but it never feels like I really learned the mechanics of combat outside of the "hit the monster, wiredodge heal and don't die" stuff. Now I feel like I can end fights a lot more easily

[@berrieberrie1555]

4:49 the moment it comes to segment: ZERO SUM discharge + proof of hero OST. damn that gives CHILLS!

[@johnmelvinvelasco163]

Used SA in worldborne and when Rise released wanted to use LS and CB coz it looked cool. Now that the novelty has faded, gotta relearn the SA in rise as it is a different beast really. This was a good video to get started.

[@senilegoldsmith4112]

For persepecrive, I'm someone who has mained SA since MH Tri, I have multiple titles under my belt each with hundreds upon hundreds of hours invested. That said, I watched this video for fun and didn't expect to learn anything. You made exactly the points I was predicting you would, but the trigger-triangle-trigger combo (PS5 controller, I'm PC) for a downed monster was a really nice combo that I didn't know existed somehow. You even suggested all the right skills that I would have. This really feels like all the switch axe has to offer, I think I'll sub. Fantastic work mate. Keep it up

[@TheEricox]

i played very long time switch axe in world and i can cleary see you know your stuff there were some interesting things i didnt know very nice guid

[@weaversong4377]

Even though I knew how to to most of this, I figured out some new stuff and on top of that, this was so interesting I actually stayed for the whole thing, Subbed, Nice video!

[@luciferdern]

Honestly you're doing yourself a disservice, as a new player to SA this was still the best guide I've seen and I've watched a few!

[@awesomedod7388]

make more guides mate honestly this was a masterpiece, really helped me out big time

[@hungtran-ew5cg]

Thank so much for the guide! I was trying to pick up another weapon and watched 2 other tutorials on the switch axe before this one. I was really close to just giving up on the weapon entirely, but this video changed that. The movement section helped a lot!

[@adriangomez1845]

This video is fantastic! I've been using switch axe since portable 3rd and the rise iteration is so much fun. Using morph attacks for extra dodging is so much fun and i think you are the first person i have seen to mention this in a video

[@jotaroandtheworldofdolphin79]

I still consider the weapon and your explanations help me greatly thank you.

[@teslobo]

As an FYI the triple slash isn't new to rise, it was hidden in world's combos too, just a pain to access. The only way I found to trigger it was heavenward > two normal slashes > double slash, the last one will transform into triple

[@BigDBrian]

Just do three normal slashes and the double slash will turn into triple slash. So Y Y Y B for xbox controller. It was the highest dps combo, slightly better than Y B loop but higher commitment. In Rise, however, it's irrelevant as there are better options.

[@obsidianair5291]

Oh you say they'll be sent flying with that move? Friendly fire engaged!

[@krakatoom]

Best switch axe clip tutorial ever. Thanks for sharing!

[@rara3538]

if you let go of the finishing discharge, you can press A to go into the 2nd slash, then X to into 3rd slash, then A to do the triple swing. so instead of 1X>2X>3X>A you can also do cancel finisher discharge >A(=2X)>3X>A this is okay for cancelling your discharge and going back to building amp, and hopefully get it fully charged for the next discharge and avoid an attack or roar by doing ZSD

[@Gagrant90]

Stumbled here due to YT recommendations. Found it to be informative and entertaining. Subbed :D Have a good day and keep swaxing.

[@thorveim1174]

I still love my wide swing.. hits hard, EXTREME reach, and allows you to reposition close to the monster, which is perfect for the following transition to sword mode

[@marleylangsa]

I suggest including a hunt video to showcase the real-time use of the skills you taught.

[@SirStuckey]

Thanks. I picked up the Switch Axe for my PC play through since I don't like the new Horn and that was all I've played before. I am in the middle of HR and it was nice to see the combos that are best. I wasn't struggling too much but it's always nice to see what the best options are now that I am relatively comfortable with the weapon.

[@patejelinekpj]

Awesome very informative video quality is top notch! Good job keep it up ;D

[@TheDunnoes]

Agree, looking forward to more

[@threindwarf2654]

Unga bunga axe for the win! No other weapon is as flashy and satisfying as the SWAG AXE! Love the video!

[@JanusHoW]

A thing I love about Switch Axe is that there's no one be-all, end-all for pure damage output like there are for a fair number of weapon types in the game, especially now that Element and Exhaust Phial SwAxes are actually viable. Granted, some Power Phial-packing Switch Axes are still great, but it's still nice that there's more variety and the Nargacuga weapon isn't the de-facto meta.

[@charlesleverette2479]

Ironically the narg swaxe is poison phile and is still great

[@furionmax7824]

So I started this game about four or five days ago after finally getting a switch. I tried all the weapons and oddly enough the switch axe turned out to be the most fitting bc of the wire bug dash attack. I used to main insect glaive and the LB as well as the CB. Dual blades were for the faster opponents. First weapon I wanted to try back in World was the Switch Axe bc it looked cool but I sucked at it. Mobility was shit and the monsters were too fast for it. So insect glaive was the solution. But thanks to the wirebug. I got my mobility back. And all that time with the insect glaive paid of by the boat load.

[@JohnKnaebel]

SA in world never really felt right to me. The "right" way to use it was basically just spamming ZSD, which, granted, improved significantly after the introduction of the clutch claw, but SA didn't get the much-needed overhaul that other weapons like LS or SnS got. But yea, Rise SA is so much better. Rise SA has tankiness that rivals the lance with invincible gambit, and it has so much more style. My only complaint is that I really hate how compressed discharge launches teammates.

[@artemis9590]

Quality video but I would love to see you Speedrun the new Apex Ratha quest with Swaxe

[@robertomacetti7069]

really good video, as a switch axe main myself i don't see any error whatsoever i just want to point out one thing, i as well don't recommend evade extender level 3... but mostly because you can't fit it without sacrificing damage if you can, and you get used to it, the mobility gain is absurd, and it's really fun to mess around with this skill

[@stevenpaul7717]

A SA with the high affinity, high sharpness, sharpness mitigation in some form, and power prolonged if you can fit it will beat almost anything else. I never run morphing because once I get the sword into amped mode its elemental discharge into soaring wyvern and then into a few sword attacks before firebug evading to fill the sword gauge again or starting over with elemental discharge and doing it again. It flows very nicely and usually by the time you get out of amped mode the monster is trying to leave or you get a know down. Also if you get really good you can use soaring wyvern to dodge and chase into a different direction from what you're facing. Its nonstop assault on the monster and fun as hell.

[@chuunyu]

You explained this so well and in a way that kept me from getting overwhelmed. Thank you so much!

[@bongio79]

I just started using Switch Axe and this is really helpful, thanks!

[@luisrosario432]

My main weapon is the switch axe too, I loved this video. I learned a few new moves and I thank you a lot for that.

[@jotaroandtheworldofdolphin79]

This was fun to watch thank you I feel now much better with the weapon!

[@TrevelyanBlues]

my man Naz putting in work! quality information my dude this is well put together and super detailed, I'm impressed! edit: I think I got something about the horn wrong, melodic melody doesn't use more inputs compared to performance so the difference really is just personal preference but I believe performance melody does do a fraction more dps as the attacks have greater damage potential than the execution of melodies in melodic mode

[@HypersleepGaming]

Fantastic video dude. There are many guides are each different uploader has their pros and cons. But yours was simple, delivered well and concise. Also positive at the end there. Great stuff. Subbing!

[@sirgando3774]

Great Guide! I Love the Swaxe. Its imo very straightforward and has an effective moveset. Its also one of the few weapons in Generation 5 that kept its identity and Core Playstyle which i Like too.

[@dranegameplay]

What a super good tutorial mate!

[@pemuda7075]

i hate how the devs made positioning irrelevant in gen 5. every weapon has moves that give invincibility. now you can stand right under tigrex like a dumbass without ever worrying of getting hit by his 360.

[@victini6266]

Probably the first switch axe guide who goes in depth with every move. I never saw anyone talk about the switch charger having I-frames and I wanted to know if I was going crazy for the longest time 😂 Keep up the great work!

[@something3099]

So good guide, I would like to see more of your channel.

[@deskmanatee]

Nice! RIP Kizuna

[@pingerling8743]

Very useful! Thx! What is your armor build in this video?

[@Nazorius]

If you mean my actual armor set up, its more or less a “meta” tigrex set. If you mean my layered armor: Basarios Helm Bazel mail Basarios vambraces Ingot coil Basarios greaves Colors are basically all black primary and all red secondary (with slight hue adjustments on certain armor).

[@jokes_on_me3482]

Ok finally some good video. I tried a Swaxe and it was a dog shit in my hands. I mean it had DMG but so what if I'm carting non stop. But couldn't find any good video explaining how to use it properly.

[@sethfakelastname]

As much fun as it is to have 30% faster morph attacks and 20% more damage, i kind of hate how required this skill is. I think it’d be cooler if overhead slam gave you this buff instead of a skill… Feels like yet another 3skill tax… When i initially tried the forward overhead slam, it just did not click with me. The distance you travel is so far and the animation takes forever. I’ll have to try it some more. I was probably just too used to the poke cause it was in world. Also i found that morph sweep (perhaps the wrong name, the move transitioning out of wild sweep with zr) is an exceptionally good move to use when you have amp since it hits so many times. Especially if you don’t have rapid morph yet. Also i can’t believe you can use the flying skilkbind out if zsd… i might have to actually use elemental discharge instead of compressed. Felt so good having a real defensive option on sword mode.. dunno if i can give it up… Awesome video! Thanks for your hard work!

[@Smowling]

Great video. Thanks for making it.

[@MrYEBATCH]

Great videos and incredibly helpful too for new and old players. Immediately hitting that sub button, keep up the awesome videos!

[@Ligmyster]

After 400+ hours of Charge Blade, I finally made a new character and Swaxe has been so much fun

[@sdbeagle10]

Great video! You did this weapon justice.

[@walkerpierce5446]

The Triple Axe mode combo used to actually be decent. I use to use to the help hit higher up tails more consistently in older games.

[@RickCrabtree]

“This videos is for experienced hunters, here’s some basic info.”

[@SpookerDoom]

My best rapid morph combo is axe overhead slash (from standing or jumping) into ZR morph double slash into A triple slash, into ZR double rising axe slash. That's 8 hits for 4 button presses. I guess replacing the last ZR with X+A deals more damage

[@SomethingScotty]

That Arekkz intro tho.

[@almostjapan6888]

Thanks for this video Helped me a lot!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@IMakeInternetToughGuysCry]

Fantastic video.

[@DTPandemonium]

In world focus made it so you regained more sword mode duration if you morph attacked back to axe so I wonder if it works the same here. Also I wonder if the silkbind move that gives you back charge and makes it infinite for a bit also gives you even more charge.

[@jeilman93]

As a switch axe main the soaring wyvern blade is so unreliable, but I just can't not choose it. I mean latching on to the monster, exploding it's face launching me away only to turn right back, and land another explosive hit is just too cool. Decides I almost never land all hits on invincible gambit anyways, but it is a nice get out of jail card so maybe I should use it more? Naah I'll take looking cool instead😂

[@RagnaRagnus]

I have a question about the Forward Slash vs. Forward Overhead Slash. Though, yes, the overhead comes out slightly faster and does more damage along with having higher mobility, I think that the lower commitment of forward slash into overhead for morph rising double slash is still a valuable option, especially for those first learning the weapon. Does the cost of less damage and going through slightly more sharpness outweigh the safety of forward slash?

[@Nazorius]

In previous games you had to use an axe attack before going into sword moves, making the forward slash useful since it was so quick. Starting in Rise you can now start a combo by morph slashing into sword mode. This basically negates the use of the forward slash. So by having forward overhead slash, you still have a quick combo starter (morph slash into sword) and a damaging long reach move. I hope that answers your question!

[@RagnaRagnus]

@@Nazorius oh, okay I understand you now. thanks for replying!

[@CensorShtTube]

Got yourself a sub, great video muh dude!

[@BananaHoardX]

Bold of you to assume I think while using Unga Bunga Axe.

[@cody180sx]

What x,x,x combos great into a wild swing, I hate that forward overhead slash it breaks my flow of the SA tried it for 1-2 hunts an took it off. I've always used the forward step as a quick step to readjust my positioning and the overhead slash doesn't work for that. I have several thousand hours with the weapon between mh3u to mhr as my main in every game and I can't get it to flow with my style of using the weapon.

[@tafffee6032]

0:25 hey, Thats my gameplay!

[@JohnKnaebel]

Great guide, thank you. I had no idea that compressed discharge knocked teammates around. Now I understand why HBG users go after me with wyvern blast lul. Also maximum might is a awesome SA skill in rise since we have so much more mobility options that don't consume stamina

[@chrismaxie2864]

Great Video thx so much

[@Saynt614]

My main weapon. Great video.

[@Destinova-]

You can also do triple slash in mhw

[@aka_kizen]

What Theme song is that again? Damn it is epic!

[@G00d5tuFF]

Rise dropped on console. Thanks for this

[@TheFrozenhammer]

Have you done any changes to your combos for switch axe on sunbreak?

[@Aibo8752]

I see you armored terra with ends of the earth keyblade

[@gabriel92s2]

Is there any way to reaload the swtich axe during the battle in order to avoid that animation?

[@quiquef691]

One guide for Sunbreak please

[@shogunate6645]

Top quality video

[@Ayztee23]

thank you for this

[@jetokra3115]

By "the phial explosion effect you get while amped does not add phial effect to your axe attacks" do you mean phial explosions is not affected by amped state while in axe mode? I don't understand how explosions would add an effect to your attacks. Also if phial types don't require amped mode to apply to sword attacks, what is the point of being in amped state? Thanks!

[@jakeryan2805]

From what i gathered while in sword mode you apply your phial attacks on every hit. All amped state does is add the extra explosions after each hit. But for those small explosions to apply your phials effects you must be in sword mode. Where as while amped if you use axe mode its just extra explosions without the status effect added. So say you have a poison status SA with power phials. Only sword mode gets the extra 15% power phials damage added, but both modes do poison build up. Then once you get into amped state. Sword mode gives you power phial boosted explosions, plus poison build up, but axe mode only give you non boosted explosions, and the poison build up from the weapons status effect.

[@blodsian]

Do a charge blade guide please?

[@dontmindme3660]

Do you recommend skill Evade window with SA?

[@mastervixron]

*nerd voice activated* *But it's not a LS so it sucks Iai Slash for days* Lol jk jk this is Vixron from the discord chat and this is a really good guide, good job and keep up the good work. Very well created and in depth guide of it.

[@Floquir]

witch transmog are u using ?

[@Medsas]

14:30 i think you meant "after a triple slash" not "After a double slash"

[@albertosilva4497]

What is the layered armor ??

[@jiandaya6313]

Is crit build bad on switch axe?

[@masheggplant]

Still cant move on grapling hook mhw SA smh

[@sergiokaminotanjo]

dude wtf you have 5 more columns after rarity 4? like damn... how much grinding do you need to do in this game

[@CanduGame]

can u show the build ?

[@up_374]

Please make more videos I like your voice:)

[@exodus2oo]

What armor is that?

[@akumunokami9]

I like to just play in axe mode.

[@johnnysweetly3757]

Putting a clip of you sharpening in a monster's face and then panic wirebugging INTO a slow moving, brightly colored energy ball is just such a great way to save people a lot of time. It's like a billboard that says "Go learn from an actually competent player and not a content farmer who just copy/pastes 'how to play bideo game' tutorials."