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Probably the most ferocious and brutal weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, the Switch Axe offers a highly rewarding offensive playstyle. However, to maximize its full potential, you need the best build tailored to its strengths. In this guide, we’ll cover the best Switch Axe builds and progression to help you dominate in Monster Hunter Wilds.
This guide will be updated regularly along with future content!
Switch Axe Gameplay and Combo in MH Wilds
Switch Axe's main mission is to fill the gauge quickly and brutally destroy your target. That's what the Switch Axe is for and how it is intended to be played. To do this, you need the perfect combo that can quickly fill the gauge and decimate monsters.
The best way to fill the gauge fast is by activating Power Axe mode, which you can do by performing Wild Swings (circle) twice into Heavy Slam (triangle). Then, follow up by pressing triangle twice for Side Slash and Spiral Burst Slash.
To fill your Amp Gauge, perform the Heavenward Flurry by pressing circle three times while in Sword Mode. You need 2 Heavenward Flurry combo to fully fill the gauge. You can always loop Heavenward Flurry by pressing triangle at the end, then going back to Heavenward Flurry.
Another way to greatly fill your Amp Gauge is by performing a perfect counter. To do this, time your R2 + triangle while in Sword Mode just as a monster attacks you. If you time it right and successfully counter the monster, you can quickly follow up with Heavenward Flurry to greatly fill the gauge.
The bread and butter of the Switch Axe in Wilds is the Full Release Slash. After filling your Amp Gauge, hold R2 + circle + triangle to unleash the FRS.
The best part is that you can perform an infinite FRS combo (as long as your Amp Gauge is filled). To do this, press triangle at the end of the FRS, then quickly press R2 to switch back to Sword Mode. Then, you can perform FRS again.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the best Switch Axe builds and progression.
Switch Axe Low Rank Build and Progression
At Low Rank, the best weapon option for you is Barina Hache II, which offers the best sharpness in the early game. Good sharpness is crucial because the Full Release Slash combo rapidly drains it. The only good alternative to Barina Hache is Xu Wu's Nihil Switch Axe, which grants you Power Prolonger skill.
There's not much you can do with armor at this stage. The best approach is to craft three pieces of Ajarakan Armor to gain the Partbreaker skill and extra defense. Additionally, crafting a Divine Blessing Charm can provide more protection during hunts.
Best Switch Axes for Low Rank
- Barina Hache II
- Nihil Switch Axe I
Switch Axe High Rank Build and Progression
Getting into High Rank, it's best to craft armor with skills that enhance your hunting efficiency. The key skills you need at this stage are Weakness Exploit and Power Prolonger. This armor set will help you grind early High Rank monsters for materials to upgrade your weapon and armor.
Power Prolonger extends the duration of your charged Amp Gauge, allowing you to unleash even more Full Release Slash (FRS) combos before the gauge depletes.
Late High Rank Build
This build can significantly boost your damage in late High Rank while also enhancing your defense, preparing you for tougher monsters.
Rath Flamesplitter I is a great option if you're looking to switch from Barina Hache III. The Critical Boost it provides is highly beneficial. However, to maximize the Switch Axe’s potential, you'll need Power Prolonger gems.
If you don’t have the necessary jewels, it’s recommended to use Nihil Switch Axe II instead, as it provides max level Power Prolonger by default.
Best Switch Axes for High Rank
- Barina Hache III
- Nihil Switch Axe II
- Rath Flamesplitter I
Switch Axe Best Endgame Builds
Currently, these are the best Switch Axe endgame builds. You can choose which one to use based on your preference, but these are the general best endgame builds for maximizing damage and efficiency.
SA Endgame Second Wind Max Might Build
This build is by far my personal favorite for Switch Axe. The Second Wind skill keeps Max Might activated all the time because you only need a couple of rolls on SA, thanks to its Offset Attacks abilities.
With Weakness Exploit, Antivirus, Agitator, and Max Might, you get 95% Affinity, allowing you to land huge critical hits constantly. Crit Boost 5 is crucial for maximizing damage output with your FRS. When Counterstrike is activated, you get a 25 Attack boost, which is super effective for this offensive build.
For the Artian weapon, Paralyze or Blast is the best choice, with all Attack infusion & 4 Attack + 1 Sharpness reinforcement for the optimal setup.
SA Endgame 4-Gore Raw/Para Build
This build's bread and butter is Gore’s set skill, Black Eclipse II. By using Antivirus, you gain an extra 25% affinity and an attack boost. When combined with Max Might and Weakness Exploit, this setup allows you to deal massive critical damage.
The Mundus Altus in this build provides Paralyze status, meaning you can paralyze monsters, which is a great synergy for Switch Axe combos. Go for all Attack infusion, and later reinforce with 4 Attack + 1 Sharpness for the best result.
Burst and Flayer serve as bonus skills, further maximizing this build by adding extra damage and making wound creation easier.
SA Endgame Zoh Shia Comfy Build
After Zoh Shia was introduced as a regular monster you can hunt in Title Update 1, you can craft a new comfort build thanks to its armor set. Zoh Shia's armor set grants you Zoh Shia's Pulse, which provides constant passive healing.
The health regeneration is not that fast—it's not as fast as G. Arkveld's healing. However, Arkvulcan and G. Arkveld's set bonuses require you to constantly hit or destroy wounds to activate the healing bonus, whereas Zoh Shia's set bonus regenerates your health passively without any requirements.
In this build, you still get 5 Weakness Exploit, 4 Agitator, 3 Max Might, and 3 Antivirus, which grants you 100% Affinity. So, a bit less damage than 4-piece Gore, but you get that sweet passive healing.
Recovery Up and Recovery Speed jewels are recommended to boost the passive healing from Zoh's set bonus.
SA Endgame 2-Gore 2-Ebony Elemental Burst Build
If you prefer elemental matchups over raw damage, this build is perfect for you. It combines the set skills of Burst Boost I and Black Eclipse I, granting a huge elemental damage boost.
The most crucial skills for this build to function effectively are Burst 5, Antivirus 3, Max Might 3, and Weakness Exploit 5.
The Mundus Altus in this build should be elemental, as the build focuses on boosting elemental damage.
SA Endgame 2-Gore 2-Fulgur Agitator Build
This build is for those who thrive on offensive adrenaline. It’s designed for the Switch Axe to completely overwhelm monsters when they are enraged, making Agitator a crucial skill.
Counterstrike is also essential, as this build requires constant aggression without backing down. Mastering perfect counters is key to fully utilizing its potential.
For the best weapon choice, Mundus Altus (Raw/Paralyze) is the ideal option. Infuse with all Attack, and later reinforce with 4 Attack + 1 Sharpness.
SA Endgame Arkveld Comfy Build
This final build is the most comfortable build for those who love to play casually. Arkvulcan and Arkveld sets provide healing every time you destroy a wound and after you continuously attack the monster, which is what the Switch Axe excels at.
Critical Boost, Agitator, Weakness Exploit, Power Prolonger, and Max Might are still at the maximum level, meaning this build still deals brutal damage, although without the added damage bonus from Antivirus, Burst, or Offensive Guard.
For the weapon, Mundus Altus Para is still the best choice, with all Attack Infusion and 3 Attack + 1 Affinity + 1 Sharpness Reinforcement.
Best Switch Axes for Endgame
- Mundus Altus (all Attack infusion & 4 Attack + 1 Sharpness reinforcement)
- Eisengeist
- Rath Blaze Splitter
- Lala Selenocosmi
Those are the current Switch Axe meta builds in Monster Hunter Wilds. Feel free to try them out and experience just how powerful the Switch Axe can be. Good luck, hunters!
