Monster Hunter Wilds Best Switch Axe Build Guide

Unleash the full potential of the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Worlds with me as your guide! I’ll walk you through the top-tier build, sharing essential tips on the ideal decorations to apply, must-have armor sets, and more secrets to help you excel in combat. Get ready to conquer monsters like never before!

In Monster Hunter Wilds, I’ve found that the Switch Axe has got to be one of my top picks among weapons, thanks to all the upgrades it’s gotten in the newest version. Truth be told, this bad boy has always been a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned players across different Monster Hunter games. But with its fresh new Focus Strike feature and an enhanced Elemental Discharge, it’s become even more appealing. It packs a punch when it comes to dealing elemental damage, and let’s not forget about its raw DPS – it’s a beast in that department too! Unlike the Charge Blade, the Switch Axe shines equally well with both raw and elemental damage types. The only downside? It could use a bit more mobility and a few other tweaks here and there.

Fortunately, by ensuring an optimal build, you’ll find it straightforward to address many of its issues. Here is a thorough tutorial on constructing the ideal Switch Axe build in Monster Hunter World.

Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe Overview

In Monster Hunter Worlds, the Elemental Discharge ability of the Switch Axe has received a significant upgrade. The Full Release Slash sequence leading to the Elemental Discharge now includes an added feature called Flinch Free. This means that during the Full Release Slash, you’ll be immune to being knocked out of the animation, similar to the Great Sword’s Tackle move which provides hyperarmor. Additionally, the Switch Axe boasts a solid raw Damage Per Second (DPS), although it may not surpass the Great Sword or Hammer in this regard, it does scale well with raw damage.

This weapon is particularly effective at shattering monster limbs and causing them to fall, especially when you’ve leveled up in Slugger and Partbreaker skills. By doing so, the Switch Axe transforms into an incredibly potent weapon, making it easy to knock down monsters with a well-timed Full Release combo.

To put it simply, the versatile Switch Axe does have its drawbacks. Chief among them is its mobility, which leaves much to be desired in both its axe and sword forms. This lack of agility can pose problems when facing swift monsters like Arkveld, Gore Magala, and Nerscylla.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter World doesn’t have any built-in defensive mechanisms aside from its step dodge and rolling moves. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a Switch Axe:

1. Advantages:
– High raw damage potential, making it effective against most monsters.
– Charge Blade mode allows you to store energy for powerful attacks.
– Good mobility due to the ability to move while charging.
– The axe form provides a good mix of speed and power.

2. Disadvantages:
– Requires skillful play and timing to effectively use its transforming abilities.
– Lower defense compared to other weapon types, leaving you vulnerable during long combos or when dodging.
– Transition between forms can leave you momentarily open, making it easier for the monster to attack.
– Charging too quickly can result in a weaker charge blade phial explosion.

Pros	Cons
Scales incredibly well with both raw and elemental damage.	Lacks any active defensive capabilities.
Has access to Flinch Free on the Full Release combo.	Lacks mobility.
Can easily topple monsters.	Transformation combos can be tricky to pull off.

Best Switch Axe Build in Monster Hunter Wilds

In constructing the Switch Axe setup, our primary concerns were Partbreak, Focus, and Elemental damage. We opted for the Arkveld Switch Axe, specifically the Indomitable Perceval, for this specific build. The weapon boasts a solid base DPS, a substantial amount of Dragon Elemental, but more significantly, it provides Level 3 Focus. This focus feature facilitates the use of the Full Release Slash combo more effortlessly and productively, making it our main method of inflicting damage. Furthermore, we incorporated Chainblade Charm 3 for the Flayer skill. This allows us to generate wounds more frequently.

Here’s a rundown of the best Switch Axe build in MH Wilds:

Weapon: Indomitable Perceval (Rarity 8, Arkveld tree)
Weapon Decorations:
- Dragon/Razer Sharp Jewel [3]
- Dragon Jewel II [2]
- Dragon Jewel [1]
Armor: Full Arkvulkan (Arkveld) β set

Arkvulkan Helm β
- Decorations:
  - Tenderizer Jewel [3]
  - Jumping Jewel [2]
  - Sheath Jewel [1]
Arkvulcan Mail β
- Decorations:
  - Tenderizer Jewel [3]
  - Destroyer Jewel [2]
Arkvulkan Vambraces β
- Decorations:
  - Destroyer Jewel [2]
  - Destroyer Jewel [2]
  - Steadfast Jewel [1]
Arkvulkan Coil β
- Decorations:
  - Steadfast Jewel [1]
  - Steadfast Jewel [1]
Arkvulkan Greaves β
- Decorations:
  - Flayer Jewel [3]
  - Sheath Jewel [1]

Talisman: Chainblade Charm II
Mantle: Rocksteady Mantle

Switch Axe Build Skills

Here are the skills that you get access to with the best Switch Axe build:

Equipment Skills

Dragon Attack: Level 3
Focus: Level 3
Razor Sharp: Level 1
Weakness Exploit: Level 5
Convert Element: Level 3
Stun Resistance: Level 3
Partbreaker: Level 3
Quick Sheathe: Level 3
Flayer: Level 3
Recovery Speed: Level 1
Evade Extender: Level 1

Set Bonus Skills

2-set bonus active: Hasten Recovery I
4-set bonus active: Hasten Recovery II

Group Skills

3-set bonus active: Diversion

Switch Axe Build Stats

Following are the raw stats for the best Switch Axe build:

Attack Status

Attack: 770
Affinity: 0%
Element: 360 (Dragon)

Defense Status

Defense: 391
Fire Res: 10
Water Res: 0
Thunder Res: -5
Ice Res: 0
Dragon Res: -15

Monster Hunter Wilds Switch Axe Build Explained

Here are the primary factors that our Switch Axe build focuses on:

Increased elemental damage
Faster Full Release combo
Focus on Wounds

Here’s an explanation of how these factors come into play for the Switch Axe build.

Increased Elemental Damage

For this build, the Switch Axe we selected boasts a solid base damage. Consequently, augmenting raw damage may result in diminishing benefits, offering larger damage figures but with insignificant impact compared to the lost Decoration slot. Instead, we opted to bolster the weapon’s Elemental Damage. We also incorporated one level of Razer Sharp to offset the loss of sharpness from utilizing the Full Release combo. Alternatively, you can employ the Critical Element Jewel, but to do so, Affinity should be boosted to a minimum of 10%.

Faster Full Release Combo

In this scenario, we’ve found that the Full Release Slash is a key damaging tool when wielding the Switch Axe. To enhance the combo’s power, we’re opting for the Arkveld Switch Axe and the Indomitable Perceval for its Focus Level 3 skill. The Focus ability, coupled with Flayer and Dragon Attack, transforms the Switch Axe into an unyielding damage-inflicting weapon. Additionally, incorporating a few KO Jewels can bolster the weapon’s knockdown potential.

Focus on Wounds

In this scenario, wounds serve as the most effective method for inflicting both physical and elemental damage. To expedite the process of causing wounds, we employ a Level 3 Flayer. If you possess extra Flayer Jewels, feel free to replace tenderizers with them to enhance your Flayer ability even further. However, during our trials, Weakness Exploit proved to be more effective in terms of damage output compared to the Flayer skill. Additionally, at Flayer Level 3, you’ll already have an improved capability for creating wounds efficiently.

How To Use the Best Switch Axe Build in Monster Hunter Wilds

Here’s a suggestion for utilizing the Switch Axe build effectively in Monster Hunter World:

1. Master the transform mechanism: The key to a successful Switch Axe build lies in understanding and mastering its transform mechanic. Make sure you are familiar with both axe and sword forms, and know when to switch between them.

2. Focus on elemental damage: Building your Switch Axe around an elemental weapon can prove beneficial as it allows for more versatility and synergy in fights against various monsters.

3. Use the right skills: Choose your skills wisely, focusing on those that enhance your Switch Axe’s abilities, such as Weakness Exploit or Critical Boost. Additionally, consider using mobility skills to position yourself effectively during battles.

4. Practice your timing: Timing is crucial when using the Switch Axe. Mastering the art of charging and unleashing charge blade attacks at the right moment can make a significant difference in combat.

5. Learn monster weaknesses: Understanding the weaknesses of each monster will allow you to deal more damage with your Switch Axe build, making fights less challenging and more efficient.

6. Practice makes perfect: As with any weapon in Monster Hunter World, practice is key. Spend time honing your skills with the Switch Axe, learning its ins and outs, and experimenting with different builds to find what works best for you.

As is the case with most melee weapons, when using the Switch Axe, the best way to deal damage is via wounds. One of the best ways to create wounds right at the start of a battle is mounting. Use your Seikret to mount the monster and spam the weapon’s heavy attacks to create multiple wounds on the monster’s back. Mounting also allows you to force the monster into a wall bang for additional damage, and a free topple.
Do not use the transformation combo blindly. Full Release Slash, despite its hyperarmor, doesn’t make you invulnerable to damage. Only use the combo when the monster is either exhausted or isn’t actively attacking.
Do not forget to use the Focus Strike. The Switch Axe’s Focus Strike – Morph Combination – not only dishes out incredibly high amounts of damage but also automatically transforms into the Sword Mode with an Elemental Discharge combo.
Practice step-dodging in the Training Arena. The biggest hurdle when it comes to using the Switch Axe is mastering the timing for dodges. To somewhat help with dodges, we did add Evade Extender Level 1 in this build. However, you will still need to practice your dodge timings in the Training Arena before you decide to use the Switch Axe in combat.

2025-02-27 22:29