UNLEASH MAX DPS: Top 8 Switch Axe Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds Revealed

Summary

Nu Zhangyu offers fire damage with Rapid Morph lv.2 for smoother switches.
G. Veldian Securis has the Dragon element with Focus lv.2 for faster gauge charging.
Eisengeist provides Critical Element lv.3 for high Dragon damage output.

The initial update for Monster Hunter Wilds has drawn many gamers back into the game. The allure of battling fresh monsters and acquiring new equipment is hard for most Monster Hunter enthusiasts to resist. Some players might be diving back in with a fully-equipped endgame character, while others may be picking up their quest towards high rank once more. Regardless of where players find themselves in the game’s progression, having the optimal weapon can greatly simplify hunts. For Switch Axe users, this means possessing the right skills, the appropriate phial type, and the ideal damage type. This will significantly impact the player’s ability to swiftly switch between weapon modes and maintain maximum DPS output.

Instead of merely naming every Switch Axe with the highest raw attack power, this discussion will delve into the top-tier Switch Axes suitable for use throughout your campaign and leveling journey. Additionally, it will offer some exceptional endgame alternatives. With that perspective in mind, these are the most effective Switch Axe weapons in Monster Hunter Wildlands.

8. Nu Zhangyu

Early Fire Damage

Rarity: 4
Attack: 595 (+120 Fire)
Skills: Rapid Morph lv.2
Phial type: Power phial

In the initial stages of the game, most weapons are effective; players can opt for Bone weapons as their initial upgrade without facing significant problems. However, once the player’s rank surpasses Hunter Rank 3, it may be beneficial for them to become more particular in their weapon selection.

As an enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the Nu Zhangyu, the initial armament in the grand Nu Udra tree. It’s an excellent early choice, boasting fire elemental damage that can really pack a punch. But what truly sets this weapon apart is its innate Level 2 Rapid Morph skill. This feature streamlines those crucial weapon mode transitions, making them smoother than ever, and even enhances morph attack power. Simply put, it’s a game-changer!

7. G. Veldian Securis

Innate Focus

Rarity: 4
Attack: 595 (+120 Dragon)
Skills: Focus lv.2
Phial type: Power phial

For hunters ranging from rank 6 to 8, the Guardian Rathalos weapon G. Veldian Securis could be an effective choice. It boasts Dragon element damage and sports a level two focus skill that expedites the filling of both the switch gauge and amp gauge. This particular utility skill is particularly beneficial for the Switch Axe, as it allows for better management of these crucial gauges.

In addition, you can pair it with Rapid Morph on your gear to avoid missing out on its convenient rapid-changing feature. Although it’s a rare level 4 weapon, it should help players progress up to Hunter Rank 9 fairly smoothly.

6. Dragonmaiden Axe

Poison Application

Rarity: 5
Attack: 560 (+120 Poison)
Skills: Critical Status lv.2, Poison Duration Up lv.1
Phial type: Element phial

For players who reach Rank 9 or higher, it’s beneficial to adopt a more specialized approach when choosing weapons and armor. A suggested choice is the Dragonmaiden Axe from the Rathian tree, as it inherently causes Poison status damage and includes the skills Critical Status and Poison Duration Up, which enhance its potency.

Players can integrate this ability with the Foray skill on their armor, causing substantial harm to monsters already poisoned. It’s crucial that they can also equip both Flayer and Weakness Exploit onto their armor as well, enabling an early High Rank build with a high damage output potential.

5. Rath Flamesplitter

Mid-Game Fire Power

Rarity: 6
Attack: 630 (+210 Fire)
Skills: Critical Boost lv.3
Phial type: Power phial

After surpassing the initial phase of High Rank, securing a rarity 6 weapon will become top priority for players. At this juncture, players with sufficient resources could construct the initial level of Artian sword for the Switch Axe and personalize it with an element or status, but those preferring to continue with monster weapons might find the Rath Flamesplitter a potent option instead.

As a fan, I’m absolutely thrilled about the inherent three-tier critical boost in this game! This feature significantly increases the potency of critical hits by an impressive 34%. To amplify its effectiveness even further, players can strategically pair Second Wind and Maximum Might on their armor. Doing so will grant a 30% bonus to affinity, making each strike count that much more!

4. Eisengeist

Critical Dragon

Rarity: 8
Attack: 700 (+200 Dragon)
Skills: Critical Element lv.3
Phial type: Power phial

Reaching the top brackets of High Rank (rank 36 and beyond), having a Rarity 8 weapon becomes indispensable. The ultimate upgrade along the Gore Magala tree for the Switch Axe is Eisengeist, offering a robust endgame choice with a dragon-infused element.

As a fan, I find it thrilling to know that my weapon comes equipped with a Critical Element level 3 by default, which makes me deal massive blows against foes vulnerable to Dragon elements! Plus, the power phial amplifies my attack damage from phials, thanks to the weapon’s solid raw damage stat. To maximize the fun and boost affinity even higher, I can employ the Second Wind and Maximum Might trick. The Gore Magala set bonus, Black Eclipse, and Antivirus skill only make this combo more potent!

3. Gorehacker Urgahaac

Raw Damage

Rarity: 8
Attack: 875
Skills: Focus lv.2
Phial type: Dragon phial

The Gorehacker Urgahaac is the ultimate enhancement for the Switch Axe’s Guardian Doshaguma tree in the Switch version, and it boasts the highest raw damage among all Switch Axe weapons, including those from the Artian series. It doesn’t have an inherent element, but its accompanying Dragon Phial allows explosions to unleash a burst of Dragon-attributed damage.

The Focus skill is a handy tool for quickly boosting charge levels. Additionally, the Gorehacker can utilize the same armor sets as the Eisengeist, granting it benefits such as Second Wind, Maximum Might, the Gore Magala combination, or alternative abilities like Weakness Exploit and Flayer.

2. Blazing Mahaiah

Whiteflame Torrent

Rarity: 8
Attack: 770 (+150 Dragon)
Skills: Whiteflame Torrent lv.1
Phial type: Power phial

If gamers opt not to select an Artian weapon for their final choice, then the Blazing Mahaiah – Zoh Shia weapon could serve as a suitable substitute. This is due in part to its exceptional weapon skill, Whiteflame Torrent, which increases attack damage by 50 (flat) and triggers approximately every 3 seconds, albeit randomly. Notably, the optimal armor setup for endgame remains consistent regardless of whether this or an Artian weapon is chosen.

Instead of relying on a Second Wind, players can now draw affinity from various sources with Weakness Exploit, Agitator, and the combination of Gore Magala/Antivirus. For longer periods of amplified mode, it’s recommended to include Power Prolonger level 3 in your weapon as well.

1. Mundus Atlus

Artian Switch Axe

Rarity: 8
Attack: 665 (+260 Any Element)
Skills: N/A
Phial type: Power phial

In terms of weapons for the final stages, it’s likely that the top choice will be the ultimate Artian upgrade – the Mundus Atlus. This Switch Axe is versatile, allowing you to adjust its element or status based on your preference. Additionally, the type of phial can be altered by using different weapon parts.

As a gamer, I always appreciate the freedom to customize my weapons extensively, but when it comes to my go-to weapon – the Blazing Mahaiah – I find that the optimal setup rarely changes. It’s crucial to maximize Critical Boost and Power Prolonger as much as possible through weapon decorations. For armor skills, I usually aim to boost affinity just like before, with Recovery Speed and Evade Extender for defensive utility if they can fit into my build.

2025-04-09 19:55