Master the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate with our comprehensive guide. Learn its moves, combos, phial effects, and essential skills for effective combat.
The Switch Axe is a versatile weapon in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate that can transform between Axe Mode and Sword Mode. Sword Mode offers higher damage and benefits from special phial attachments, but has limited usage, requiring hunters to switch modes to maintain consistent damage output.
Axe Moves
| Button | Attack | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forward + X | Draw Slash | - |
| X | Overhead Slash | - |
| A | Side Slash | - |
| A + X | Rising Slash | - |
| A after Rising Slash | Hack ‘n’ Slash | Can be repeated |
| Forward + X | Forward Slash | - |
| R after Forward Slash | Morph Slash | Ignores Armor |
| R | Morph | - |
Sword Moves
| Button | Attack | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X | Overhead Slash | Ignores Armor |
| Special Attack | Rising Slash | Ignores Armor |
| A | Side Slash | Ignores Armor |
| R after Side Slash | Morph Slash | Ignores Armor |
| A + X | Elemental Discharge | Ignores Armor |
| X after Elemental Discharge | Elemental Discharge Finish | Ignores Armor |
| R | Morph | Ignores Armor |
Usage Tips
Phial Effects: When you create a Switch Axe, you'll notice a Phial attribute. This phial provides a power boost active during Sword Mode and varies depending on the Switch Axe equipped, including Power, Elemental, Paralysis, and Dragon boosts.
Learn Transform Combos: It's important to learn which moves can link into a transform technique to keep your Switch Axe combat flowing and your damage constant.
Elemental Discharge Timing: It's always worth going for an Elemental Discharge when you transform your sword, but only if you have the time. If you get the jump on the monster and they are recovering from an attack or panting, then launch into it; otherwise, avoid sticking around and move away.
Recommended Skills
The Evasion+ Skill is a good ability for the Switch Axe because evasion is very important. The Evasion skill adds invulnerable frames to the start of your dodge.
Sharpness is a handy skill to have as it ensures you'll need to sharpen your weapon far less.
Earplugs are handy to have, so you never waste any Sword time should you transform as a monster roars.
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