Monster Hunter Now has recently entered its thrilling fourth season, and with it comes the introduction of the Switch Axe. This complex weapon combines swift sword strikes with powerful axe swings, enhanced further by phials containing elemental energy, making it a formidable choice in a hunter’s arsenal. While it may pose a challenge for newcomers, mastering its unique mechanics can lead to devastating results against formidable foes.
At first glance, you might assume that the optimal build for the Charge Blade would closely mirror this newly introduced Switch Axe. Although both weapons leverage a Partbreaking strategy, seasoned players recognize that there exists an even more advantageous trait that is perfect for cooperative hunting. Below, you will discover a comprehensive guide to creating the best Switch Axe build in Monster Hunter Now, featuring vital skills and the recommended Driftstone Ores.
Best Monster Hunter Now Switch Axe Build
The good news for players seeking an optimal Switch Axe build is that it doesn’t demand hard-to-find high-tier materials. Unlike builds requiring Elder Dragon components or exclusive event monsters, the Switch Axe build affords a more accessible upgrade path. That said, unless you procured materials from Rajang or Odogaron during the previous season, you might find yourself facing challenges while upgrading your gear.
Currently, both Rajang and Odogaron are absent from the hunting grounds, having been temporarily removed at the start of Season 4. However, there remains a glimmer of hope; they could potentially return as part of the Season’s storyline. If either monster makes a comeback in a main quest, they will subsequently become available in the wild.
Full Monster Hunter Now Switch Axe Build
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Item |
Effect |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Weapon |
Binding Roller |
|
|
Helmet |
Odogaron Helmet |
|
|
|
Backed Mail |
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|
Vambraces |
Odogaron Vambraces |
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|
Coil |
Ranjang Coil |
|
|
Greaves |
Great Girros Greaves |
|
Weapon, Mail, & Greaves
This season’s primary hunting objective is Volvidon, one of the newly introduced monsters in Season 4. The Binding Roller serves as a powerful weapon that leverages paralysis as a core mechanic. Its potential can be easily upgraded with components from Volvidon Mail and Great Girros Greaves, both of which are relatively common targets.
Coil
Despite Rajang’s reputation as a formidable opponent, you’ll only need to hunt it for the Rajang Coil. This piece offers up to three levels in Focus, which accelerates the charging time of charge attacks by 15% and enhances the Switch Axe’s gauge filling rate by an additional 15%. Such improvements can be invaluable, especially when under duress in challenging hunts.
Helmet & Vambraces
Although hunting Odogaron is relatively manageable and it shares a vulnerability to paralysis attacks, amassing sufficient materials for the Odogaron Helmet and Vambraces necessitates significant effort. This investment pays off through Quick Work bonuses across both pieces, increasing the efficiency of weapon handling and transitions, crucial for optimizing your Switch Axe’s performance.
Best Switch Axe Build Driftsmelt Slots
The current Switch Axe build presents limited Driftstone slots, so maximizing their potential is crucial. The primary focus should be on enhancing the Paralysis Attack skill, although this is just one of the four available slots. Consider improving the Evade Extender to Rank 4, or adding defensive options like Divine Blessing for damage reduction or Attack Boost for increased offense.
- Paralysis Attack – boosts paralysis buildup, increasing the value by 50 for Rank 1 and up to 150 for Rank 5. (Amber only)
- Evade Extender – extends your evasion distance, marginally at Rank 1 but significantly at Rank 5. (Pale only)
- Divine Blessing – offers a chance to mitigate damage from monster attacks, with a 30% chance to reduce damage by 50% at Rank 1, and a 50% chance to reduce it by 80% at Rank 5. (Amber only)
- Attack Boost – enhances overall attack power, adding 20 at Rank 1 and up to 120 at Rank 5. (Common)
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