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Amongall the weapons inMonster Hunter Wilds, the Charge Blade is among the most complex due to its constant weapon switching to maximize damage. Yet, like all other gear in the game, a bit of practice is enough to learn the correct timing of attacks.
The variety of attacks that theCharge Blade inMonster Hunter Wildsoffers, along with new mechanics like the Focus Mode, make it a versatile choice that can inflict high damage when used well. Also, with the right upgrades, it becomes stronger.
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How To Use The Charge Blade In Monster Hunter Wilds
The first thing that every Charge Blade user inMonster Hunter Wildsshould remember is the need to switch between its two modes: Sword and Axe. The weapon does not perform well if hunters rely on only one style, since that reduces damage potential and disrupts other combos.
This happens because the weapon uses a mechanic called Phial, which affects attacks in each mode, and players must know the exact moment to switch Charge Blade modes. Ideally, its gameplay loopstarts with the Sworduntil the Phials are full, then switches to the Axe to take advantage of that buff and deal more damage.
Differences Between Sword And Axe Mode
By default, combat with the Charge Blade inMonster Hunter Wildsstarts with the Sword and Shield, which has low damage but remains essential. Its purpose is not to cause high damage but to use its mobility and blocking capability to land strikes that fill the Phials.
While the Sword mode of the Charge Blade offers mobility and low damage, the Axe mode is the opposite. It uses slower attacks, but they hit hard when the weapon has Phials loaded or is in Powered-Up state. Otherwise, it should be avoided.
To switch from Sword to Axe mode, it is necessary to block with the shield and then press Y, though it is also possible by pressing Y+B during a Shield Thrust.
Understanding The Charge Blade Phials
Charge Blade phials are crucial to its performance. When attacking in Sword mode, the phial gauge under the stamina bar gradually fills, so it is important to track it and note these color indicators:
To load these, press RT+B. After the animation, the Phials become ready for Axe mode, so anyone wanting to master the Charge Blade inMonster Hunter Wildsshould watch this mechanic. It is easy to notice because the sword glows in different colors according to the Phial charge.
The Two Types Of Phial
The choice of Phial affects the playstyle directly, so newcomers toMonster Hunter Wildsshould try each type.
How To Charge The Charge Blade In Monster Hunter Wilds
The Phials of this weapon inMonster Hunter Wildsare not exclusive to the Axe, and they can be used at other times to maximize the potential of the Charge Blade set. However, executing them is more complex than usual:
How To Charge The Shield In Monster Hunter Wilds
Sword is the only way to charge the Phials of the Charge Blade.
How To Charge The Sword In Monster Hunter Wilds
How To Charge The Axe In Monster Hunter Wilds
Fornewcomers toMonster Hunter Wilds, this may seem confusing. The important detail is that the shield must be energized by the Phials first, and only then should the sword be charged. Meanwhile, the sword keeps its bonuses even if the shield loses power.
Perfect Guard And Guard Points
Another factor that makes theCharge Blade more complex is its Perfect Guardand Guard Points, which require precise timing. The window for these actions is short, so practice is necessary to execute them at the right moment.
A Perfect Guard must be performed when blocking with the shield at the exact time an enemy strikes, which cancels damage and reduces recoil. It also uses less stamina, and a successful Perfect Guard lets players activate the Savage Axe right away, increasing damage with the axe.
Guard Points are simpler yet tricky, since they occur at specific frames of an attack animation where the hunter positions the shield to block. They do not share the same effects as a Perfect Guard, but let combat flow without disruptions.
Y+B, Y, Y and Y+B
Axe with AED
Switches to Axe mode and performs Amped Elemental Discharge (AED), using Phials for high damage.
Y+B, B, B and Y+B
Super Amped Element Discharge (SAED)
A massive attack that uses all loaded Phials. Needs the shield in Elemental Boost.
Tips And Tricks For The Charge Blade In Monster Hunter Wilds
Focus Mode Is The Best Way To Activate The Savage Axe
Using the Focus Modeafter wounding the creature inMonster Hunter Wildsis the best way to trigger the Savage Axe quickly. Charge Blade users should exploit this to inflict maximum damage.
Use The Axe Mode Only With Phials
Though the Sword may seem low on damage inMonster Hunter Wilds, it is crucial to switch to it and keep the Phials loaded. Only with fully loaded Phials in the axe can the weapon reach its maximum damage potential.
Practice The Perfect Guard
Like other gear inMonster Hunter Wilds, timing is key, and the Charge Blade excels at that. Even if that means taking more hits at first, it is vital to get used to the timing of the Perfect Guard, since it is one of the weapon’s main mechanics and enables easier combo execution.