The switch axe is a unique weapon in the world of Monster Hunter, offering hunters the ability to switch seamlessly between a sword and an axe. One of the most intriguing aspects of the switch axe is its phials, which further enhance the weapon’s capabilities and provide hunters with additional strategies during a hunt.
Switch axe phials are essentially the power source behind the weapon’s elemental or status attributes. Each switch axe has a specific type of phial, such as power phials, power element phials, exhaust phials, para phials, or dragon phials. These phials determine which type of damage the switch axe will deal and provide various bonuses to the hunter.
The power phial, for example, enhances the weapon’s raw damage output, allowing hunters to deal more damage with each hit. On the other hand, power element phials enhance the elemental damage of the switch axe, making it incredibly effective against monsters weak to a specific element. Exhaust phials, on the other hand, allow the switch axe to drain the stamina of a monster, causing it to become exhausted and easier to handle.
Understanding how switch axe phials work is crucial for hunters who want to maximize their damage output and exploit a monster’s weaknesses. By equipping the right phial and choosing the correct type of damage for a specific hunt, hunters can become formidable opponents and take down even the fiercest monsters in the New World.
Understanding the switch axe phials
In the world of Monster Hunter, the switch axe is a powerful and versatile weapon. One of its unique features is the presence of phials which greatly enhance its capabilities. These phials store energy that can be unleashed in various ways, depending on the type of switch axe.
There are multiple types of switch axe phials, each with its own attributes and effects. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Power Phial: This phial enhances the switch axe’s raw damage output, allowing hunters to deal more powerful hits to their enemies. It is the most straightforward and commonly used phial type.
Element Phial: This phial imbues the switch axe with the element it is associated with, be it fire, water, thunder, ice, or dragon. Hunters can exploit elemental weaknesses of monsters and deal additional damage by using this phial.
Dragon Phial: Similar to the Element Phial, this phial imbues the weapon with dragon element, which is known for its ability to bypass certain resistances of monsters. It is particularly effective against enemies with high elemental resistance.
Power Element Phial: This unique phial combines the effects of the Power Phial and the Element Phial, enhancing the switch axe’s raw damage output while also imbuing it with an element.
Para Phial: This phial has a chance to inflict paralysis on monsters, immobilizing them temporarily and opening them up for powerful attacks.
Exhaust Phial: This phial drains the stamina of monsters, causing them to tire quickly and reducing their overall effectiveness in battle.
While these are some of the most common phials, there are also phials that can enhance the switch axe’s defensive capabilities, such as the Shield Phial, or increase its affinity, like the Affinity Phial.
Understanding the different switch axe phials is crucial for hunters who want to maximize their damage output and exploit monster weaknesses effectively. Each phial type has its own strategic uses and can greatly impact the outcome of a hunt.
Disclaimer: This article is purely educational and meant for informational purposes only. Monster Hunter and the switch axe are trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd.
Types of switch axe phials
Switch axe phials are the special mechanics that determine the type of damage a switch axe can deal. Each switch axe has a specific type of phial, which greatly affects its playstyle and potential. There are currently four types of switch axe phials in Monster Hunter World:
| Phial Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Phial | The power phial increases the switch axe’s raw damage output. When an elemental discharge is performed, additional damage is dealt to the monster. |
| Power Element Phial | The power element phial enhances the switch axe’s elemental damage. It significantly boosts the elemental damage of the axe and axe mode attacks. |
| Dragon Phial | The dragon phial allows the switch axe to deal dragon element damage. It is effective against monsters weak to dragon element and can cause dragonblight. |
| Para Phial | The para phial allows the switch axe to deliver paralysis status to a monster. When the phial meter is full, an elemental discharge can paralyze the monster, giving hunters a chance to deal free damage. |
Understanding the different types of switch axe phials is crucial for optimizing your switch axe build and maximizing damage. Each phial type offers a unique advantage and can be utilized strategically against different monsters and situations.
How switch axe phials affect combat
Switch axe phials are a key component of its gameplay, as they greatly influence the weapon’s damage output and playstyle. Each switch axe phial has unique properties that can enhance certain aspects of the weapon’s attacks and abilities.
There are several types of switch axe phials, including:
Power Phial: This phial increases the raw damage of a switch axe, making it a great choice for players who prefer a more straightforward and hard-hitting playstyle.
Elemental Phials: These phials add elemental damage to a switch axe’s attacks, allowing players to exploit an enemy’s elemental weakness. They can be particularly effective against monsters that are weak to a specific element.
Power Element Phial: This phial combines the benefits of both power and elemental phials, making it a versatile option for players who want to deal both raw and elemental damage.
Dragon Phial: This phial infuses the switch axe with dragon energy, allowing it to deal dragon damage. It can be useful against monsters weak to dragon attacks.
Exhaust Phial: This phial adds exhaust damage to a switch axe’s attacks, which can tire out monsters more quickly. It can be beneficial for players who prefer a more strategic and crowd-control-oriented playstyle.
Paralysis Phial: This phial imbues the switch axe with the power to paralyze monsters, temporarily immobilizing them. It can be advantageous for players who want to create openings for their teammates or deal additional damage while the monster is unable to move.
Poison Phial: This phial adds poison damage to a switch axe’s attacks, inflicting a continuous damaging effect on monsters. It can be effective against monsters vulnerable to poison.
Understanding the different switch axe phials and their effects is crucial for mastering the switch axe and adapting your playstyle to different monsters and situations. Experimenting with different phials can lead to discovering new strategies and maximizing your damage output in combat.
Tips for using switch axe phials effectively
The switch axe is a powerful weapon in Monster Hunter World, and understanding how to use its phials effectively can greatly enhance your damage output. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your switch axe phials:
1. Know your phial type
There are several different types of switch axe phials, each with its own unique properties. These include Power Phials, which increase your attack power, Elemental Phials, which add elemental damage to your attacks, and Power Element Phials, which combine the effects of both. It’s important to know which type of phial your switch axe has and tailor your playstyle accordingly.
2. Utilize amped mode
Amped mode grants your switch axe additional benefits and can only be activated when your switch gauge is filled. In amped mode, your switch axe gains increased power and mobility, making your attacks more devastating. Make sure to time your phial activations and manage your switch gauge effectively to maximize your time in amped mode.
3. Coordinate with teammates
Switch axe phials often have effects that benefit not only yourself but also your teammates. For example, Power Phials can boost the attack power of nearby allies, while Elemental Phials can apply elemental blight to monsters, making them more vulnerable to elemental damage. Coordinate with your teammates to make the most of these phial effects and maximize your team’s overall damage output.
4. Focus on weak spots
Switch axe phials are most effective when targeting monsters’ weak spots. By focusing your attacks on these vulnerable areas, you can maximize the damage dealt by your phial effects. Take the time to learn the weak spots of the monsters you’re hunting and aim for those areas when using your switch axe phials.
Remember, mastering the use of switch axe phials takes practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different strategies and phial types to find the playstyle that suits you best.
