Learn how to effectively use the Charge Blade in Monster Hunter Rise. Master Sword Mode, Axe Mode, Element Boost, and Sword Boost for maximum damage.
The Charge Blade is a complex weapon in Monster Hunter Rise, offering two distinct modes: Sword and Axe. Mastering its mechanics, including charging phials, transitioning between modes, and utilizing special buffs like Element Boost and Sword Boost, is key to unleashing its full potential.
Sword Mode
Sword Mode is your primary tool for building up Sword Energy, indicated by the phial gauge below your health and stamina. The gauge progresses from white to yellow to red. If you continue attacking when the gauge is red, your attacks may bounce off. To convert Sword Energy into phials, hold and press . This charges your weapon, restoring the gauge to white. Charging from yellow yields 3 phials, while charging from red yields 5 phials, with a maximum of 5 phials.
In Sword Mode, you can also block attacks with . Some attacks automatically block during specific animations. While Sword Mode offers decent damage and versatility, it's not the Charge Blade's strongest form.
Sword Mode Controls:
| Button(s) | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weak Slash | A simple, but quick sword slash. | |
| + | Forward Slash | Slash while moving forward. |
| + | During combo: Fade Slash | Slide in the left stick direction, followed by a slash. |
| + | Morph Slash | Switch to Axe mode, while slashing with axe. |
| + | Charge | Transfer sword energy into phials. |
| Guard | Block with shield. |
Axe Mode
Transition to Axe Mode by holding and pressing . Axe Mode attacks are slower and your hunter moves slower, but attacks deal more damage and have a longer range. Crucially, phials accumulated in Sword Mode significantly boost the damage of axe attacks and the Charge Blade's finisher move. These attacks consume one phial, and since you're limited to 5 phials, timing your Axe Mode usage is vital.
After exhausting your phials, return to Sword Mode by pressing . Repeat the process to build up phials.
Axe Mode Controls:
| Button(s) | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Slash | Slash with axe. | |
| Element Discharge | Swing axe, while consuming a phial. | |
| + | Amped Element Discharge | A powerful finishing move that uses a phial. |
| Morph Slash | Switch to Sword mode, while slashing with sword. |
Special Moves & Buffs
Element Boost
To activate Element Boost, begin an Amped Element Discharge with at least one phial, then immediately cancel with . If you have any phials, they will be consumed to temporarily power up your shield, indicated by a red shield icon. During Element Boost, your axe deals more damage, your blocking ability is improved, and blocking an attack triggers a shield explosion. The Amped Element Discharge becomes a stronger version consuming all phials. Element Boost lasts longer the more phials you used to activate it.
Sword Boost
While Element Boost is active, you can trigger Sword Boost. In Sword Mode, begin charging your weapon (hold and press ). While charging, hold . Your hunter's animation will change. Wait until after steam emerges from the weapon, then release as soon as you see sparks. This performs a Condensed Element Slash, powering up your sword (indicated by a red sword icon). During Sword Boost, your sword deals more damage and won't be deflected, even with max Sword Energy. Sword Boost lasts shorter than Element Boost but can be reapplied as long as Element Boost is active.
Charged Rising/Double Slash (Sword)
When pressing or holding at the start of a combo, your hunter charges their sword. Releasing quickly performs a Charged Rising Slash. Holding longer performs a Charged Double Slash, which is generally the preferred option.
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