The Charge Blade in Monster Hunter Rise is by far the most complicated weapon to use, but undeniably one of the strongest as well. Like the Switch Axe, it has two forms in one. You have its default mode which is the Sword and Shield, and the stronger Axe mode. I say stronger, but let it be noted that the sword part is equally strong, with only difference that it doesn’t have the huge attacks the axe has, that result to more damage output overall. That said, both modes are very fun to to play, but, require some research beforehand. We will take a look at everything mentioned, in this guide.
Charge Blade Guide and Overview
The difficulty of using the Charge Blade in Monster Hunter Rise, doesn’t only come from the plethora of mechanics that you need to be aware of. Even if you do end up practicing a lot, mastering the weapon’s features, its main attacks are still tough to land, as they require timing, correct placement and precision. Specifically the weapon’s strongest attack, Super Element Discharge, does need all of the above mentioned in combination with a long animation. If it hits though, it deals massive damage, worth the trouble of setting up for it.
As we mentioned above, Charge Blade is two weapons in one. Sword form is strong by itself, make no mistake about it, but your goal is to set up the buffs needed in order to use the axe form, to unleash its big bursts. As you attack with the sword, you fill Phials. These Phials need to be ‘loaded’ into the weapon, in order to be used by the axe part. Phials enhance certain attacks and your weapon overall, or used for performing the Element Discharge move. The Shield is also included in those weapons, which can of course be elementally boosted too.
If your weapon is boosted and have enough Phials, then your Super Element Discharge will hit like a track, with a brand new animation, ending to a big boom. While this was kind of nerfed in Monster Hunter Rise, having a narrower explosion which results to less hits overall, it still is a hellish move, and should be your finisher whenever you are able to use it.
To sum it up, what you need to do with the Charge Blade in the field, is the following. Attack with your sword, and fill the gauge bar to red. Then, use that gathered gauge to load your Phials to full amount. Right after, what you can do is either start elementally boosting your shield and sword, or simply end a combo with your Element Discharge, dealing huge numbers of damage in the process. Remember that by having your shield boosted, your Element Charge becomes Super Element Charge, with a longer attack animation, but way more power.
Phials are all expended after that, so repeat the process and fill them again. After getting used of the controls of the weapon, then this should be already imprinted in your brain, literally following this pattern without even thinking. Don’t forget to use your shield by the way, whenever you need to block an enemy’s attack. While not as strong as the Lance’s shield, Charge Blade can mitigate quite some damage. Also, if you fill your gauge too high, you will enter an overheat state where your attacks are going to be constantly deflected. Simply fill your Phials with ZR+A, and start attacking again.
Charge Blade Controls and Combos
Sword Mode
- X = Weak Slash
- X->X = Return Stroke
- X->X->X
or - Hold A->X = Spinning Slash
or - Step->X
- A = Element Discharge
- Hold A = Charged Double Slash
- X+A = Forward Slash
- After sword attack X+A = Shield Thrust
- After sword attack, Left Stick+A = Fade Slash
- While Amped Element Discharge active R = Element Boost Spinning Slash
- ZR+X = Morph Slash
- ZR+A = Charge
- While charging Hold X = Condensed Element Slash
- ZR = Guard
Axe Mode
- X = Rising Slash
- Left Stick+X = Dash Slam
- A = Element Discharge
- A->A = Element Discharge II
- X+A
or - A->A->A = Amped Element Discharge
or - While guarding X+A
- While Elemental Boost active:
X+A
or
A->A->A = Super Element Discharge
or
While guarding X+A - ZR = Morph Slash
Recommended Combos
- Fast Phials Combo
- Hold A->X+A->Hold A->ZR+A->Step
- Quick Element Boost
- Hold A->X+A->Hold A->ZR+A->X+A->X+A->ZR
- Element Discharge Combo
- ZR+A->A->X+A->Left Stick+X
Charge Blade Silkbind Attacks
- ZL+X = Morphing Advance
- Uses a Wirebug to launch you forward while your charge blade switches to axe form. While in motion, monster attacks won’t knock you back or stun you.
- ZL+A = Counter Peak Performance
- Being hit while your weapon is readied will fill your phials to maximum.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- High damage output.
- Safe pick for a hunt, due to its versatility.
- Able to stun monsters.
- Very good defensive mechanics.
- Counter Peak Performance is extremely valuable as it lets you avoid any attack while also refilling your Phials to full.
- Cons
- Low mobility.
- Needs a lot of setup to start inflicting a lot of damage.
- A lot of resource management needed.
- Complicated mechanics/ big learning curve.
Monster Hunter Rise is set to release on March 26, for the Nintendo Switch. For more guides about the game, make sure to check our extensive list right here.
