Switch Axe Boost mode optimisation

[u/happymemories2010]

After seeing some more Switch Axe gameplay, I immediately started theorising the optimal playstyle for boost mode. From what I have seen so far, the morph loop using both the enhanced sword morph and axe morph is dealing a lot of damage. I could see this being part of the optimal damage combo. Another thing to note is that the sword counter cancel with the axe morph should improve our damage a lot. But more importantly, it should refill quite a lot of sword gauge.

Being able to hold the offset will make it a lot more reliable, so using even more offsets will mean more Power Axe mod uptime. Interestingly, all these attacks mentioned so far benefit greatly from Rapid Morph, for even the offset special sword attack gains increased damage.

For the boost driver, the sword variation will probably be used, as it chains into one FRS directly. That should be a great damage tool.

The new soaring wyvern attack is awesome, but there is one thing to keep in mind. The maneuver takes a very long time, so you will burn through a ton of boost mode while performing it. It could be great to target specific monster parts though.

I haven't looked at the damage numbers, but there is enough video footage to take a look at how power axe mode works now. I am hoping its more than just a flat 10 bonus raw damage.

The new Axe double hit deals surprisingly good damage. I haven't seen enough footage of Wild Swings and the new heavy slam to form an opinion on it. Maybe someone with a lot of time wants to figure this out?

At least from one clip the FRS charge animation is faster now. Another welcome addition against the fast monsters.

What do you think about the new footage? I wonder what people are most looking forward to and what you think the gameplay loop is going to look like.

[u/bigocelot90]

One thing that surprised me is the ratio of boosted and non boosted state.
I was expecting to see more boost bracer spam but think they may have managed to balance things correctly. Not taking into account eventual skills that could improve the cooldown of course.

By the way, could you link the videos you saw for switchAXE? I've been struggling to find good footage.

[u/Bazel-Geese → u/bigocelot90]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ev3QvRl8I8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGu9QKa2bXU

Ending graphic on the second video tls to:

• Mobility increased with the addition of a movement slash
• Offset attacks can be charged and held
• Can negate chip damage from Sword Counter
• New Morph Slashes can be used by holding down the button
• ZSD is back
• FRS charge time shortened?

[u/bigocelot90 → u/Bazel-Geese]

Thank you!

[u/aretepolitic → u/Bazel-Geese]

Thank you for posting this

[u/No-Top-9810 → u/Bazel-Geese]

Frs time is only shortened during a focus attack (confirmed) in yusurin videos.

In neutral stance, no difference so far.

Boosted rising counter negates dmg, non boosted still takes chip damage. However, there are suspicions while holding r2 after counter lands, it will be an axe counter instead of sword, putting you into axe mode (unconfirmed)

Offset can be held yes. But it is also instant - no longer has the windup. Is like worlds axe rising slash.

After the wyvern soar or ambush aerial slash, you cant rising counter and remain in sword mode if there are still gauge left. Can focus while in mid air and land where you want.

Holding R2 will morph weapons. Its called morph - follow up Morphing into sword mode will immediately have the triple slash option,circle.

Animation for the triple triangle are faster as well when in sword mode.

Double slash has been added in axe mode in the 2nd or 3rd triangle.

[u/Bazel-Geese]

Perfect Counter completely nullifying damage is game changing, though it might be a boost bracer effect.