For the even MORE indecisive hunter, we present…the Charge Blade!
Overview
The Charge Blade is a new weapon to the 4th generation, and like the Switch Axe, packs two weapons in one, each with their own unique features. In Sword Mode, the Charge Blade functions as a heaver Sword and Shield, with relatively fast attacks, and a sidestep in addition to your regular roll. As you attack in Sword Mode, you will charge up phials . You can unleash these phials in Axe Mode in the form of the ultra-powerful Super and Ultra Bursts! While in Axe Mode, you attack slower, but have much longer range and higher attack power, phials or no phials.
When in Sword Mode, the Charge Blade comes with a shield that, while not as durable as the Lance’s shield, is durable enough to be very much useable. And if you guard at the right time, you can morph directly into Axe Mode and continue to attack fluidly. These are known as Guard Points .
Pros
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A very versatile weapon with two modes depending on what a situation calls for
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If the weapon has an Impact Phial, you gain the ability to KO in Axe Mode
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Timing a guard correctly lets you chain the guard fluidly into attacks
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Super and Ultra Bursts unleash an enormous amount of power
Cons -
Long animation for sheathing, and switching between weapon modes
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Slow walk speed in Axe Mode
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Overcharging your phials in Sword Mode causes everything to bounce
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Phial attacks consume sharpness faster
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Guarding consumes sharpness
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Very complex leading to a steep learning curve
Sword Mode
| Attack | Controls |
|---|---|
| Unsheathing Attack | While moving, press X |
| Morphing Unsheathe | Press R+X while moving to unsheathe directly into Axe Mode |
| Forward Slash | X, can combo three times |
| Double Slash | A, can be used after X combo |
| Guard | R |
| Switch to Axe Mode | R+X |
| Load phials | R+A |
Axe Mode
| **Attack** | **Controls** |
|---|---|
| Rising Slash | X |
| Overhead Slash | After performing rising slash, press X |
| Elemental/Phial Discharge | A, chains twice |
| Final Super/Ultra Burst | After pressing A twice, press A again. Will automatically revert you to Sword Mode |
| Change to Sword Mode | R |
| Cancel out of a Super Burst and activate Elemental Boost Mode | While preparing a Super Burst, cancel by pressing R |
Usage Tips
You should master transitioning into Elemental Boost mode as soon as you can. When you activate it, you receive a variety of amazing buffs, such as being able to unleash elemental bursts when you Guard Point (in addition to greatly increased blocking capabilities), and most significantly, 20% increase to all attacks in Axe Mode , along with unlocking the Ultra Elemental Burst. Ultra Burst will unload all your phials at once, while Super Burst unloads only one. Unlike the Super Burst, Ultra Burst also does not need to make contact with the monster—the explosions will still hurt.
Outside of Elemental Boost mode, your goal with the Charge Blade is to charge up as fast as possible, and then unleash some variant of burst at a large enough opening. Some people will prefer to unload everything when the monster is fallen over, while others will use Axe Mode during smaller openings and then quickly shift back to Sword Mode. It all depends on your playstyle. Master the sidestep you have access to in Sword Mode to dance around the monster and constantly remain on the offensive. If you enjoy using shields, mastering Guard Points will give you increased fluidity and flexibility in your attacks. There is no one right way to play this weapon
Recommended Skills
For those who don’t shield as much, and play more evasively, Evasion+1/+2 and Evade Distance Up are invaluable. Or if you like to guard and want to master your Guard Points, Guard+1/+2 and Guard Up are incredibly important, particularly the former. If you use a Charge Blade with an Impact Phial, congratulations, you can KO monsters! Equip the skill Artillery Master to increase the burst power of your impact attacks.
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