Switch skills are special moves introduced in Monster Hunter Rise that can be swapped out. Each weapon has 3 sets of 2 Switch Skills, with different effects and uses. Each weapon is given the first set after progressing through the game - the second is unlocked by forging 8 unique weapons in a single weapon's upgrade list, and the third is unlocked by completing specific Hub Quests assigned by Utsushi. More Switch Skills were added in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak; see MHRS: Switch Skills.
Switch skills can be swapped out at any time by accessing one's Item Box, and can be saved to one's item loadout for easy access.
A shoulder thrust that withstands all attacks. Prevents knockbacks as well as getting knocked down, making it useful for standing your ground while charging.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Guard Tackle
A forward-dashing attack using the flat side of the blade. More cumbersome than your standard tackle, but strong and allows you to guard. A successful Guard can be followed up with a powerful Charged Attack.
Set 2 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Hunting Edge
A daring aerial attack, using a Wirebug to fly up for a hefty Roundslash. If the attack connects, the hunter bounces upward and transitions directly into the next Charged Slash attack, forming the crux of this attack. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Adamant Charged Slash
A technique using a Wirebug to dash forward, and deliver a Strong Charged Slash. Also allows you to withstand knockdown attacks by hardening your body as you dash forth. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
True Charge Slash
A devastating Charged Slash attack delivering extensive damage, striking twice by making a large swing with the weapon. By striking the monster's softer weak spot with the first strike, the second strike deals additional damage.
Complete the HR★5 "Grasp the Great Sword" quest
Rage Slash
A strike from a unique stance. While it does not match the power of a True Charged Slash, receiving damage while the weapon is drawn sparks a flame in the user's heart, strengthening their attack.
Long Sword[]
Set 1 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Soaring Kick
A quick Wirebug-induced jump kick. A missed kick ends the attack with a single slash, while a successful kick can be followed with one of two moves. The Plunging Thrust increases Spirit Gauge, while the Spirit Helm Breaker reduces the Spirit Gauge by one level. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Silkbind Sakura Slash
A whirlwind-like attack, dashing and slicing past the target with a Wirebug. The hit causes multiple lacerations over time, inducing additional damage. The hit raises the Spirit Gauge by 1. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Slow)
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Spirit Roundslash Combo
Changes into a Spirit Blade on its third strike and onwards. Follows from a Spirit Blade III into a Spirit Roundslash. A basic Spirit Blade combo. Easy to hit the target while damaging any other enemies close by.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Spirit Reckoning Combo
Changes into a Spirit Blade on its third strike and onwards. Dividing Slash > Spirit Reckoning. A Spirit Blade combo belonging to an offshoot combat style. Difficult to use, but has enough power to make up for this shortfall.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Step Slash
A top-down slash while moving forward. The blade takes a vertical path, making it a useful technique when aiming up high.
Complete the HR★6 "Learn the Long Sword" quest
Drawn Double Slash
A drawn attack that unleashes a vertical then horizontal slash. As you move forward, you're able to absorb a hit while attacking. Although it deals more damage than a Step Slash, there are few attacks that you can use to follow up. Use at your discretion.
Sword and Shield[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Advancing Slash
A drawn attack where you perform a downward slash while stepping forward. A quick and effective action that negates staggering and knockbacks.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Sliding Slash
A sliding attack that slashes the target twice. The slide maneuver reaches far, but lacks the ability to turn. Successfully landing the first hit or inputting the necessary command while sliding allows for a follow-up jumping attack.
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Hard Basher Combo
A derivative of the Shield Slam. Shield Bash > Hard Bash. A melee attack using nothing but a shield. A direct hit to the head, however, may open up more opportunities.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Drill Slash Combo
A derivative of the Shield Slam. Thrust > Drill Slash. The Drill Slash is a multi-hit attack with tremendous potential when combined with an elemental weapon.
Set 3 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Windmill
A multi-stage attack using a Wirebug's silk to spin the weapon around. Any incoming attack can be negated while the weapon is spinning. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Complete the HR★4 "Study the Sword and Shield" quest
Metsu Shoryugeki
A jumping Wirebug attack that uses your shield to uppercut your target. At the beginning of the attack, there is a moment where you can perform a Guard. A well-timed counter can further add to the damage dealt. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Dual Blades[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Demon Flurry Rush
A spinning multi-hit attack performed on the ground. Only available when Demon or Archdemon Mode is active. An effective move with reliable dash capabilities and versatility.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Demon Flight
An attack performed by slamming down both blades. A successful hit vaults you into the air, slicing your target as you spin upwards. Highly effective against larger monsters and those with weak spots up high. Easy to follow up with a Midair Spinning Blade Dance.
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Demon Mode
A move made to exceed one's limits. While active, your stamina gradually decreases while your attack and evasion change, resisting any knockback. Movement speed increases dramatically, allowing you to roam the field like a force of nature.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Feral Demon Mode
A move beyond the limits of any other. When active, your stamina gradually decreases while your attack and evasion change, resisting any knockback. You switch to an attack-focused stance, dealing slashing attacks when dodging.
Set 3 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Piercing Bind
An attack that drives a blade bound by Ironsilk into the target like a stake. The blade remains connected to the hunter by Ironsilk, dealing additional slash damage to the same spot every time you attack. The added damage accumulates over time, eventually unleashing massive damage. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Slow)
Complete the HR★6 "Dissect the Dual Blades" quest
Tower Vault
Launches a Wirebug upwards and you with it. This action does not do any damage, but allows you to move through the air in most cases, even with your weapon drawn. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Lance[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Dash Attack
A charging attack using the lance. You can continue to speed up for a certain amount of time by gaining momentum. The charge attack continues until you choose to cancel it, have no more stamina, or crash into a wall.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Shield Charge
A charging attack with the shield up. You can dash for a limited amount of time while fending off attacks with the shield. Crashing into a monster will cause shield-based blunt damage, making it an offensive and defensive skill.
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Guard
Ready your shield to block attacks. A large shield can defend against many an assault.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Insta-Block
Swing the shield in an arching motion to parry attacks. This action works if an attack is blocked at the start of the guard move. Failing will leave you open to attacks, but succeeding can deflect the most powerful attack without being hit, and lets you follow up with a Cross Slash. Great for countering right after blocking.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Anchor Rage
A defensive skill requiring a shield and some patience. The technique is to efficiently brace and absorb the power of the incoming attack—a high-risk move, but the more powerful the attack you absorb, the more your attack power will increase. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Complete the HR★5 "Learn the Lance" quest
Spiral Thrust
A lightning-fast, two-step maneuver to reposition and counterattack. This attack uses your shield to parry, then uses a Wirebug to send you thrusting forward. Use it to confuse your target and unleash a wave of strikes. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Gunlance[]
Set 1 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Hail Cutter
Uses a Wirebug to launch you upwards performing a Rising Slash on the way up and an Overhead Smash on the way down. You can reload in midair, which reduces the cooldown time for Wyvern's Fire. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Ground Splitter
Uses a Wirebug to move forward and jump into a vigorous upward slash. Scraping the gunlance on the ground heats up the barrel, temporarily increasing the damage dealt by shells, Wyrmstake Shots, and Wyvern's Fire. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Slow)
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Charged Shelling
A shelling attack that utilizes residual heat. Unleashes a fortified shot, though this requires extra time to perform.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Blast Dash
An action that uses recoil to travel. By aiming the Gunlance backwards, the hunter is launched forward to quickly close in on the target. It is also possible to fire or perform a Blast Dash again while hurtling.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Quick Reload
An action for shell reloads. Allows for quicker shell reloading after an attack. While it reloads shells to max capacity, it does not reload Wyrmstake Shots.
Complete the HR★6 "Grasp the Gunlance" quest
Guard Reload
Reload while guarding with your shield. A highly effective skill that lets you reload both shells and the Wyrmstake, but reloads fewer rounds at once. The difference in rounds reloaded is negligible if using Gunlances with smaller capacity.
Hammer[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Silkbind Spinning Bludgeon
A spinning attack using a Wirebug. It moves along an arc pattern much like midair spinning attacks performed on a slope, but is just as effective on flat terrain. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Dash Breaker
An attack performed by rushing forward with the help of a Wirebug. A simple skill evoking the philosophy of "beelining and then smashing." Enemy attacks won't cause knock- back while launching forward. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Charge Switch: Strength
A special action affecting charge attacks. Lengthens required charge time, but allows for more powerful actions.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Charge Switch: Courage
A special action that affects charge attacks. It decreases charging levels, but allows you to follow from one charge into another more quickly.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Side Smash
A side swipe with the hammer. Can be used as a starting point for a Big Bang combo.
Complete the HR★5 "Honing Your Hammer" quest
Water Strike
An attack that allows you to absorb a monster's hit. Perform this attack right as you're about to be hit to negate the damage. When successful, it is possible to follow up with an upswing hammer attack.
Hunting Horn[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Melody Mode: Performance
Changes the way melodies are played. Two attacks of the same note in a row generates the melody effect. Using plays the "Self-improvement" song. A mode focused on being aggressive.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Melody Mode: Echo
Changes the way melodies are played. Press to play all melody effects built up on the musical staff as well as the "Self-improvement" song. A mode useful for applying various melody effects at once.
Set 2 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Earthshaker
An attack that drives an Ironsilk-bound blade into the target like a stake. When it hits, the Wirebug and weapon are connected with silk. The vibrations of the weapon's sonic blast explode inside the target. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Bead of Resonance
Places a Wirebug cocoon on the ground. If the same hunter generates melody effects, the effect also appears around the cocoon, as does as a Sonic Wave that damages monsters near it. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Overhead Smash
A mighty attack that swings the hunting horn down from above. Effective in reducing the target's stamina.
Complete the HR★4 "Honing Your Hunting Horn" quest
Melodic Slap
Swings the hunting horn around once, generating a forwards Sonic Smash. Low damage output but effective at stunning.
Switch Axe[]
Set 1 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Invincible Gambit
A technique using a Wirebug to surge forward and dish out three strikes. You will be impervious to knockdowns until the strikes are completed, making this attack useful in a slugfest or pinch. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Soaring Wyvern Blade
Uses a Wirebug to fly up while slashing, ending with an Advancing Slash from midair. If the Advancing Slash is successful, the weapon's Amp Gauge fills up, a large explosion goes off where it connected. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Forward Slash
Thrusts the axe's blade forward while stepping. Doesn't do a lot of damage, but is versatile.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Forward Overhead Slash
A lunging attack performed by winding up the axe and smashing it down. Difficult to pull off but delivers good damage. A subsequent Sword Mode attack will turn into a Double Slash.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Finishing Discharge
A finishing blow for the Element Discharge attack. Performs a thrust attack while fortifying elemental energy, ending with a massive explosion. If your Amp Gauge is full and the target is a large monster, the action becomes a Zero Sum Discharge Finisher.
Complete the HR★4 "Study the Switch Axe" quest
Compressed Finishing Discharge
A finishing blow for the Element Discharge attack. Puts you into a knockback-resistant stance and delivers a swift strike accompanied by an elemental explosion. The Amp Gauge has no effect on this action.
Charge Blade[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Condensed Element Slash
While charging, elemental energy gathers on the sword to strengthen it and generate a powerful bash effect. The damage dealt by the sword tempo- rarily increases, and incurs additional damage. Reinforcing the sword with this skill, however, requires the shield to also be elementally boosted.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Condensed Spinning Slash
Activates the Element Regeneration system while charging. The shield rotates and acts as a spinning saw blade. This technique switches the weapon into Axe Mode, allowing multiple hits until the mode is disengaged. Longer hits in Axe Mode turn the energy into phials.
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Morph Slash
Sword to axe, axe to sword. This switching attack forms the basis of a Charge Blade. Right as the weapon begins switching to an axe, or right as it is about to finish switching to a sword, the shield is raised to block incoming attacks.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Counter Morph Slash
A defense-focused switching attack with a longer blocking effect. The weapon can block attacks as it's switching to either Axe or Sword Mode. If an attack is successfully blocked during the switch, the follow-up Element Discharge Slash's damage increases.
Set 3 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Counter Peak Performance
A Guard technique using Wirebug silk. If an attack is successfully blocked, phials are filled, and you can lead into various attack-focused actions. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Complete the HR★5 "Charge Blade Coalescing" quest
Axe Hopper
Slam the axe overhead, using recoil and Ironsilk to propel you up into the air. While going upwards, you can unleash a powerful Element Discharge. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Insect Glaive[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Tornado Slash
A hefty slash performed after a bludgeoning attack, using the entire body to swing the weapon. The second strike is particularly powerful while remaining versatile.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Tetraseal Slash
An attack that delivers four concentrated strikes. One of these strikes will mark the monster, which will attract Powder Type Kinsects.
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Leaping Slash
A downward slash technique performed while lunging forward. This attack can negate knockbacks without Orange Extracts. A versatile skill that can reach higher areas with its attack.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Advancing Roundslash
An attack performed by spinning forward like a top. When attacked during the spin, you will use that force to jump up. Note: This only happens while you still have momentum.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Recall Kinsect
An emergency evasion performed with a Wirebug that recalls your Kinsect. Upon activation, it will perform a spinning attack that can gather a healing extract. Once it returns, its stamina will fully recover. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Complete the HR★6 "Invoke the Insect Glaive" quest
Diving Wyvern
A devastating dive attack that uses a Wirebug to pull you downward with great force. The attack has a small damage radius, but that means the damage is highly focused. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Light Bowgun[]
Set 1 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Fanning Vault
A jumping action using Wirebugs. Shots can be fired while in midair. While airborne, you can fire Wyvernblasts directly underneath to land a direct hit on a monster. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Fanning Maneuver
A maneuver using a Wirebug and centrifugal force to quickly flank left or right. Also temporarily ups attack power. Shots can be fired while in motion. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Forward Dodge
An evasive maneuver that you can perform when your weapon is drawn. As gunners are more likely to be in danger from being hit, evasive maneuvers to keep distance from their target is important.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Quickstep Evade
A quickstep evasive maneuver that you can perform when your weapon is drawn. The distance covered is much smaller than the standard evade, but requires less time to recover. Ammo fired immediately after executing this move does increased damage.
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Reload
Executes a reload. Reload speed depends on ammo type and the weapon's capabilities.
Complete the HR★4 "Learning the Light Bowgun" quest
Elemental Reload
Reloads shots using a special mechanism. Its reload speed is somewhat slower than the standard, but it increases the damage output of elemental shots.
Heavy Bowgun[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Mech-Wyvernsnipe
Fires a specialized shot, different depending on the weapon. The number of rounds is managed via its own gauge, and replenishes over time.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Healing Mech-Wyvernsnipe
Fires a specialized shot, different depending on the weapon. The number of rounds is managed via its own gauge and replenishes over time. Regular Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe shells inflict less damage, but hits will replenish the hunter's health.
Set 2[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Melee Attack
A bludgeoning attack delivered by directly smashing with the weapon. Delivers impressive damage, and may even stun your target. If a shield is equipped, incoming attacks can be blocked while executing your attack.
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Tackle
A shoulder check with robust functionality. Prevents flinching and knockback when attacked, making it useful for offensive situations. However, the damage received is significant, so caution is advised.
Set 3 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Counter Shot
A parrying skill using Wirebugs. Absorbs an attack from a monster without taking any damage. Follow up with a powerful counterattack. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Complete the HR★5 "Hone Your Heavy Bowgun" quest
Counter Charger
A parrying skill using Wirebugs. Absorbs an attack from a monster without taking any damage. Will shorten the amount of time needed for a Charged Shot. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Bow[]
Set 1[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Charging Sidestep
An evasive skill that covers a lot of ground. You can raise your charge level while dodging, and you can control the direction you dodge in by tilting forward, backwards, left, or right.
Reach Village Quest ★3 or Hub Quest ★2
Dodgebolt
A spinning evade that doubles as an attack. Baiting the attack and making it a near-miss can fill up the charge level considerably. Also allows you to move forward, backwards, left, or right.
Set 2 (Silkbind)[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Focus Shot
A Wirebug-based evasion action. After landing, crouching will cause stamina to recover at a rapid pace. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Fast)
Create/upgrade 8 unique weapons of the same weapon type
Aerial Aim
An action for firing arrows by jumping straight up with a Wirebug. Particularly damaging shots can be fired from midair. A close-range attack using an arrow can also be aimed directly underneath you. (Wirebug Gauge recovery speed: Medium)
Set 3[]
Switch Skill Name
Switch Skill Description
Unlock Conditions
Power Shot
A regular shot followed by a particularly powerful shot. Fires shots with a higher level of charge than usual. (Does not exceed maximum level.)
Complete the HR★6 "Be One with the Bow" quest
Absolute Power Shot
A regular shot followed by a particularly powerful shot. Fires shots with a higher level of charge than usual. (Does not exceed maximum level.) Standard Power Shots will cost more stamina, but potentially stun the target.
