Resolving the intricacies of The Charge Blade weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds can seem overwhelming at first but it is one of the most rewarding weapons in the game. The weapon is a hybrid of Sword, Shield, and an Axe, allowing for versatile gameplay among its users, formulating its mechanics is critical for maximizing its damage output. In this explainer, we will walk you through the powerful features of the Charge Blade, as well as foundation strategies, and other advanced techniques to help you get started.

Charge Blade Mechanics

The Charge Blade consists of two modes:

• Sword and Shield Mode: This is the default mode, allowing for fast attacks, mobility, and the ability to guard against attacks.
• Axe Mode: This mode is slower but deals significantly more damage and is the primary way to unleash devastating attacks.

Phials System

Phials are the core mechanic of the Charge Blade, dictating how you store and unleash energy. The process works as follows:

1. Empty - No charge.
2. Yellow Energy - Basic charge that fills up to three phials.
3. Red Energy - Stronger charge that fills all five phials.
4. Overcharged - Overloading leads to attacks bouncing off monsters, requiring energy discharge.

To stock energy into phials. These phials can then be used to enhance attacks in Axe Mode.

Sword and Shield Mode

• The only way to charge phials.
• Allows fast movement and blocking.
• Includes quick combos like Shield Thrust and Charged Rising Slash.

Axe Mode

• Deals massive damage but is much slower.
• Requires charged phials or Power Axe Mode for optimal damage.
• Transitions from Sword and Shield Mode after a Shield Thrust.

Powered-Up Mode

The Charge Blade can power up individual parts of the weapon:

• Shield: Improves blocking and unlocks Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED).
• Sword: Prevents attacks from bouncing and increases damage.
• Axe: Extends attacks and deals additional explosions with overfilled phials.

Charge Blade Skills and Abilities

Charged Rising Slash

• Charges Sword Energy quickly.
• Requires precise timing for maximum charge.

Elemental Roundslash

• Performed by canceling Amped Elemental Discharge.
• Powers up the Shield while keeping up offensive pressure.

Fade Slash

• Allows repositioning while attacking.
• Useful for dodging monster attacks.

Super Amped Elemental Discharge (SAED)

• The most powerful Charge Blade attack.
• Requires a powered-up Shield and charged phials.

Perfect Guard

• Blocking an attack at the perfect moment negates all damage.
• Allows instant transition into Savage Axe Slash or SAED.

Double Rend (Focus Attack)

• Covers distance while transitioning into Power Axe Mode.
• Deals extra damage to wounded monster parts.

Tips and Tricks

Mastering the Charge Blade is all about balancing offense and defense while managing your phials efficiently. Here are some key strategies to elevate your gameplay:

Use the Load Shells Skill

• This skill speeds up the process of charging your phials, allowing for more frequent high-damage attacks. Higher levels significantly reduce the downtime between discharges, letting you maintain an aggressive playstyle.

Take Advantage of Guard Points

• The Charge Blade has unique Guard Points embedded within certain animations. Timing your blocks correctly during transitions or attacks can mitigate damage and open opportunities for powerful counterattacks. Learning when and where to use these Guard Points is crucial for mastering defensive play.

Impact vs. Elemental Phials

• Impact Phials: These cause stun and exhaust effects, making them ideal for controlling monsters and disrupting their movements. They work best against monsters with weak points vulnerable to impact damage.
• Elemental Phials: Instead of stun, these enhance elemental damage, making them more effective against monsters with elemental weaknesses. Choosing the right phial type for the hunt can drastically affect your overall performance.

Learn Your Shortcuts

• Optimizing your attacks is essential. Use Guard Points and animation cancels to seamlessly transition between different moves. Mastering quick transitions between Sword and Shield Mode and Axe Mode allows for fluid and devastating combos. Incorporate Elemental Roundslash and Power Axe Mode effectively to maintain constant pressure on the monster.

You will need some practice to master the Charge Blade in Monster Hunter Wilds, but it is perhaps the most powerful and flexible weapon in the game after you learn its mechanics. To dominate your hunts make sure to utilize phial management, power-up your weapon strategically, and use your defensive abilities to their fullest.