Gonna run through the early game of MHW with my wife. Been only using Switchaxe for my first 120 hours or so here, and I think this is a good time to try something new. What would y’all recommend for a switch axe guy? I was thinking this time maybe something fast and can guard? Like the opposite of switch axe? I’m not sure where to go tho.
lBG and HBG are pretty simple to use. Bow on the other hand is incredibly intense. Specially spread bows are super short range and you are constantly dancing next to the monster using your dodge i-frames to pump ungodly amounts of dps. Seriously a great bow player can keep something stupid like 500 dps with zero downtime.
Charge blade would be my recommendation. It felt almost natural to pick up when it debuted since I was a switch axe main in tri and 3U. It has a combat loop that is similar in nature to swaxe so you’ll probably click with it like I did. And that shield can really help you in a tough spot. Plus, you get the unga bunga big number power we lack with the swaxe in the form of the phial discharges.
As a Gunlance main, I'd want to recommend that... but while it does have a nice easy guard (and can be built very tanky), and blowing things up with Wyvern's Fire is always fun, it is sadly the complete opposite of fast.
But seeing as you're already used to switchax, and playing World, I'd recommend charge blade. Sword and Shield is faster, but also has a weaker shield (at least, compared to when charge blade's shield is charged up).
For a switch axe main I’d say either charge blade or dual blades.
Charge blade it obviously similar as it uses a switching mechanic, and also uses “energy” in its attacks, but it can be a little complicated.
Dual blades are fast and fun, and I find the switch axe to be one of the faster weapons to it should be an easier weapon type to try out. It’s also super easy to learn.
The rhythm is easy to get a handle on, early game you'll feel like an untouchable god when fighting grounded monsters, and an invaluable tool when fighting flying ones. Just build for stamina and you'll pass with flying colors!
I plenty enjoyed the long sword for a slot of mine, combos are satisfying to land but take a while to get good at. Though, since you said something about blocking you can try the sword and shield, I had fun with it aswell.
The Hammer has Water Strike, that counts as a guard, doesn't it? And it spins pretty fast, like Spinning Bludgeon is instant dopamine even if it's not the most optimal.