The Charge Blade (CB) is one of the most complex weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds. It can switch between sword mode (with shield) and axe mode (for burst damage). This guide covers the best CB builds for solo and multiplayer play.
Why Charge Blade
Charge Blade is the best weapon for players who want a complex but rewarding play style. The CB can:
- Deal massive burst damage in axe mode.
- Block attacks with the shield.
- Charge phials for extra damage.
- Apply elemental damage efficiently.
- Chain combos for sustained pressure.
How Phials Work
The Charge Blade has a unique mechanic: phials. Phials are stored energy that can be released in axe mode for bonus damage. There are three phial types:
Impact Phials
Deal raw damage. Best for raw-focused builds.
How to use: Charge phials by attacking in sword mode, then release them in axe mode.
Elemental Phials
Deal elemental damage. Best for elemental-focused builds.
How to use: Charge phials, then release them in axe mode for elemental bonus damage.
Phial Types
Impact phials are best for raw damage. Elemental phials are best for elemental damage.
Best Charge Blade Equipment
Best CB for Raw Damage
Tigrex Thunder Blade
Raw damage: 320. Phial type: Impact. Affinity: 15%. Sharpness: White.
Skills: Attack Boost 3, Critical Boost 2.
How to get: Crafted from Tigrex materials.
Best CB for Elemental Damage
Legiana Frost Edge
Elemental damage: 360 ice. Phial type: Elemental. Affinity: 10%. Sharpness: White.
Skills: Ice Attack 3, Critical Element 2.
How to get: Crafted from Legiana materials.
Best CB for Status Effects
Anjanath Flame Glaive
Status: 320 paralysis. Phial type: Impact. Affinity: 5%. Sharpness: White.
Skills: Paralysis Attack 2, Status Boost 2.
How to get: Crafted from Anjanath materials.
Best CB Armor
Best for Raw Damage
Rathalos Armor
Skills: Attack Boost 4, Critical Eye 3, Weakness Exploit 2.
Defense: 380. Elemental Resistance: balanced.
How to get: Crafted from Rathalos materials.
Best for Elemental Damage
Legiana Armor
Skills: Elemental Attack 3, Critical Element 2, Marathon Runner 2.
Defense: 360. Elemental Resistance: ice resistant.
How to get: Crafted from Legiana materials.
Best CB Skills
Artillery
Boosts phial damage. Levels 1-3. Recommended: Level 3.
Capacity Boost
Adds phial capacity. Levels 1-2. Recommended: Level 2.
Attack Boost
Boosts raw attack. Levels 1-7. Recommended: Level 4.
Critical Eye
Boosts affinity. Levels 1-7. Recommended: Level 3.
Weakness Exploit
Boosts damage on weak points. Levels 1-3. Recommended: Level 2.
Best CB Combos
Sword Mode Combo
The CB sword mode is for charging phials:
- Sword Attack 1
- Sword Attack 2
- Sword Attack 3
- Repeat
Use this combo to build up phials.
Axe Mode Combo
The CB axe mode is for releasing phials:
- Switch to axe mode.
- Axe Attack 1
- Axe Attack 2
- Super Amped Element Discharge (SAED)
Use this combo for burst damage.
Morph Combo
The CB morph combo is for switching modes efficiently:
- Sword mode attack
- Morph to axe mode (during the attack animation)
- Axe mode follow-up
Use this combo for sustained pressure.
How to Charge Phials Efficiently
To charge phials efficiently:
- Use sword mode for consistent attacks.
- Aim for the monster's weak points (charges phials faster).
- Use the Condensed Element Slash (CES) for high phial generation.
- Avoid using axe mode until phials are full.
How to Use SAED
Super Amped Element Discharge (SAED) is the CB's signature move:
- Charge phials in sword mode.
- Switch to axe mode.
- Press the SAED button combination.
- Release all phials for massive damage.
The SAED consumes all charged phials. Use it when phials are full for maximum damage.
Best Items to Use While Drawn
The CB can use items while in sword mode:
- Potions (for healing)
- Mega Potions (for stronger healing)
- Whetstone (for sharpening)
Use the item-drawing advantage to heal without sheathing.
Solo Strategy
For solo play, focus on:
- Build phials with sword mode.
- Release phials with SAED.
- Use CES for high phial generation.
- Block with the shield when needed.
The CB is excellent for solo play due to its burst damage.
Multiplayer Strategy
For multiplayer play, focus on:
- SAED for burst damage during staggers.
- CES for sustained pressure.
- Block for emergency defense.
- Healing support (use items while drawn).
The CB is the best weapon for burst damage in multiplayer.
Common Mistakes
- Don't use SAED without charged phials. The damage will be low.
- Don't ignore sword mode. Phials are the CB's main advantage.
- Don't forget to charge phials. The CB is weak without them.
- Don't use axe mode for charging. Sword mode is more efficient.
Best CB Matchups
Great Jagras
Use impact CB for burst damage.
Anjanath
Use fire CB for elemental weakness.
Legiana
Use ice CB for elemental weakness.
Rathalos
Use dragon CB for elemental weakness.
Tigrex
Use thunder CB for elemental weakness.
Final Tips
- Practice the SAED timing.
- Charge phials efficiently with CES.
- Use elemental CB for monster-specific strategies.
- Combine sword and axe mode for maximum damage.
With this guide, you will master the Charge Blade and deal massive burst damage with every SAED.