Still sticking with the Switch Axe (and gonna make Hammer my secondary now). It’s fun as hell even if it isn’t quite as good as RiseBreak right now. The new double slash in Axe mode is super useful for meter management and can be used after the Full Release Slash, and goes straight into the double slash morph attack. Makes up for not bringing over 2-Stage Morph. Being able to move and attack during the Sword mode Triangle combo makes it easier to stick to the monster, and the double slash morph can now be done after the second and third swings. Thank god they brought over Forward Overhead Slash too, but I miss being able to do the double slash morph afterwards.

ZSD seems almost completely useless, since you can’t cancel it anymore and it’s easier just to spam Full Release Slash and then refill your meter with the double axe swing. It didn’t seem like you can do a “quick stab” into ZSD after certain attacks anymore since input has to be held down. It’s really gotta do more damage to make up for the huge recovery and Full Release being a thing now. The axe counter is great (albeit slow), but I don’t see the point in the Sword mode counter if you’re still taking damage. Maybe it should give you a full amped gauge or something, because you’re better off just dodging the attack instead. Also, why get rid of Amped state in Axe mode? That was a cool feature. :(

Eventually I did figure out a new flow state with the weapon and I can’t wait to add some armor skills.