DISCLAIMER:
Please only use this in single player or with friends in private lobbies. Let's keep the multiplayer experience pure for everyone else.


Preamble:
While fun for a while and because it is new - Full Release Slash puts Wilds' rendition of the Switch Axe in an awkward spot. The optimal way to dps is to spam as many hail mary FRS as you possibly can, all the while gambling that you started the actual attack animation (and thus your hyperarmor) before you eat a hit or the monster moves out of the way. Many moves of former glory simply don't have an identity anymore, because FRS overtook them in damage and there's no niche left for them to fill. This mod attempts to give a few of these moves in your SA kit a purpose and make them into viable building blocks of your dps equation. Most of the buffed moves are axe hits - to encourage a better flow between axe and sword. A delicate balance to achieve for sure. This version of Switch Axe should feel like a mix of Wilds, Iceborne and Rise.

I'm not versed enough in modding to actually alter move-strings (which move can be performed when) so all that I can offer to come closer to my vision is the adjustment of motion values to encourage or disincentivize the use of certain moves. This mod does not nerf Full Release Slash. It merely buffs other underperforming moves of the kit.

I will discuss the moves I edited below, list vanilla and modded motion values and provide my reasoning. But before I dive right in...

Full Release Slash
....though untouched I still want to emphasize that even with this mod FRS still has a purpose. It flows beautifully from sword finisher of the focus strike and provides good damage in this scenario. Of course you can still spam it at your leisure but where's the fun in that...
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UPDATE 1.4: TU2
For this update I boiled my mod down to the very basics. Switch Axe got some decent changes in TU2 and while it's not quite there yet, it's going in the right direction.

Here are the current values I changed for Version 1.4

I only buffed the Loop Combo and made the Overhead/Morph Sword Slash as well as Rising Left and Right Sword strikes cost more gauge.
This way there's a cost dynamic of 2-3 sword strikes followed by the Morph Double Slash for damage. The Loop doesn't sustain itself and is designed to run out of gauge after 2-3 loops - then you need to weave in Spiral bursts or other axe attacks to regain gauge.

Sword: Morph Double Slash 1+2
MV 30+50 >>>> 55+75 (also set its Gauge restoration to 0 - that's why you need to weave in Spiral Bursts here and there)
Accessed through Y > Y > Morph or Y > Y > Y > Morph
Identity:
In vanilla Wilds this move is more of a hindrance than anything else. It locks you in a lengthy animation of two axe hits, barely restores any gauge and the damage is mediocre. Since this move reminds me fondly of the SA meta dps rotation in MHRise, I decided to really beef this one up. It is now our big hitter.


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With this mod I encourage you to try the following playstyle:

Big Opening from neutral: (beautiful flow)
Sword: Overhead Slash > Sword: Right Rising Slash > Sword: Morph Double Slash > Axe: Spiral Burst > Axe: Morph Rising Double Slash > Sword: Triple Slash

Short Opening:
Sword: Overhead Slash > Sword: Right Rising Slash > Sword: Morph Double Slash

Alternatively just use FRS... anytime... anywhere >.<

General playstyle recommendations with the new values:

-Rapid Morph gains some more value with this new dps rotation.
-Go for Offset Attacks and consider the axe follow-up- they're worth learning and the Power Axe Buff is a more meaningful now that the Loop Combo is a good source of damage
-Sword Counter if not amped -> Sword follow up to build sword meter
-Sword Counter if amped -> Axe follow up for damage
-FRS after a focus attack sword finisher that ends in a flinched or downed monster or when you're certain you'll see it through

I hope you enjoy this playstyle as much as I do and am looking forward to your feedback on further improving the flow of switch axe.

Installation:
You need RE Framework for this to work. Make sure Loose File Loader is enabled.
Place the contents of the zip into the game's base folder.