Q: What does "2-2-0 or equivalent" mean for talisman?

A: This means that the build can be created using any talisman with 2 level 2 slots (or 1 level 3 and 1 level 2). Additionally, you can use any talisman where decorations in the build can be substituted by skill levels on the talisman. For example, if the build needs 2 or more Attack jewel and 2 or more Blunt jewel, your talisman could be 2-2-0, or Attack Boost 1 2-0-0, or Attack Boost 2 0-0-0, or Bludgeoner 2 0-0-0, or Attack Boost 1 Bludgeoner 1 0-0-0, etc.

Q: I can't find X armor at the blacksmith

A: Some armor pieces have different names depending on your character's gender. These include Utsushi/Channeler and Skalda/Spio as the most commonly used.

Q: I still can't find Skalda/Spio armor at the blacksmith

A: You need to get Quality Stomach from Altaroth (small monster) in HR. Also, you need a Toxic Kumori to craft it which is a random bonus material from Argosy Buddy Trading while trading for Herbs or other items with a fish icon next to them.

Q: I don't have a Weakness Exploit talisman

A: Once unlocked the third option at the melder can be used to get a basic charm with Weakness Exploit 1 without too much trouble. For better charms, the 4th or 5th options should be used but are much lower chance to get a charm with Weakness Exploit.

Q: Why Rapid Morph?

A: Rapid Morph speeds up ALL actions that involve changing from Sword or Axe or Axe to Sword. Notably, this includes Condensed Spinning Slash and the first half of AED/SAED (up to when the shield is behind the character's head). It doesn't increase the damage of AED/SAED. It's a quality-of-life skill for all CB builds, but is not a required/core skill for CB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrn1YEADSjY

Q: Why Load Shells?

A: Load Shells is basically the replacement for Focus in World. At level 2 Load Shells, it functions like Load Up in MHGU, meaning reloading at yellow phial outlines fills all your phials. This is a good choice for CB builds besides those using Condensed Spinning Slash or Counter Peak Performance extensively.

Q: How much Guard should I use?

A: (Updated 4/8/2021) In the current state of the game I recommend running 0 or 1 Guard, 0 being the default. If monsters' attacks deal too much knockback, you can use Counter Peak Performance or simply super armor with Advancing Morph, or fade back and counter with Axe Hopper, etc. Some monsters I would recommend Guard 1 for are Zinogre, Diablos, and Magnamalo.

Q: Do Offensive Guard and Rapid Morph work with Counter Peak Performance?

A: Yes.

Q: Does Counter Peak Performance let you block unblockable moves?

A: No, you still need Guard Up if you want to block unblockable moves (some lasers, gas, etc).

Q: Which level 1 decorations should I use?

A: Speed Sharpening, Flinch Free, Free Meal, Stun Resistance are all fine choices. For elemental builds, the corresponding element attack decorations should be used.

Q: Does Bombardier affect phial damage?

A: The armor skill "Bombardier" does not, but the Dango skill "Dango Bombardier" does for Impact Phials only.

Q: Is silkbind boost rampage skill worth using?

A: For Axe Hopper, no. The boost (10%) only applies to the first hit of Axe Hopper which is before you jump into the air.