Explain axes to a noob?

[MadameHardy]

I haven't played fighting games before. If I'm standing facing 12 o'clock, where does the axe hit? I keep thinking I'm about to hit an enemy and failing. Also, where does swinging the axe move me to?

Thanks.

[4thQueen]

Hitboxes are quite wonky in this game, sadly. The axe will hit in the direction you held the control stick last. Be careful, as getting hit will sometimes spin you around.
Unfortunately, holding the stick in a particular direction seems counterproductive, as the multi hit combo will come out slower or not at all.

[MadameHardy]

How do I learn what combos there are?

[[PMC] Portable Merc Collector]

Certain weapons are a one hit and done kinda deal, others have small "combos" you can tell based on hits.

Axes and hammers don't have combos and swing once depending on where you point the control stick or your mouse. Axes are good damage but slight delay.

Hammers are very heavy hitters but have the very slow swing speed to match, they follow your control stick or cursor for a short time before the swing happens.

If I recall right trying to move when swinging a weapon will turn it away.. not quite sure but it's happened before to me with the hammer. I'll try to walk back and it'll snap the direction I'm moving instead of where I'm aiming.

If you are having that problem I'd recommend you not moving until after you swing, it does take a bit of practice but once you have it down you'll land your hits almost every time.