In the thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, raw power isn't the only path to victory. With the right blend of speed and strategic positioning, even the mightiest monsters can be brought down. This is where the Dual Blades shine, offering hunters a swift and versatile weapon. Here's how to maximize their potential in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Dual Blades in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Dual Blades are renowned for their rapid strikes and versatility, allowing hunters to deliver multiple hits in quick succession. Mastering both modes of this weapon is essential for adapting to various combat scenarios.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Double Slash/Circle Slash | Initiate a combo with a Double Slash, followed by a Circle Slash for a basic attack sequence. |
| Circle/B | Lunging Strike/Roundslash | Advance with a slashing attack, and follow up with a Roundslash for added momentum. |
| R2/RT | Demon Mode | Activate Demon Mode to boost attack, movement speed, and evasion while gaining immunity to knockbacks. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Demon Mode) | Blade Dance I, II, III | Chain these powerful attacks in Demon Mode, utilizing the Demon Gauge for maximum impact. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Archdemon Mode) | Demon Flurry I, II | Unleash a series of swift attacks in Archdemon Mode, controlling direction with the analog stick. Chain with R2/RT for seamless transitions between Demon Flurry and Blade Dance. |
| Cross/A (During Demon/Archdemon Mode) | Demon Dodge | Execute a faster dodge in Demon or Archdemon Mode. A Perfect Evade allows attacking while dodging, granting a short-term buff. Demon Dodge conserves the Demon Gauge in Demon Mode. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Turning Tide | Execute a slashing attack targeting wounds, leading to a Midair Spinning Blade Dance upon hitting a monster's wound, capable of destroying multiple wounds across its length. |
Demon Mode/Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode
The Dual Blades feature a unique Demon Gauge mechanic. Enter Demon Mode to benefit from enhanced attack, movement speed, and evasion, plus knockback immunity. However, stamina depletes continuously in this state, ending upon manual cancellation or when stamina hits zero. Successful attacks in Demon Mode fill the Demon Gauge, and once full, hunters transition to Archdemon Mode. In this mode, the Demon Gauge decreases over time and can be consumed by specific attacks, allowing for boosted attacks. Both modes can be active during monster mounts, halting the Demon Gauge's decrease, giving hunters time to plan their next move.
Demon Dodge
After a successful Perfect Evade, enter an empowered state with Demon Dodge, boosting regular and elemental damage. This allows attacks during dodges, granting a 12-second damage buff, with subsequent dodges causing damage as you spin forward.
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
The Dual Blades' combos revolve around Demon and Archdemon Modes, crucial for chaining attacks to maximize damage.
Basic Combo
Start with three Triangle/Y attacks to execute Double Slash, Double Slash Return Stroke, and Circle Slash for consistent damage in various hunting scenarios. Alternatively, use Circle/B for a Demon Flurry Rush – Spinning Slash – Double Roundslash combo to quickly fill the Demon Gauge.
Demon Mode Basic Combo
In Demon Mode, the basic combo becomes more potent and faster, starting with Demon Fangs, followed by Twofold Demon Slash, Sixfold Demon Slash, and concluding with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for Demon Flurry I.
Archdemon Mode Blade Dance Combo
After filling the Demon Gauge, switch to Archdemon Mode for swift, high-damage attacks. Begin with Blade Dance (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) in Demon Mode, followed by four R2/RT presses for Demon Flurry I into Blade Dance II, and finish with Demon Flurry II and Blade Dance III, effectively switching between modes for maximum impact.
Dual Blade Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering the Dual Blades involves seamlessly transitioning between Demon and Archdemon Modes to maximize damage output.
Always Follow Up
Initiate with the basic Demon Flurry Rush combo (Circle/B + Circle/B + Circle/B), then transition into full Demon or Archdemon Mode combos with three sets of Triangle/Y + Circle/B. This approach efficiently fills and utilizes the Demon Gauge, offering swift damage delivery unmatched by weapons like the Great Sword.
Keep Your Stamina Up
Demon Mode relies on stamina, so maintaining reserves is key. Exit the mode for recovery, or utilize wounds with Focus Strike to halt stamina drain while filling the Demon Gauge, enabling aggressive attacks upon landing.
Dodging in Between Attacks
Without a reliable defense, dodging becomes essential. The Dual Blades' mobility allows for quick escapes from combos, emphasizing the importance of timing and patience to seize attack opportunities.
Ensure Sharpness
Frequent attacks lead to rapid sharpness loss. Utilize the Speed Sharpening skill in your build to minimize downtime and swiftly return to the fray.
These strategies will help you master the Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
