In the dynamic world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, speed and precision can be just as crucial as raw power. Mastering the Dual Blades can give you the edge you need to take down even the most formidable monsters. Here's how to make the most out of these agile and deadly weapons.
Dual Blades in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Dual Blades are known for their rapid and continuous attacks, making them ideal for players who enjoy a fast-paced combat style. By mastering both their basic and advanced modes, you'll be ready for any challenge on the battlefield.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Double Slash/Circle Slash | Initiate your attack with a Double Slash, followed by a Circle Slash for a basic combo. |
| Circle/B | Lunging Strike/Roundslash | Advance with a slashing attack, and follow up with a Roundslash for continued aggression. |
| R2/RT | Demon Mode | Activate Demon Mode to enhance your 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, consuming the Demon Gauge for devastating effect. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Archdemon Mode) | Demon Flurry I, II | Unleash a series of attacks in Archdemon Mode, using the analog stick to control direction and consuming the Demon Gauge. |
| Cross/A (During Demon/Archdemon Mode) | Demon Dodge | Execute a faster dodge in Demon or Archdemon Mode. A Perfect Evade allows attacking while dodging and provides a short-term buff. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Turning Tide | Perform a slashing attack that targets wounds, leading to a Midair Spinning Blade Dance when hitting a monster's wound, capable of destroying multiple wounds. |
Demon Mode/Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode
The Dual Blades feature a unique Demon Gauge mechanic. Entering Demon Mode boosts your attack, movement speed, and evasion, while also granting knockback immunity. However, this mode consumes stamina continuously and ends when stamina runs out or is manually canceled. By landing attacks in Demon Mode, you fill the Demon Gauge, which, when full, transitions you into Archdemon Mode. In Archdemon Mode, the Demon Gauge depletes over time and is consumed by certain attacks, allowing for powerful, boosted attacks.
Both modes can be used interchangeably, and when you mount a monster, the Demon Gauge stops decreasing, giving you strategic flexibility.
Demon Dodge
After a successful Perfect Evade, you enter an empowered state known as Demon Dodge. This state increases both regular and elemental damage and allows you to attack while dodging. Demon Dodge provides a 12-second damage buff, and subsequent dodges cause damage as you spin forward.
Combos
The Dual Blades' combos revolve around Demon and Archdemon Modes, allowing you to chain attacks for maximum damage.
Basic Combo
Start with three Triangle/Y attacks to execute a Double Slash, Double Slash Return Stroke, and Circle Slash. This reliable combo is effective in various hunting scenarios. Alternatively, use the Circle/B Demon Flurry Rush – Spinning Slash – Double Roundslash combo to quickly fill your Demon Gauge.
Demon Mode Basic Combo
In Demon Mode, your basic combo becomes more potent and faster. Begin with Demon Fangs, followed by Twofold Demon Slash, Sixfold Demon Slash, and finish with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for Demon Flurry I.
Archdemon Mode Blade Dance Combo
Once your Demon Gauge is full, enter Archdemon Mode for swift, concentrated damage. Start with Blade Dance (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) in Demon Mode, then press R2/RT four times for Demon Flurry I into Blade Dance II, and conclude with Demon Flurry II and Blade Dance III. This seamless transition between modes delivers immense damage quickly.
Dual Blade Tips
Mastering the Dual Blades involves fluidly switching between Demon and Archdemon Modes to maximize damage potential.
Always Follow Up
Initiate with the basic Demon Flurry Rush combo (Circle/B + Circle/B + Circle/B), then transition into a full Demon or Archdemon Mode combo with three sets of Triangle/Y + Circle/B. This strategy fills your Demon Gauge and converts it into rapid damage, a feat unmatched by weapons like the Great Sword.
Keep Your Stamina Up
Demon Mode relies on your stamina, so maintaining a healthy reserve is crucial. While you can exit the mode to recover, using Focus Strike on wounds can halt stamina drain during the attack and still fill the Demon Gauge, preparing you for more aggressive assaults.
Dodging in Between Attacks
Without a reliable defense, dodging is your key to survival. The Dual Blades offer exceptional mobility, allowing you to dodge out of most attacks and combos. Avoid overcommitting and wait for the right moment to strike, leveraging the quick animations to your advantage.
Ensure Sharpness
The relentless attacks of the Dual Blades can quickly dull your weapons. Utilize the Speed Sharpening skill in your build to minimize downtime and swiftly return to the fray.
Mastering the Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires practice and strategy. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist. *Monster Hunter Wilds* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
