In the thrilling world of Monster Hunter Wilds, raw power isn't always the key to victory. With blistering speed and strategic positioning, even the most formidable monsters can fall. This is where the Dual Blades shine. Their rapid attacks and versatile movesets make them a potent weapon in the right hands. Let's explore the best ways to master this deadly weapon.
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Fast, ferocious, and incredibly versatile, the Dual Blades excel at delivering rapid, successive strikes. Mastering both their standard and Demon/Archdemon modes is crucial for success in any hunt.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Double Slash/Circle Slash | A fundamental combo starter. Initiate with a Double Slash (Triangle/Y), then follow up with another Triangle/Y for the Circle Slash. |
| Circle/B | Lunging Strike/Roundslash | A slashing attack that advances you towards the monster in the direction you're aiming. Press again for a Roundslash. |
| R2/RT | Demon Mode | Activate Demon Mode for a significant boost to attack power, movement speed, evasion, and knockback immunity. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Demon Mode) | Blade Dance I, II, III | Powerful attacks chained together in Demon Mode, consuming the Demon Gauge. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Archdemon Mode) | Demon Flurry I, II | A series of attacks exclusive to Archdemon Mode, consuming the Demon Gauge. Use the analog stick to control direction. Players can chain Demon Flurry and Blade Dance attacks using R2/RT. |
| Cross/A (During Demon/Archdemon Mode) | Demon Dodge | A faster dodge than normal, available in both modes. A Perfect Evade during a Demon Dodge allows for attacks while dodging, providing a temporary buff. Demon Dodge doesn't consume the Demon Gauge in Demon Mode. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Turning Tide | A powerful slash effective against wounded monsters. Hitting a wound triggers a Midair Spinning Blade Dance, capable of damaging multiple wounds simultaneously. |
Demon Mode/Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode
The Dual Blades' unique gauge mechanic allows entry into Demon Mode, significantly enhancing attack power, movement speed, evasion, and granting knockback immunity. However, stamina drains constantly while in Demon Mode, ending the state when stamina is depleted or manually cancelled. Landing attacks in Demon Mode fills the Demon Gauge. A full gauge activates Archdemon Mode, where the gauge depletes over time and is consumed by certain attacks, unleashing devastating boosted attacks. Both modes can be used strategically; mounting a monster pauses the Demon Gauge depletion.
Demon Dodge
Following a successful Perfect Evade, Demon Dodge activates, increasing regular and elemental damage and enabling attacks while dodging. This buff lasts 12 seconds, with subsequent dodges causing spinning damage.
Combos
Dual Blades combos revolve around Demon and Archdemon Modes. Mastering these transitions is key to maximizing damage.
Basic Combo
Chain three Triangle/Y attacks: Double Slash, Double Slash Return Stroke, and Circle Slash. A reliable damage dealer in various hunting scenarios. Alternatively, use the Circle/B Demon Flurry Rush – Spinning Slash – Double Roundslash combo for rapid Demon Gauge filling.
Demon Mode Basic Combo
In Demon Mode, the basic combo becomes faster and more powerful: Demon Fangs, Twofold Demon Slash, Sixfold Demon Slash, finishing with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for Demon Flurry I.
Archdemon Mode Blade Dance Combo
With a full Demon Gauge, unleash Archdemon Mode's devastating potential. Start with Blade Dance (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) in Demon Mode, followed by four R2/RT presses for Demon Flurry I into Blade Dance II, then Demon Flurry II and Blade Dance III. This seamless transition delivers immense damage.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Dual Blade Tips
Expert Dual Blades users seamlessly transition between modes, maximizing damage output.
Always Follow Up
Begin with the basic Demon Flurry Rush combo (Circle/B + Circle/B + Circle/B), then seamlessly transition into Demon or Archdemon Mode combos (three sets of Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This rapidly fills the Demon Gauge and unleashes powerful attacks.
Keep Your Stamina Up
Demon Mode relies heavily on stamina. Maintain high stamina reserves. While exiting Demon Mode recovers stamina, utilizing Focus Strike on wounded monsters pauses stamina drain while filling the Demon Gauge, allowing for more aggressive attacks.
Dodging in Between Attacks
With limited defensive options, mastering dodges is crucial. The Dual Blades' quick animations allow for strategic dodging between attacks. Avoid over-committing and wait for optimal attack windows.
Ensure Sharpness
The Dual Blades' frequent attacks quickly dull their blades. The Speed Sharpening skill significantly reduces downtime spent sharpening.
Mastering the Dual Blades in Monster Hunter Wilds requires practice and strategic thinking. Utilize these tips and dominate the hunt! For more Monster Hunter Wilds guides, explore The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
