In the thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, mastering the art of combat isn't just about brute strength. Speed, precision, and strategic positioning can turn the tide against even the mightiest foes. This is where the Dual Blades shine, offering unparalleled agility and rapid strikes. Here's how you can maximize the effectiveness of Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Dual Blades in Monster Hunter Wilds
Dual Blades are renowned for their rapid, consecutive attacks, making them a versatile choice on the battlefield. Mastering both their standard and specialized modes will prepare you for any encounter.
All Moves
Command | Move | Description |
---|---|---|
Triangle/Y | Double Slash/Circle Slash | Initiate your combo with a Double Slash by pressing Triangle/Y, then follow up with another press for Circle Slash. |
Circle/B | Lunging Strike/Roundslash | Advance with a slashing attack in the direction of your analog stick. A second press executes a Roundslash. |
R2/RT | Demon Mode | Activate Demon Mode to boost your attack, movement speed, and evasion, granting knockback immunity. |
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 effects. |
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Archdemon Mode) | Demon Flurry I, II | Unleash a series of attacks exclusive to Archdemon Mode, consuming the Demon Gauge. Control the direction with the analog stick. |
Cross/A (During Demon/Archdemon Mode) | Demon Dodge | Perform a faster dodge in either mode. A Perfect Evade allows attacks while dodging and provides a short-term buff. Demon Dodge doesn't consume the Demon Gauge in Demon Mode. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Turning Tide | Execute a slashing attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster's wound triggers a Midair Spinning Blade Dance, capable of destroying multiple wounds along the monster's length. |
Demon Mode/Demon Gauge and Archdemon Mode
The Dual Blades feature a unique Demon Gauge mechanic. Entering Demon Mode enhances your attack, movement speed, and evasion while granting knockback immunity. However, it continuously depletes your stamina, ending when stamina is exhausted or manually canceled.
Attacks in Demon Mode fill the Demon Gauge. Once full, you transition into Archdemon Mode, where the gauge decreases over time and can be consumed by certain attacks, allowing access to even more potent strikes. Both modes can be utilized simultaneously, and mounting a monster halts the Demon Gauge's decrease, offering strategic advantages.
Demon Dodge
A successful Perfect Evade in either Demon or Archdemon Mode triggers Demon Dodge, increasing both regular and elemental damage. This state enables attacks during dodges, granting a 12-second damage buff, with subsequent dodges dealing damage as you spin forward.
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Dual Blades' combos revolve around Demon and Archdemon Modes, emphasizing the chaining of attacks for maximum damage.
Basic Combo
Chain three standard Triangle/Y attacks: Double Slash, Double Slash Return Stroke, and Circle Slash. This provides consistent damage across 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, execute a more potent and faster combo: Demon Fangs, Twofold Demon Slash, Sixfold Demon Slash, and finish with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for Demon Flurry I.
Archdemon Mode Blade Dance Combo
Once the Demon Gauge is full, enter Archdemon Mode for swift, concentrated attacks. Start with Blade Dance (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) in Demon Mode, follow with four R2/RT presses 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, rapid damage.
Dual Blade Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Always Follow Up
Initiate combat with the Demon Flurry Rush combo (Circle/B + Circle/B + Circle/B), then transition into full Demon or Archdemon Mode combos (three sets of Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This fills and immediately utilizes the Demon Gauge for swift, high-impact damage.
Keep Your Stamina Up
Demon Mode relies on stamina, so maintaining reserves is crucial. While you can exit the mode to recover, using Focus Strike on wounds halts stamina drain during the attack and fills the Demon Gauge, preparing you for more aggressive assaults.
Dodging in Between Attacks
With no solid defense, dodging is your lifeline. Dual Blades offer superior mobility, allowing you to dodge out of most attacks and combos. Avoid overcommitting and wait for openings, leveraging the weapons' quick animations to strike at the right moment.
Ensure Sharpness
The relentless attacks of Dual Blades can quickly dull your blades. Incorporate the Speed Sharpening skill into your build to minimize downtime and swiftly return to battle.
Mastering the Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a blend of speed, strategy, and skill. For more tips and guides on the game, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*