In the dynamic world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, victory isn't solely determined by brute strength. Speed and strategic positioning can be just as crucial, especially when wielding the versatile Dual Blades. These weapons are renowned for their rapid, successive strikes, making them perfect for hunters who thrive on agility and precision. Here's how to maximize the potential of Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Dual Blades in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Dual Blades are known for their speed and versatility, allowing hunters to deliver a flurry of attacks. Mastering both their standard and specialized modes is key to dominating the battlefield.
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 Triangle/Y for a Circle Slash. |
| Circle/B | Lunging Strike/Roundslash | Advance with a slashing attack using Circle/B, and press again for a Roundslash. |
| 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. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Archdemon Mode) | Demon Flurry I, II | Unleash a series of attacks in Archdemon Mode, consuming the Demon Gauge. Control the direction with the analog stick. |
| 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. Demon Dodge does not consume the Demon Gauge in Demon Mode. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Turning Tide | Perform a slashing attack effective against wounds. Hitting a monster's wound triggers a Midair Spinning Blade Dance, capable of destroying multiple wounds across the monster's length. |
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, and grants knockback immunity. However, it continuously depletes your stamina, ending when stamina runs out or 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 gauge depletes over time and with certain attacks, enabling powerful, gauge-consuming attacks.
Both modes can be used interchangeably, and when mounted on a monster, the Demon Gauge stops decreasing, allowing strategic planning for your next move.
Demon Dodge
After a successful Perfect Evade, enter an empowered state with Demon Dodge, which increases regular and elemental damage and allows attacks during dodges. This grants a 12-second damage buff, with subsequent dodges causing damage as you spin forward.
Combos
Basic Combo
Start with three Triangle/Y attacks to perform Double Slash, Double Slash Return Stroke, and Circle Slash, delivering reliable damage in various 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, starting with Demon Fangs, followed by Twofold Demon Slash, Sixfold Demon Slash, and finishing 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 damage. Begin 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 significant damage quickly.
Dual Blade Tips
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 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 stamina, so maintaining reserves is crucial. While you can exit to recover, using Focus Strike on wounds during Demon Mode stops stamina drain and fills the Demon Gauge, preparing you for aggressive attacks upon landing.
Dodging in Between Attacks
Without reliable defense, dodging is your best strategy. The Dual Blades offer superior 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 constant attacks of the Dual Blades quickly reduce sharpness. 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 understanding their unique mechanics and leveraging their speed and versatility. For more tips and strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
