In the dynamic world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, speed and precision can often triumph over brute force. When equipped with the Dual Blades, even the mightiest of monsters can be overwhelmed by a swift and relentless assault. Here's how you can maximize your effectiveness with the Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
The Dual Blades are renowned for their rapid, multi-hit attacks, making them a versatile choice for hunters seeking to dominate the battlefield. Mastery of their unique modes— Demon Mode and Archdemon Mode—will prepare you for any encounter.
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Double Slash/Circle Slash | Initiate combat with this basic combo starter. Press Triangle/Y for a Double Slash, followed by another press for a Circle Slash. |
| Circle/B | Lunging Strike/Roundslash | Advance with a slashing attack in the direction of the analog stick. A second press executes a Roundslash. |
| R2/RT | Demon Mode | Activate Demon Mode to enhance attack, movement speed, and evasion, granting immunity to knockbacks. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Demon Mode) | Blade Dance I, II, III | Unleash these potent attacks in Demon Mode, chaining them together at the cost of the Demon Gauge. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (In Archdemon Mode) | Demon Flurry I, II | Execute a series of swift 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 swift dodge in Demon or Archdemon Mode. A Perfect Evade allows for 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 | Strike with a powerful slash effective against wounds. Hitting a monster’s wound triggers a Midair Spinning Blade Dance, capable of damaging multiple wounds across the monster's body. |
The Dual Blades feature a unique Demon Gauge. Entering Demon Mode boosts your attack, movement speed, and evasion while providing knockback immunity. However, it continuously drains your stamina, ending when stamina depletes or you manually cancel it. Attacking in Demon Mode fills the Demon Gauge, and once full, it transitions you into Archdemon Mode. Here, the gauge depletes over time and with certain attacks, enabling enhanced, gauge-consuming strikes. Both modes can be used strategically, and mounting a monster will halt the Demon Gauge's depletion, giving you time to plan your next move.
A successful Perfect Evade initiates Demon Dodge, an enhanced state that boosts regular and elemental damage and allows for attacking during dodges. Demon Dodge also provides a 12-second damage buff, with subsequent dodges causing damage as you advance.
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Mastering Dual Blades involves understanding how to chain attacks effectively, leveraging both Demon and Archdemon Modes for optimal damage output.
Start with three consecutive Triangle/Y presses to execute a Double Slash, Double Slash Return Stroke, and Circle Slash. This simple yet effective combo is perfect for various hunting scenarios. Alternatively, use the Circle/B Demon Flurry Rush – Spinning Slash – Double Roundslash combo to rapidly fill your Demon Gauge.
In Demon Mode, your basic combo becomes more potent and swift. Begin with Demon Fangs, transition into Twofold Demon Slash, and end with Sixfold Demon Slash. Finish the sequence with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for Demon Flurry I.
Once your Demon Gauge is full, switch to Archdemon Mode for concentrated, rapid 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. Seamlessly transitioning between modes delivers devastating damage swiftly.
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Begin with the basic Demon Flurry Rush combo (Circle/B + Circle/B + Circle/B) and smoothly transition into either a full Demon or Archdemon Mode combo with three sets of Triangle/Y + Circle/B. This strategy rapidly fills your Demon Gauge and unleashes swift damage, a unique advantage over slower weapons like the Great Sword.
Demon Mode relies on stamina, so maintaining a high reserve is crucial. While you can exit the mode to recover, using Focus Strike on wounds during combat stops stamina drain and continues filling the Demon Gauge, setting you up for more aggressive attacks.
With no defensive options, dodging becomes essential. The Dual Blades offer exceptional mobility, allowing you to dodge out of most attacks and combos. Patience and timing are key; wait for the perfect opportunity to strike rather than committing prematurely.
The relentless flurry of Dual Blades attacks can quickly dull your weapons. Incorporate the Speed Sharpening skill into your build to minimize downtime and swiftly return to the fray.
Mastering the Dual Blades in *Monster Hunter Wilds* involves a blend of speed, strategy, and skill. For more tips and guides on the game, keep exploring The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*