The Dual Blades are one of the most attractive weapons inMonster Hunter: Risesimply because they’re so darn cool. They’ve been a mainstay of the series for a long time, and inRise, they remain a very popular DPS choice. It is incredibly fun to zip around and cut up monsters like it’sMetal Gear Rising, but a bit of thinking is required to truly master the Dual Blades.
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Using this weapon isn’t just about button mashing – there are a lot of things to consider. Mobility, elemental damage, and stamina are all very important to the Dual Blades. Luckily, there are many ways to build them to mitigate these issues.
8Dual Blades Basics
The main gimmick of Dual Blades is Demon Mode. This is a supercharged state that increases the distance of dodge rolls and negates knockback. The kicker is that it depletes Stamina at a steady rate. When a monster is exhausted or knocked over is typically the best time to activate Demon Mode. It’s also useful for dodging big attacks.
Such a hyper-aggressive playstyle comes with its downfalls. The Dual Bladeslose sharpness very quickly, and most of the user’s worries will concern micromanaging stamina. They also have an incredibly short reach. Getting close to a monster is not too hard thanks to the weapon’s mobility, but getting to certain weak points like heads or tails is nigh-impossible.
7Best Skills For Dual Blades
Dual Blades users will often find themselves in need of stamina. Demon Mode drains it continuously and the weapon encourages frequent dodge rolls. Skills that decrease Stamina costs are a top priority. Marathon Runner, which lowers the rate Demon Mode eats Stamina, is the best one. However, it’s hard to find outside of high-rank armor. Until then, Constitution will also work.
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Elemental builds are the best use of Dual Blades. Each element in the game has its specific boost skill. There’s no one build that will work with every weapon. Whichever element you’re running, be sure to get a hold of some armor with its boost.
6Which Switch Skills?
Demon Flight is the first Switch Skill unlocked. It replaces Demon Flurry Rush with an attack the propels the hunter upwards. That’s very useful for hitting airborne monsters like Rathalos. However, the Dual Blades aren’t as suited to aerial playstyles as other weapons (such asthe Insect Glaive). Players who are skilled in aerial combat should try this, but it’s not necessary.
Feral Demon Mode is offered as an alternative to Demon Mode. The game describes it as a more offensive version of the base skill. In truth, it’s more of a straight upgrade. In Feral Demon Mode, the hunter attacks as they dash and dodge. It’s not huge, but there’s basically no reason to not equip this skill.
Khezu Daggers II
Desperado II
The Khezu tree is special because it hastwotypes of elemental damage: thunder and paralysis. Many monsters are weak to thunder damage, and paralysis is helpful in the early game. It has decent stats all around, too. It’s not the best idea to follow this tree to the endgame, though. Splitting a build between two different elements is very difficult.
The Desperado II is part of the Wroggi tree, one of the only places to get Poison weapons at low rank. Any damage-over-time effect is a big help. It comes with 0 Affinity, so equip the Affinity Boost rampage skill.
Fortis Gran
Stealth Dango II
The Altair tree is unlocked by earning Guild Tickets through guild hunts and Rampages. It takes a lot of rare materials to upgrade to the Fortis Gran. The weapon has 15 Affinity and a massive 24 in Dragon damage – one of the rarest elements. Its Rampage skills are great too.
The Stealth Dango II has 190 Attack. That’s massive for a Rarity 5 weapon. It also has a small amount of Sleep damage. This tree isn’t unlocked in the normal way. The base Stealth Dango is available after defeating Magnamalo, and the upgrade comes atHunter Rank 4.
Izuchi Mail
Pukei Greaves
Izuchi armor is insanely good for the early game. Its combos of Critical Eye and Recovery Speed will suit any weapon. Crafting and equippingthe full setis absolutely an option. It especially suits Dual Blades, what with the Affinity boosts.
Meanwhile, the Pukei Mail and Greaves offer Constitution to new players. That’s great for the Dual Blades. It makes dodges consume less stamina, including the ones in Demon Mode.
Ingot Greaves S
Aelucanth/Rhopessa Vertex S
Ingot Greaves give two stages Attack Boost and two stages Critical Eye. Those skills are just plain good for any DPS weapon. They are also among the easiest high-rank armor items to craft. Monster Keenbones are available from several targets.
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Finding the Aelucanth set can be tricky. It’s one of several armor sets exclusive to the Argosy. Sending Buddies to trade in the Mushyroom Market has a chance of finding a Butterfly Beetle. This rare item is the core material for the set. It’s one of the best sources of Critical Element.
1Best Solo Build
The ideal loadout for Dual Blades increases Affinity and Evasion while preserving Stamina. Aelucanth armor increases elemental damage on crit, Nargacuga armor boosts evades, andKadachi Greavessave Stamina with Constitution. This build is made for Thunder weapons. To use it with other elements, replace the Ingot Vambraces with another piece that boosts whatever’s in use.
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