Sunbreak Dual Blades Guide: Combos, Controls and Moveset | Monster Hunter Rise

This is a guide to the Dual Blades, a weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (MH Rise). Read on to learn about new Dual Blades controls and combos, how to use Dual Blades demon and archdemon modes, the Dual Blades' spinning move as well as details on Dual Blades Switch Skills.

All Dual Blades Guides
Trees & Full List	How to Use	Best Builds

Balance Changes (Update 10.0)

Dual Blades Balance Changes and Fixes (Update 10.0)
・ Adjusted all of the following weapon actions: 　・ Demon Flurry Rush (1st Spin - Left and Right): Attack power slightly increased 　・ Demon Flurry Rush (2nd Spin - Left and Right): Attack power slightly increased 　・ Demon Flurry Rush Finisher (Left and Right): Attack power slightly increased; Elemental scaling increased; Status effect scaling increased 　・ Blade Dance (Demon Mode - 10th Hit): Attack power slightly increased 　・ Blade Dance (Demon Mode - 11th Hit): Attack power slightly increased 　・ Blade Dance (Demon Mode - 12th Hit): Attack power slightly increased ・ Archdemon Mode: Elemental scaling has been increased. ・ Demon Mode: Made it easier to enter Archdemon Mode. ・ Feral Demon Mode: Made it easier to enter Archdemon Mode. ・ Added combos that chain from exiting Demon Mode and into Silkbind Attacks. ・ Demon Mode and Feral Demon Mode: Fixed a bug where the game would treat you as being in an unsheathed state during bubbleblight slipping animations.

Dual Blades has been pretty balanced even in Base MHRise so we don't expect it to change so much in Sunbreak. However, the increase in power makes Dual Blades more comfortable to use in Master Rank - keeping its reputation as the most offensive weapon in the game.

Weapon Changes in Sunbreak

Dual Blades New Sunbreak Attack and Moves

Official Dual Blades Preview Video

Silkbind Attack: Spiral Slash

Spiral Slash is a new Silkbind Attack for the Dual Blades added in Sunbreak. This move launches the users towards their target, unleashing a multi-hit drilling attack perfect for inflicting elemental and status effects.

Spiral Slash can also be used in mid-air, improving the Dual Blades' offensive gap-closing capabilities even further.

Switch Skill: Slide Slash Combo

Slide Slash Combo is a new Switch Skill for the Dual Blades added in Sunbreak.

This move allows the user to move and attack while dodging. If incorporated with attack combos, it is possible to perform a flurry of attacks that are difficult to defend against.

Silkbind Attack: Ironshine Silk

Not introduced in any trailer, Ironshine Silk is an additional Silkbind Attack added to the Sunbreak Expansion. This aims to mitigate the Dual Blades' long standing problem - sharpness management.

While under the effects of Ironshine Silk, all evasion attacks (like Shrouded Vault) would restore sharpness. What more, activating the skill sharpens the weapon a little bit so it can be used as a quick sharpness management tool!

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Release Date and New Monsters

How Good Are the Dual Blades?

Tier List Ranking

MHRise Ranking	→	Sunbreak Ranking
(S - A - B) 3 Level Tier		(SS - S - A - B) 4 Level Tier

The Dual Blades are still good in the Sunbreak expansion but fails to provide new moves and mechanics that will enable it to reach new heights. Don't get us wrong though, Dual Blades is still really good but currently there are weapons that are outclassing the Dual Blades with what it does best: no holds barred offensive power.

Weapon Tier List

Dual Blades Strengths

High elemental damage Great mobility Has access to Demon and Archdemon Modes Strong against large monsters

High Elemental Damage and Multiple Hits

Dual Blades have high elemental damage compared to other weapons. Hunters that prepare themselves with Dual Blades of the correct element are greatly rewarded.

Also, the rate of hits which can be executed with Dual Blades is unmatched by any other weapon.

Great Mobility

Dual Blades' attack animations do not take too long, so you can dodge whenever you need to. Demon Mode also turns the dodge into a quick dash.

The Dual Blades' great mobility will allow you to easily target a monster's weak point to get the upper hand.

Increased DPS in Demon and Archdemon Modes

Dual Blades gives you access to Demon Mode and Archdemon Mode. Demon Mode has a stronger moveset and a better evade. It also builds up the Archdemon gauge which allows you to keep your DPS up without using Demon mode.

Strong Against Big Monsters

The Dual Blades is capable of dishing massive damage rapidly. Its ability to weave in and out of fights is also unparalleled. Against a large monster, it becomes easy to choose a part you wish to break which can allow you to pile damage.

Furthermore, the Dual Blades' spinning attack also deals more damage the more hits it can do and it will be able to do it the larger the enemy.

Dual Blades Weaknesses

Loses sharpness quickly High stamina consumption Very short reach

Loses Sharpness Quickly

Because of its high attack speed, Dual Blades lose sharpness quicker than other weapons. It is highly suggested to use skills that reduce sharpness consumption or sharpness increasing skills to alleviate this problem.

High Stamina Consumption

Demon Mode can consume a lot of stamina very quickly, so getting skills that lessen stamina consumption like Constitution will be very useful to Dual Blades users.

Very Short Reach

Dual Blades is one of the weapons that have the shortest reach. Monster parts that are higher up like the head and the tail might often be out of reach for Dual Blades users.

Dual Blades Controls

Basic Controls

Switch	PC	Action
X	Left Click	Double Slash
+ X + X	+ Left Click + Left Click	Double Slash Return Stroke
+ + X (x3)	+ + Left Click (x3)	Circle Slash
A	Right Click	Lunging Strike
+ A + A	+ Right Click + Right Click	Roundslash
zR	MB4	Demon Mode
＋ zL + X	+ Miiddle Click + Left Click	Silkbind Attack: Piercing Bind
＋ zL + A	+ Middle Click + Right Click	Silkbind Attack: Shrouded Vault

Demon Mode Controls

Switch	PC	Action
X	Left Click	Demon Fangs
+ X + X	+ Left Click + Left Click	Twofold Demon Slash
+ + X (x3)	+ + Left Click (x3)	Sixfold Demon Slash
+ + + X + X + Left Stick + X	+ Left Click (x2) + A/D + Left Click	Left/Right Roundslash
A	Right Click	Demon Flurry Rush (Spinning Move)
zR	MB4	Demon Mode Cancel
＋ x + A	+ Left Click + Right Click	Blade Dance (Demon Mode)
Demon Mode (midair or ledge)＋ B	Demon Mode (midair or ledge) + Space	Midair Spinning Blade Dance

Archdemon Mode Controls

Switch	PC	Action
X	Left Click	Demon Fangs
A	Right Click	Demon Flurry Rush (Spinning Move)
＋ X + A	+ Left Click + Right Click	Demon Flurry I (Press again for II and III)

Useful Combos

Basic Combo
Double Slash	Double Slash Return Stroke	Circle Slash
X Left Click	X Left Click	X Left Click

Demon Mode Combo
Demon Fangs	Twofold Demon Slash	Sixfold Demon Slash	Blade Dance
X Left Click	X Left Click	X Left Click	+ + Left Click + Right Click

Stationary Combo
Lunging Strike	Spinning Slash	Double Slash	Lunging Strike
Right Click	Right Click	Left Click	Right Click

Archdemon Mode Combo
Demon Flurry I	Demon Flurry II	Demon Flurry III
+ X + A + Left Click + Right Click	+ X + A + Left Click + Right Click	+ X + A + Left Click + Right Click

Dual Blades Silkbind Attacks

Spiral Slash

Switch Controls	+ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click

The new Spiral Slash Silkbind Attack can be used in the Sunbreak demo and replaces either Piercing Bind or Tower Vault. The user launches themselves spiraling forwards, either from the ground or while in midair.

If the user comes in contact with a monster, the move is executed and repeatedly hits the target with a chance of knocking them out.

This move costs one Wirebug charge and has a medium recovery speed.

Shrouded Vault

Switch Controls	＋ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click

Shrouded Vault is a Silkbind Attack that sends the Dual Blades user forward, then does a spinning attack when hit. It's also a Countering move. When you take a hit when moving, you'll both avoid the attack and execute a counterstrike.

Piercing Bind

Switch Controls	＋ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click

The hunter thrusts an explosive Kunai into the monster. When that body part is attacked again, it will inflict additional blows. After some time has passed, the Kunai will explode, dealing additional damage based on the number of attacks dealt to that body part.

Ironshine Silk

Switch Controls	＋ zL + A
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Right Click

A silkbind attack that aims to mitigate the Dual Blades' long standing problem - sharpness management. While under the effects of Ironshine Silk, all evasion attacks (like Shrouded Vault) would restore sharpness. What more, activating the skill sharpens the weapon a little bit so it can be used as a quick sharpness management tool!

Tower Vault

Switch Controls	＋ zL + X
PC Controls	+ Middle Click + Left Click

Flings the Wirebug and the hunter up in the air. Interestingly, this “attack” does no damage. However, it allows for movement through the air with the weapon drawn.

As movement actions such as the Wiredash cannot be executed with the weapon drawn, this looks to be a powerful tool for maneuvering in close combat.

Dual Blades Switch Skills

Switch Skills are unlocked with different conditions as you progress in the game. Base game MHRise provides Hunters with three (3) slots of Switch Skills, with the Sunbreak expansion adding two (2) more.

Note: Skills in red are exclusive to the Sunbreak expansion.

Skill Slot	Switch Skill Choices
1	・ Demon Flurry Rush ・ Demon Flight
2	・ Demon Mode ・ Feral Demon Mode
3	・ Roundslash Combo ・ Slide Slash Combo
4	・ Piercing Bind ・ Tower Vault ・ Spiral Slash
5	・ Shrouded Vault ・ Ironshine Silk

Switch Skills Guide: How to Unlock Switch Skills

Demon Flight

Switched With	Controls
Demon Flurry Rush	or while in Demon Mode Draw attack while in Archdemon Mode. Press A or Right Click while in Archdemon Mode. A or Right Click while in Demon Mode
Description
An attack performed by slamming down both blades. A successful hit vaults you into the air, slicing your target as you spin upwards. Effective against monsters with weakpoints high above.

This replaces the Demon Flurry Rush with an Aerial attack. This does not work well with Piercing Bind because it moves the hunter too far from the Piercing Bind point so if your playstyle revolves around Piercing Bind, use Demon Flurry Rush instead. If your playstyle revolves around aerial combat, we suggest using Demon Flight!

Feral Demon Mode

Switched With	Controls
Demon Mode	Press or to enter Feral Demon Mode Press zR or MB4 to enter Feral Demon Mode
Description
A more offernsive verson of Demon mode. You switch to an attack-focused stance, dealing slashing attacks when dodging.

This just improves Demon Mode by adding an attack every time you dash/evade. Since Dual Blades is a highly offensive weapon, we suggest using this as soon as you unlock it.

Don't Use Feral Demon Mode to Charge

Demon Mode	Feral Demon Mode
Enlarge	Enlarge

Comparison was made by executing the same combo (Sixfold Demon Slash) with both meters starting from zero.

It is easier to charge the Archdemon mode meter when using Demon Mode instead of Feral Demon Mode. Only use Feral Demon Mode for maintaining the archdemon gauge!

Tower Vault

Switched With	Controls
Piercing Bind	+ zL + X + Middle Click + Left Click
Description
Launches a Wirebug upwards and pulls you into the air. Does not deal any damage but allows you to execute aerial combos with the Dual Blades. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Fast Wirebug Cost: 1

This Silkbind Attack does not even have any damaging move. It only propels the hunter upwards, opening up aerial attack opportunities.

We suggest not getting this at all and just stick to Piercing Bind - the DPS is just too good. If you want to incorporate easy aerial attacks into your combo, use Demon Flight instead.

Slide Slash Combo

Switched With	Controls
Roundslash Combo	Switch Use + after an attack Lunging Strike / Demon Flurry Rush → + Left/Right Slide Slash Note: If there is no directional input, Left Slide Slash is performed by default.
Description
Allows Hunters to attack while evading! The distance is also pretty huge so it's a great reposition tool.

A more evasive maneuver than the Roundslash Combo, this allows you to reposition mid combo and evade monster attacks. Great for monsters that are more mobile.

Spiral Slash

Switched With	Controls
Piercing Bind	+ zL + X + Middle Click + Left Click
Description
A silkbind attack that launches you spiraling forward. Once your attack connects, your body acts as a drill as your blades bore into your target's flesh. You can also perform Spiral Slash while midair. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

An aggressive attack that shoves the Hunter's body like a corkscrew, dealing multiple instances of damage in a short period of time. This goes well with Dual Blades' innate ability to apply status and element!

Ironshine Silk

Switched With	Controls
Shrouded Vault	Switch + zL + A PC + Middle Click + Right Click
Description
Evading just in time before an attack hits will sharpen your weapon. Works well with Shrouded Vault, and all other evasion moves. Effect lasts for 45s. Wirebug Gauge Recovery Speed: Medium Wirebug Cost: 1

A silkbind attack that aims to mitigate the Dual Blades' long standing problem - sharpness management. While under the effects of Ironshine Silk, all evasion attacks (like Shrouded Vault) would restore sharpness. What more, activating the skill sharpens the weapon a little bit so it can be used as a quick sharpness management tool!

Dual Blades Attacks and Moves

Demon Mode

Switch Controls	zR
PC Controls	MB4

While in Demon Mode, your attack combo, movement, and evasion will change, and you'll become immune to knockback. While in Demon Mode, your Stamina Gauge will deplete, and you'll revert to normal when it runs out or you leave Demon Mode.

Your Hunter will glow red while in Demon Mode.

Archdemon Mode

Switch and PC Controls	Automatically gained after exiting Demon Mode and the Archdemon Gauge is full/hasn't depleted yet after being full.

Archdemon Mode is a buffed version of your normal state unlocked by filling the Archdemon gauge. The Archdemon gauge can be built up by attacking enemies while in Demon mode. It allows you to execute the moveset unlocked in Demon mode while not consuming stamina. Depleting the Archdemon gauge will exit it.

A red flame will appear on your Dual Blades when you are in Archdemon Mode.

Archdemon Mode Flame Effect
Enlarge

Midair Spinning Blade Dance

Switch Controls	In Demon Mode while near a ledge, B
PC Controls	In Demon Mode while near a ledge, Space

In Demon Mode or Archdemon Mode, this move will be executed automatically upon pressing B or Space when near a ledge.

It might seem like an underwhelming move but hitting it at a monster will cause the attack to spin until the hunter reaches the monster's opposite end. Use it at a good angle to make every hit count!

You can also execute a Spinning Blade Dance Finisher by pressing either attack button while midair or right after landing.

Blade Dance

Switch Controls	While in Demon Mode, + A + X
PC Controls	While in Demon Mode, + Right Click + Left Click

The Dual Blades' signature move is returning to Monster Hunter Rise! It's a move that locks you in place but in return, allows you to deal massive damage.

While the individual hit may not seem much, totalling the damage can allow an optimized build to deal roughly the same damage as a Great Sword's True Charge Slash.

Demon Flurry Rush (Spin Attack)

Switch Controls	While in Demon / Archdemon Mode, A
PC Controls	While in Demon / Archdemon Mode, Right Click

This might be the most recognizable Dual Blades attack by everyone. This propels the Hunter forward while spinning which deals a lot of hits to the target. Take note, you can only execute this move when in Demon or Archdemon Mode.

Recommended Combos For the Dual Blades

High Damage Silkbind Combo

Switch Controls	+ → + → → → + zR + A → zL + X → A (x2) → X + A
PC Controls	+ → + → → → + MB4 + Right Click → Middle Click + Left Click → Right Click (x2) → Left Click + Right Click

This is a high damage combo that uses the added damage from Piercing Bind. It is suggested that you execute this combo whenever the monster is down to maximize your damage output!

No Wirebug High Damage Combo

Demon Dance Combo

Switch Controls	→ → + zR → A → X + A
PC Controls	→ → + MB4 → Right Click → Left Click + Right Click

This combo is used when your Wirebug gauge is in cooldown and you need good damage dealing combo. This is not as good as the Piercing Bind infused combo but it gets the job done!

Roundslash Loop Combo

Switch Controls	→ → + ... Loop again X (x2) → Left Stick + X ...
PC Controls	→ → / + ... Loop again Left Click (x2) → Directional Button + Left Click ...

A non-Wirebug combo that uses either a Left or Right Roundslash loop. Since the time between loops is short, you can adjust based on the movements of the monster.

High Mobility Bread-and-Butter Combo

Switch Controls	→ → → → A → X (x3 ) → A
PC Controls	→ → → → Right Click → Left Click (x3 ) → Right Click

This is the usual combo you have to master to efficiently use the Dual Blades. It is useable at all times - in normal mode, demon mode, and archdemon mode. Master this one because you would use this combo more often than not!

On-Off Demon Mode Combo

Switch Controls	→ *Then loop A → zR then loop
PC Controls	→ *Then loop Right Click → MB4 then loop

A combo that focuses on mobility. Since the attack windows in Demon Mode and Demon Mode Cancel is short, you can guarantee that your Archdemon Mode meter will fill up. Also, going in and out of Demon Mode saves stamina.

Tips on How to Use the Dual Blades

Demon Mode for Charging, Feral for Attacking Take advantage of Shrouded Vault Get skills that enhance dodging and stamina management Utilize Demon and Archdemon Modes Use Piercing Bind at the right time Use Shrouded Vault instead of iFrame Dodging Use Piercing Bind with Blade Dance while in Demon Mode

Demon Mode for Charging, Feral for Attacking

Demon Mode	Feral Demon Mode
Enlarge	Enlarge

Comparison was made by executing the same combo (Sixfold Demon Slash) with both meters starting from zero.

In Update 10.0, it is now easier to charge the Archdemon mode meter when using Demon Mode instead of Feral Demon Mode.

Whenever you need to charge your meter, swap to Demon Mode. If you're just maintaining and attacking, you can swap back to Feral Demon Mode to deal increased damage.

Take Advantage of Shrouded Vault

While Dual Blades usually does not have any defensive moves, Shrouded Vault brings a new countering option to the Dual Blades' paltry defenses. It's certainly a game-changer for the Dual Blades, so try to use it whenever you know the enemy is going to be attacking.

Use the Wiredash to Close Distance

With the Dual Blades' short reach, it can be hard to get a monster in melee range. The Wiredash can help close the distance on a monster before it knows what stabbed it.

Even if you don't use the Wiredash specifically, simply moving around with Wirebugs improves your mobility, making them a great pair that lends the Dual Blades increased potential compared to previous games.

How to Use Wirebugs

Get Skills That Enhance Dodging and Stamina Management

When Shrouded Vault is unavailable, you would want to enhance your evading with skills like Evade Window or Evade Extender. There are ways to increase Dual Blades' survivability when going toe-to-toe with monsters!

You may also put some stamina management skills like Stamina Surge or Constitution to further improve your mobility!

Dual Blades Builds and Best Equipment

Utilize Demon and Archdemon Modes

Demon Mode is a stamina-draining mode that gives you access to high damage combos. When you attack while on Demon Mode, you're going to accumulate Archdemon Gauge charge.

When that meter fills up, you're going to enter Archdemon Mode which gives you access to Demon Mode combos without the stamina drain. As a Dual Blades user, you must always strive to maintain Archdemon mode.

You know that you are in Archdemon Mode by the red Archdemon Gauge beside the weapon sharpness gauge. The meter will decrease over time or when you use Demon Flurries.

When the meter runs empty, you have to charge it again in Demon Mode. Subsequently, you may also charge while in Archdemon mode by entering Demon Mode and attacking.

Don't Spam The Piercing Bind SIlkbind Attack

The Piercing Bind is a powerful Silkbind attack that was added in Rise. It allows you to deal more damage the more times you hit the monster while they have the dagger lodged in them.

It, however, consumes one Wirebug which is needed to dodge attacks using the new Shrouded Vault move, so try to use it when you have an opening.

Use Shrouded Vault Instead of iFrame Dodges

Using iFrame Dodging without having Evade Window in your build is extremely hard to execute so we recommend using Shrouded Vaults for unavoidable attacks!

How to Avoid Attacks: iFrame Dodge Guide

Use Piercing Bind With Blade Dance in Demon / Archdemon Mode

Piercing Bind is a move that deals more damage the more times you hit the monster. It has a short duration so maximizing its damage via Demon Mode's attacks is the best way to maximize your DPS in Rise. Also, using Blade Dance together with Piercing Bind increases the overall DPS because Blade Dance hits a lot of times!

Dual Blades Known Bugs and Fixes

Update 3.5 Bug Fix

Update 3.5 brought on a nice bug fix for Dual Blades, related to the Silkbind Attack: Shrouded Vault. Previously, Dual Blades players were prevented from performing the Shrouded Vault in their chosen direction if performed too soon after activating Feral Demon Mode. This is fixed now!

Update 3.5: Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection Collaboration, DLC, and Patch Notes

Changes from MHW: Iceborne

Slashing attack (O) changed Increased Demon Mode movement speed Demon Flurry now has three levels (I, II, III)

Monster Hunter Rise (MH Rise) Related Links

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