Revision 2

Overview

The dual wield build in Crimson Desert replaces the shield with a second one-handed weapon, creating a fully offensive setup that prioritizes attack speed and damage over defensive blocking. This build focuses on overwhelming enemies with rapid attack chains, using Blinding Flash Finisher for burst damage and Forward Slash for sustained pressure.

Dual wielding works for any character but is most commonly built on Kliff. The trade-off is clear: you lose the dedicated shield block, but you gain faster attack animations, higher overall damage output, and the ability to combine Abyss Cores from two separate weapons for more build flexibility. You can still block and parry while dual wielding, and the damage mitigation is similar to a shield for most incoming attacks.

How to Set Up Dual Wielding

Dual wielding is not a separate skill or unlock. You enable it through the weapon wheel at any time:

1. Hold Left on the D-Pad (or the equivalent keyboard key) to open the Armed Combat menu (weapon wheel).

2. Use the analog stick to hover over the shield slot.

3. Press R2 or L2 to swap out the shield for a second one-handed weapon of your choice.

Important: Only weapons marked as "One-Handed" can be dual wielded. Two-handed weapons like longswords, greatswords, and spears are not compatible. Daggers are a separate stealth weapon and cannot be equipped in the dual wield slot.

Recommended Weapons

The best dual wield combinations pair a fast primary weapon with a hard-hitting secondary. Both weapons contribute their Abyss Cores to your build, so consider complementary core loadouts.

Recommended Pairings

• Primary + Secondary: Sword of the Lord (primary) paired with Tauria Curved Sword (secondary). The Sword of the Lord's high ATK Speed lets you chain attacks quickly, while the Tauria adds raw damage and Crow's Pursuit passive hits.

• Early Game: Two copies of the Sword of the Wolf, or Sword of the Wolf with any available one-handed weapon from equipment shops. Strip the Hwando's Abyss Gears onto your swords for a significant early damage boost.

• Bekker Axes: Available in the Underbridge area after the prologue. These dual axes provide fast area-of-effect swings and are a strong option for players who prefer cleaving through groups.

Essential Skills

The dual wield build emphasizes offensive skills from the Stamina tree, backed by Keen Senses and Nature's Echo from the Spirit tree.

Stamina Tree (Primary)

Spirit Tree (Secondary)

Health Tree (Utility)

Recommended Armor

The Canta Plate Set works well for the dual wield build because the gloves and boots provide both ATK and ATK Speed bonuses, directly amplifying your attack chains.

As the game progresses, fill all five accessory slots (necklace, two rings, two earrings) with items that boost Health, Stamina, and Spirit regeneration. Early accessories share similar stats, so prioritize filling empty slots over min-maxing individual pieces.

Abyss Cores

The dual wield build's biggest advantage is having Abyss Core slots on two weapons instead of one weapon plus a shield. This lets you stack more offensive cores for higher damage output.

Stat Allocation

The dual wield build favors Stamina for extended combo chains, with Health as a close second for survivability without a shield.

• Stamina (5+ points): Execute full Forward Slash and Spinning Slash chains without running dry. At least 5 points ensures you can complete a full rotation before needing to recover.

• Health (4+ points): Without a shield, you will take hits. A solid health pool prevents one-shot deaths against bosses.

• Spirit (3+ points): Powers Blinding Flash Finisher, which is your primary burst damage tool. You need enough Spirit to fire it at the start and end of each engagement.

Combat Rotation

Standard Rotation

1. Open with Blinding Flash Finisher to deal immediate AoE burst damage and stun nearby enemies.

2. Chain Forward Slash repeatedly for sustained damage. Use Forward Slash Sure Hit for guaranteed connects.

3. Weave in Spinning Slash when enemies group together.

4. When Spirit regenerates, fire Blinding Flash Finisher again for a second burst.

5. Use Dodge and Counter from Keen Senses to seamlessly chain defensive reactions back into offense.

Boss Encounters

Against bosses, the dual wield build demands more active defense since you cannot simply hold block. Focus on Dodge and Counter from Keen Senses to create openings, then punish with short Forward Slash chains. Activate Nature's Echo before your damage windows to double your output. Save Blinding Flash Finisher for moments when the boss is recovering from a heavy attack.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Tips

• You can still block and parry while dual wielding. The damage mitigation is comparable to a shield for most attacks, so do not hesitate to use it when dodging is unsafe.

• Combining different Abyss Cores on each sword creates hybrid effects. For example, Stamina Transference on one weapon and Destruction on the other gives you both sustain and damage.

• Dual wielding rewards aggression. R2 attacks and Finishers deal more brutal damage with two weapons than with a sword and shield.

• For boss fights where you keep dying, temporarily switch back to sword and shield. There is no penalty for swapping loadouts through the weapon wheel.

• Invest in Dodge and Counter from Keen Senses early. These two skills replace the shield as your primary defensive tools.

See Also

• Build Guide: Kliff

• Builds

• Weapons

• Best Weapons by Type

• Sword and Shield

• Abyss Cores