Dual wielding

Dual wielding refers to using a one-handed weapon in both hands. It is intended to be an option halfway between the damage output of two-handed weapons and the defensiveness of a shield and weapon combo.

Whenever the player equips two one-handed weapons of any type, dual wielding grants the following stats:

• 10% more Attack Speed while Dual Wielding

The attack speed bonus is applied multiplicatively with other attack speed modifiers. These bonuses to dual wielding can be increased via passive skills. Weapons do not have to be of the same type to receive dual wielding bonuses.

There are no penalties of any kind to attacks with the player's off-hand weapon. The majority of attack skills in Path of Exile will alternate between equipped weapons for attacks, swinging first with the main hand and then with the off-hand weapon. The resulting attack speed is the average of the two weapons' attack speed, so the total time for a pair of attacks is as if each weapon attacked once.

It is possible to dual-wield wands. However, players cannot wield a wand in one hand and a melee weapon in the other.

Single-weapon attacks

The following attacks only use the player's main hand weapon:

• Ground SlamGround SlamAttack, AoE, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 6 Mana
  Attack Speed: 90% of base
  Attack Damage: (115-188)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (115-188)%
  AoE Radius: 35Slams the ground in front of you, creating a wave that travels forward and damages enemies with an increased chance to stun. The wave deals more damage to closer enemies. Requires an Axe, Mace, Sceptre, Staff or Unarmed.25% reduced Enemy Stun Threshold
  +(0-1) metre to radius
  Deals up to (40-49)% more Damage with Hits to closer targets
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Deals up to +(1-20)% more Damage with Hits to closer targetsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Mace
• Leap SlamLeap SlamAttack, AoE, Movement, Travel, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 10 Mana
  Attack Damage: (100-150)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (100-150)%
  AoE Radius: 15Requires Level 10Jump through the air, damaging and knocking back enemies with your weapon where you land. Enemies you would land on are pushed out of the way. Requires an Axe, Mace, Sceptre, Sword or Staff. Cannot be supported by Multistrike.(20-39)% increased Stun Duration against Enemies that are on Full Life
  +0.55 seconds to Attack Time
  Base radius is 1.5 metres
  Damaging Hits always Stun Enemies that are on Full Life
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (2-40)% increased Stun Duration against Enemies that are on Full LifePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace, Sword
• Ice CrashIce CrashAttack, AoE, Cold, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 8 Mana
  Attack Speed: 70% of base
  Attack Damage: (230-350)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (230-350)%
  AoE Radius: 26Requires Level 28Slam the ground, damaging enemies in an area around the impact in three stages of increasing size. Enemies take slightly less damage on the second and third stage, and can only be hit by one stage. Works with Swords, Maces, Sceptres, Axes, Staves and Unarmed.100% of Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage
  Second Stage deals 15% less Damage
  Third Stage deals 30% less Damage
  Base radius is 1.1 metres
  Base secondary radius is 2.1 metres
  Base tertiary radius is 3.1 metres
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Gain (0.75-15)% of Physical Damage as Extra Cold DamagePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace, Sword
• SunderSunderAttack, AoE, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 8 Mana
  Attack Speed: 75% of base
  Attack Damage: (220-325)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (220-325)%Requires Level 12Slams the ground, creating a slow wave of churning terrain that damages enemies in a sequence of areas in front of you. A number of enemies hit by the wave will release a shockwave, damaging other enemies around them. Using the skill again will stop the previous wave. Requires a Mace, Sceptre, Axe, Staff or Unarmed.(0-19)% more Area of Effect
  Shockwaves deal 40% less Damage
  Wave causes Shockwaves from up to 5 Enemies in each Area
  Wave has (0-25)% reduced delay between Areas
  Wave Damages 5 Areas
  Wave cannot stop before Damaging 2 Areas
  Wave gains +0.2 metres to radius with each Area in the Sequence
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Wave gains +(0.005-0.1) metres to radius with each Area in the SequencePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace
• Double StrikeDouble StrikeAttack, Melee, Strike, Physical
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 5 Mana
  Attack Speed: 80% of base
  Attack Damage: (91-140)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (91-140)%Performs two fast strikes with a melee weapon.25% chance to cause Bleeding
  Adds (3-113) to (5-169) Physical Damage against Bleeding Enemies
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (1-20)% chance to deal Double Damage to Bleeding EnemiesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Any
• Ancestral WarchiefAncestral WarchiefAttack, Totem, AoE, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 10 Mana
  Attack Speed: 90% of base
  Attack Damage: (110-166)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (110-166)%Requires Level 28Summons an Ancestor Totem which attacks enemies with a powerful slam while you're near it. Being near it grants you more melee damage. Requires a Melee Weapon or Unarmed.Totem lasts 12 seconds
  Summons a Totem which uses this Skill
  (8-18)% more Melee Damage while Totem is Active
  50% increased Totem Placement speed
  +1 metre to Melee Strike Range
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (1.5-30)% increased Activation rangePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Any
• Tectonic SlamTectonic SlamFire, Attack, AoE, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 10 Mana
  Attack Speed: 80% of base
  Attack Damage: (180-275)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (180-275)%Requires Level 28Slam the ground, unleashing a fiery fissure in front of you, dealing area damage and randomly releasing a number of smaller fissures branching off from it. Consume an Endurance Charge every third time you slam the ground with this skill. Requires a Mace, Sceptre, Sword, Axe, Staff, or Unarmed.60% of Physical Damage Converted to Fire Damage
  5% more Area of Effect per Endurance Charge
  30% fissure branching chance
  +5% fissure branching chance per Endurance Charge
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  +(1.5-30)% Fissure branching chancePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace, Sword
• EarthquakeEarthquakeAttack, AoE, Duration, Slam, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 10 Mana
  Attack Speed: 75% of base
  Attack Damage: (85-150)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (85-150)%
  AoE Radius: 18 / 28Requires Level 28Smashes the ground, dealing damage in an area and cracking the earth. The crack will erupt in a powerful aftershock after a duration. Cracks created before the first one has erupted will not generate their own aftershocks. Requires an Axe, Mace, Sceptre, Staff or Unarmed.Base duration is 1.00 seconds
  Aftershock deals 150% more Damage with Hits and Ailments
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Aftershock deals +(1.5-30)% more Damage with Hits and AilmentsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace

These attacks choose a random applicable weapon to attack with:

• Whirling BladesWhirling BladesAttack, Movement, Travel, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 10 Mana
  Attack Damage: (100-150)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (100-150)%Requires Level 10Dive through enemies, dealing weapon damage. If dual wielding attacks with both weapons, dealing the damage of both in one hit. Only works with Daggers, Claws, and One-Handed Swords. Cannot be supported by Multistrike.When Dual Wielding, Deals 75% Damage from each Weapon combined
  +0.6 seconds to Attack Time
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.5-10)% increased Attack SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.

When the player has two different weapons equipped when using a skill that only works with one of them, only the valid weapon will be used for attacks made with that skill. Skills that fall under this category (apart from the above) include:

• Glacial HammerGlacial HammerAttack, Melee, Strike, Cold
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 5 Mana
  Attack Damage: (165-269)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (165-269)%Hits enemies, converting some of your physical damage to cold damage. If a non-unique enemy is frozen and is on less than one third life, they will shatter when hit by Glacial Hammer. If striking three times in a row, the third strike will freeze enemies more easily. Requires a Mace, Sceptre or Staff.25% chance to Freeze enemies
  100% of Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage
  Every third successive strike Freezes enemies as though dealing (200-390)% more Damage
  +0.2 metres to Melee Strike Range
  35% increased Duration of Cold Ailments
  (10-29)% increased Effect of Cold Ailments
  Adds (2-75) to (3-113) Cold Damage against Chilled Enemies
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Every third successive strike Freezes enemies as though dealing (5-100)% more DamagePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Mace
• Heavy StrikeHeavy StrikeAttack, Melee, Strike
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 5 Mana
  Attack Speed: 85% of base
  Attack Damage: (195-313)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (195-313)%Attacks enemies with a forceful blow, knocking them back. Requires a Mace, Sceptre, Axe, Sword or Two-Handed Weapon.Knocks Enemies Back on Hit
  25% reduced Enemy Stun Threshold
  +0.2 metres to Melee Strike Range
  (20-39)% chance to deal Double Damage
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (1-20)% chance to deal Double DamagePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace, Sword
• Infernal BlowInfernal BlowAttack, AoE, Melee, Strike, Fire, Duration
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 6 Mana
  Attack Damage: (104-166)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (104-166)%
  AoE Radius: 15Requires Level 12Attacks with your weapon, applying a charged debuff to enemies hit by your strike, and an uncharged debuff to any other enemies hit. Upon reaching 6 charges, expiring, or the enemy's death, the charged debuff is removed to damage that and other surrounding enemies. Enemies with either debuff explode when they die, damaging other surrounding enemies. Damage from this explosion cannot be reflected. Requires a Sword, Axe, Mace, Sceptre, Staff or Unarmed.Base duration is 0.80 seconds
  (5-75) to (8-113) Added Fire Damage
  Explosion deals base Fire Damage equal to 6% of the corpse's Maximum Life
  60% of Physical Damage Converted to Fire Damage
  Base radius is 2.4 metres
  Base explosion radius is 1.8 metres
  Debuff deals 66% of Damage per Charge
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Debuff deals +(0.5-10)% of Damage per ChargePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Mace, Sword
• LacerateLacerateAttack, AoE, Physical, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 8 Mana
  Attack Speed: 60% of base
  Attack Damage: (100-154)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (100-154)%
  AoE Radius: 38Requires Level 12Slashes twice, releasing waves of force that damage enemies they hit. Enemies in the middle of the slashes can be hit by both. The slashes will have a chance to inflict bleeding in Blood Stance, or have a wider angle in Sand Stance. Can be used with Axes and Swords. You are in Blood Stance by default.(5-75) to (8-113) Added Attack Physical Damage
  +(0-0.9) metres to radius
  (50-88)% more Damage with Bleeding while in Blood Stance
  25% chance to cause Bleeding while in Blood Stance
  50% increased angle while in Sand Stance
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (1-20)% increased Attack Speed if you've changed Stance RecentlyPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Axe, Sword
• PuncturePunctureAttack, Projectile, Duration, Melee, Strike, Physical, Bow
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 6 Mana
  Attack Speed: 70% of base
  Attack Damage: (134-164)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (135-165)%Requires Level 4Punctures enemies, causing a bleeding debuff, which will be affected by modifiers to skill duration. Puncture works with bows, daggers, claws or swords.Base duration is 8.00 seconds
  (3-75) to (4-113) Added Attack Physical Damage
  (30-49)% more Damage with Bleeding
  Causes Bleeding
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  +(1-20)% more Damage with BleedingPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Claw, Dagger, Sword
• ReaveReaveAttack, AoE, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 6 Mana
  Attack Damage: (170-250)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (170-250)%
  AoE Radius: 20Requires Level 12Attacks an area in front of you. Each Reave that hits an enemy grants stages, which you will begin to lose after a short period without hitting anything. Only works with Daggers, Claws, and One-Handed Swords.4 Maximum Stages
  +(0-0.2) metres to radius
  50% more Area of Effect for each stage
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  +(0.1-2) to maximum StagesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Claw, Dagger, Sword
• Viper StrikeViper StrikeAttack, Duration, Melee, Strike, Chaos
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 5 Mana
  Attack Damage: (90-154)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (90-154)%Hits enemies, converting some of your physical damage to chaos damage and inflicting poison which will be affected by modifiers to skill duration. If dual wielding, will strike with both weapons. Requires a claw, dagger or sword.30% less Attack Speed if Dual Wielding
  Each Weapon Hits separately if Dual Wielding, dealing 20% less Damage
  Base duration is 4.00 seconds
  (5-169) to (7-254) Added Chaos Damage
  60% of Physical Damage Converted to Chaos Damage
  60% chance to Poison on Hit
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Base duration is (0.05-1) secondsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Claw, Dagger, Sword
• Whirling BladesWhirling BladesAttack, Movement, Travel, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 10 Mana
  Attack Damage: (100-150)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (100-150)%Requires Level 10Dive through enemies, dealing weapon damage. If dual wielding attacks with both weapons, dealing the damage of both in one hit. Only works with Daggers, Claws, and One-Handed Swords. Cannot be supported by Multistrike.When Dual Wielding, Deals 75% Damage from each Weapon combined
  +0.6 seconds to Attack Time
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.5-10)% increased Attack SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Claw, Dagger, Sword
• Blade FlurryBlade FlurryAttack, AoE, Channelling, Physical, Melee
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: 4 Mana
  Attack Speed: 160% of base
  Attack Damage: (32-49)% of base
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: (32-49)%
  AoE Radius: 14 / 17 / 19Requires Level 28Repeatedly hit enemies in a circle in front of you while channelling, dealing damage to and around the enemy. The damage is continually boosted while channelling. You unleash an additional hit for each stage reached once the channelling ends. Requires a Dagger, Claw or One-Handed Sword.(14-75) to (20-113) Added Attack Physical Damage
  20% more Damage with Hits and Ailments for each stage
  Maximum 6 Stages
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  +(0.25-5)% more Damage with Hits and Ailments for each stagePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.: Claw, Dagger, Sword

If only one weapon is used, the dual wielding bonuses will still apply; however, the attack rate will be based only on the weapon that is actually used. The tooltip appears to be wrong.

Unique items

These items contain bonuses which can only be obtained through dual wielding:

Item		Stats
Replica Ungil's GaucheReplica Ungil's Gauche Boot KnifeRune Dagger Physical Damage: 8-34 Critical Strike Chance: 6.30% Attacks per Second: 1.59 Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 20, 31 Dex, 45 Int30% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+18% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding +(10-20) to Dexterity 10% increased Attack Speed 50% increased Global Critical Strike Chance Chill Attackers for 4 seconds on Block Shock Attackers for 4 seconds on Block"Recommend further production of Prototype #122. It makes an ideal weapon for our suppression troops and guards."	20	30% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+18% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding +(10-20) to Dexterity 10% increased Attack Speed 50% increased Global Critical Strike Chance Chill Attackers for 4 seconds on Block Shock Attackers for 4 seconds on Block
Ungil's GaucheUngil's Gauche Boot KnifeRune Dagger Physical Damage: (14.4-16) to (61.2-68) Elemental Damage: 3-30 Critical Strike Chance: 6.30% Attacks per Second: 1.59 Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 20, 31 Dex, 45 Int30% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+12% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding +(10-20) to Dexterity (80-100)% increased Physical Damage Adds 3 to 30 Lightning Damage 10% increased Attack Speed 50% increased Global Critical Strike ChanceUnwieldy and garish became graceful and deadly in Ungil's nimble hands.	20	30% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+12% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding +(10-20) to Dexterity (80-100)% increased Physical Damage Adds 3 to 30 Lightning Damage 10% increased Attack Speed 50% increased Global Critical Strike Chance
Prismatic EclipsePrismatic Eclipse Twilight BladeOne Handed Sword Physical Damage: (90-100) to (157-166) Critical Strike Chance: 5.00% Attacks per Second: 1.30 Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 53, 91 Str, 91 Dex40% increased Global Accuracy Rating+8% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Adds (60-70) to (71-80) Physical Damage 25% increased Global Physical Damage with Weapons per Red Socket 12% increased Global Attack Speed per Green Socket 0.4% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Mana per Blue Socket +0.2 metres to Melee Strike Range per White Socket"A raging Solaris seared and contorted the orb's surface. A despairing Lunaris filled the scars with her tears. Yet Viridi remained, trapped within, forever more." - Azmerian Creation Myth	53	40% increased Global Accuracy Rating+8% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Adds (60-70) to (71-80) Physical Damage 25% increased Global Physical Damage with Weapons per Red Socket 12% increased Global Attack Speed per Green Socket 0.4% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Mana per Blue Socket +0.2 metres to Melee Strike Range per White Socket
Replica Wings of EntropyReplica Wings of Entropy Ezomyte AxeTwo Handed Axe Physical Damage: (139.2-156.6) to (209.6-235.8) Critical Strike Chance: 5.70% Attacks per Second: 1.35 Weapon Range: 1.3 metresRequires Level 62, 140 Str, 86 Dex(7-10)% Chance to Block Spell Damage +(8-12)% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (60-80)% increased Physical Damage Counts as Dual Wielding +(8-10)% to Off Hand Critical Strike Chance (50-70)% more Main Hand attack speed"The remarkable imbalance of Prototype #848 leads to uncommon power or speed when striking."	62	(7-10)% Chance to Block Spell Damage +(8-12)% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (60-80)% increased Physical Damage Counts as Dual Wielding +(8-10)% to Off Hand Critical Strike Chance (50-70)% more Main Hand attack speed
Wings of EntropyWings of Entropy Ezomyte AxeTwo Handed Axe Physical Damage: (139.2-156.6) to (209.6-235.8) Critical Strike Chance: 5.70% Attacks per Second: 1.35 Weapon Range: 1.3 metresRequires Level 62, 140 Str, 86 Dex(7-10)% Chance to Block Spell Damage +(8-12)% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (60-80)% increased Physical Damage Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Fire Damage in Main Hand Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Chaos Damage in Off Hand Counts as Dual WieldingFire and Anarchy are the most reliable agents of change.	62	(7-10)% Chance to Block Spell Damage +(8-12)% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (60-80)% increased Physical Damage Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Fire Damage in Main Hand Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Chaos Damage in Off Hand Counts as Dual Wielding
Mark of the Doubting KnightMark of the Doubting Knight Platinum KrisRune Dagger Physical Damage: (84-88.8) to (332.5-351.5) Critical Strike Chance: 6.50% Attacks per Second: 1.08 Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 64, 76 Dex, 149 Int50% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+5% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (250-270)% increased Physical Damage 10% reduced Attack Speed +(6-10)% to all Elemental Resistances 50% chance to Cause Bleeding on Critical Strike 50% chance to Cause Poison on Critical StrikeNothing is pure. Slice open the Innocent And spill a thousand Sins.	64	50% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+5% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (250-270)% increased Physical Damage 10% reduced Attack Speed +(6-10)% to all Elemental Resistances 50% chance to Cause Bleeding on Critical Strike 50% chance to Cause Poison on Critical Strike
Essentia SanguisEssentia Sanguis Vaal ClawClaw Physical Damage: 29-76 Elemental Damage: 1 to (600-700) Critical Strike Chance: 6.50% Attacks per Second: (1.56-1.69) Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 66, 95 Dex, 131 Int2% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Life+8% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Claws Adds 1 to (600-700) Lightning Damage (20-30)% increased Attack Speed +(30-40) to maximum Energy Shield Energy Shield Leech Effects from Attacks are not removed at Full Energy Shield Ghost ReaverThe darkest clouds clashed and coupled, giving birth to four lightning children of hate.	66	2% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Life+8% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Claws Adds 1 to (600-700) Lightning Damage (20-30)% increased Attack Speed +(30-40) to maximum Energy Shield Energy Shield Leech Effects from Attacks are not removed at Full Energy Shield Ghost Reaver
Rigwald's SavageryRigwald's Savagery Royal AxeOne Handed Axe Physical Damage: (104-124) to (235-265) Critical Strike Chance: 5.00% Attacks per Second: (1.32-1.38) Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 67, 167 Str, 57 DexAdds (50-70) to (135-165) Physical Damage 40% increased Physical Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (10-15)% increased Attack Speed +25 to Maximum Rage while wielding a SwordTear the flesh from the bone. Turn the bone to dust. Scatter the dust to the wind.	67	Adds (50-70) to (135-165) Physical Damage 40% increased Physical Attack Damage while Dual Wielding (10-15)% increased Attack Speed +25 to Maximum Rage while wielding a Sword
Rigwald's CommandRigwald's Command Midnight BladeOne Handed Sword Physical Damage: (95-115) to (249-279) Critical Strike Chance: 5.00% Attacks per Second: 1.30 Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 68, 113 Str, 113 Dex40% increased Global Accuracy Rating+10% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Adds (60-80) to (150-180) Physical Damage +(350-400) to Accuracy Rating +1% to Damage over Time Multiplier for Bleeding per Rage while wielding an AxeFear not death. Turn to him, face him. And smile as he sinks his teeth into the throats of our oppressors.	68	40% increased Global Accuracy Rating+10% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Adds (60-80) to (150-180) Physical Damage +(350-400) to Accuracy Rating +1% to Damage over Time Multiplier for Bleeding per Rage while wielding an Axe

Passive skills

There are passive skills that grant dual wielding bonuses.

Physical damage while dual wielding

These passive skills grant increased physical damage with weapons while dual wielding.

Accuracy while dual wielding

These passive skills grant increased accuracy rating while dual wielding.

Attack speed while dual wielding

These passive skills grant increased attack speed while dual wielding.

Critical strike chance while dual wielding

These passive skills grant increased critical strike chance with weapons while dual wielding.

Chance to block while dual wielding

These passive skills grant additional chance to block while dual wielding.

Ascendancy passive skills

There are Ascendancy passive skills that grant dual wielding bonuses.

Strategy

Blocking

Passive skills

As of 2.1 there are the following passive clusters that provide block chance while Dual Wielding:

• The Scion starting area: 4%
• Dervish (near Duelist): 2%
• Blade Barrier branch (south of Dervish): 7%
• Aspect of the Panther and Weapon Artistry (near Ranger): 4%
• Swagger cluster (upper east of Ranger): 4%
• Slashing Comeback (lower east of Ranger): 4%
• Gemini cluster (northeast of Shadow): 6%

All of the dual wield block nodes are located in or near the Dexterity sector of the passive tree, making a critical strike build a natural choice. This is enhanced by the Twin Terrors cluster with its 125% critical strike chance and prime location between Bravado and Dervish.

There is a total of 27% additional block chance on the passive tree for a total of 42% possible block chance without items, or 38% if we discount Slashing Comeback which is gated behind five sword nodes and is thus prohibitively expensive for non-sword builds.

Items

Using a Maraketh dagger (i.e. SaiSaiDagger
Physical Damage: 22-88
Critical Strike Chance: 6.20%
Attacks per Second: 1.35
Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 70, 121 Dex, 121 Int6% Chance to Block Attack Damage), corrupting an item with a Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 20Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again., or crafting with Vagan, Weaponmaster can provide some additional block chance. Failing this, or if more flexibility in passives is desired, one or more of the following unique items may work:

• Wings of EntropyWings of Entropy
  Ezomyte AxeTwo Handed Axe
  Physical Damage: (139.2-156.6) to (209.6-235.8)
  Critical Strike Chance: 5.70%
  Attacks per Second: 1.35
  Weapon Range: 1.3 metresRequires Level 62, 140 Str, 86 Dex(7-10)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
  +(8-12)% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding
  (60-80)% increased Physical Damage
  Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Fire Damage in Main Hand
  Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Chaos Damage in Off Hand
  Counts as Dual WieldingFire and Anarchy are the most reliable agents of change. (10% (Legacy)/8%): A popular choice due to allowing for 100% block chance applied to spells when combined with Stone of LazhwarStone of Lazhwar
  Lapis AmuletRequires Level 5+(20-30) to Intelligence(12-15)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
  (15-20)% increased Cast Speed
  +(40-70) to maximum ManaYou are slow, foolish and ignorant.
  I am not. and RainbowstrideRainbowstride
  Conjurer BootsEnergy Shield: (36-42)Requires Level 53, 94 Int(15-20)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
  +(40-60) to maximum Mana
  +20% to all Elemental Resistances
  20% increased Movement Speed"They say that you should take life's troubles in your stride.
  Some men have a longer stride than others."
  - Gaius Sentari.
• The Bringer of RainThe Bringer of Rain
  Nightmare BascinetArmour: (486-748)
  Evasion: (699-1072)Requires Level 67, 62 Str, 85 DexSocketed Gems are Supported by Level 30 Melee Physical Damage
  Socketed Gems are Supported by Level 30 Faster Attacks
  Socketed Gems are supported by Level 30 Blind
  6% Chance to Block Attack Damage
  Adds 20 to 30 Physical Damage to Attacks
  (200-300)% increased Armour and Evasion
  +(200-300) to maximum Life
  20% chance to gain an Endurance Charge when you Block
  Can't use Chest armour
  Extra gore"What lies beneath your feet?!"
  "Sacred ground, watered with tears of blood!" (15% (Legacy)/6%): Helpful for reaching the block cap with Wings of Entropy, leading to the famous "Bringer of WoE" build.
• The AnvilThe Anvil
  Amber AmuletRequires Level 45+(20-30) to Strength(10-15)% Chance to Block Attack Damage
  10% reduced Attack Speed
  10% reduced Cast Speed
  +(400-500) to Armour
  (34-48) Life gained when you Block
  (18-24) Mana gained when you Block
  +3% to maximum Chance to Block Attack Damage
  Reflects 240 to 300 Physical Damage to Attackers on BlockForge your Perseverance on the Anvil of Faith. (10% (Legacy)/8%, +3% maximum): Precludes Stone of LazhwarStone of Lazhwar
  Lapis AmuletRequires Level 5+(20-30) to Intelligence(12-15)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
  (15-20)% increased Cast Speed
  +(40-70) to maximum ManaYou are slow, foolish and ignorant.
  I am not., severely limiting its effectiveness for non-Gladiators.
• Ungil's GaucheUngil's Gauche
  Boot KnifeRune Dagger
  Physical Damage: (14.4-16) to (61.2-68)
  Elemental Damage: 3-30
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.30%
  Attacks per Second: 1.59
  Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 20, 31 Dex, 45 Int30% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+12% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding
  +(10-20) to Dexterity
  (80-100)% increased Physical Damage
  Adds 3 to 30 Lightning Damage
  10% increased Attack Speed
  50% increased Global Critical Strike ChanceUnwieldy and garish became graceful
  and deadly in Ungil's nimble hands. (20% (Legacy)/12%): A single Ungil's Gauche provides a large amount of block chance rivaling most shields, as well as a strong 90% increased global critical strike chance. However, its direct attack characteristics are not endgame viable, and are subpar even for Cast On Critical Strike SupportCast On Critical Strike SupportCritical, Support, Spell, Trigger
  Icon: &
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%
  Cooldown Time: 0.15 sec
  Can Store 1 Use(s)Requires Level 38Must support both an attack skill and a spell skill to work. The attack skill will trigger a spell when it critically strikes an enemy. Cannot support totems, traps, or mines. Vaal skills, channelling skills, and skills with a reservation cannot be triggered.Supported Attacks will Trigger a Supported Spell when you Crit an Enemy
  Supported Skills deal (19-10)% less Spell Damage
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Supported Skills have (1-20)% increased Attack Critical Strike Chance
  Supported Skills have (1-20)% increased Spell Critical Strike ChanceThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket. builds, delivering 10.47% base critical hits per second whereas rare daggers can exceed 18% with top rolls.
• Advancing FortressAdvancing Fortress
  Gut RipperClaw
  Physical Damage: (40-44) to (106-116.6)
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.30%
  Attacks per Second: 1.50
  Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 46, 80 Dex, 80 IntGrants 44 Life per Enemy HitSocketed Gems are Supported by Level 12 Fortify
  15% Chance to Block Attack Damage
  (100-120)% increased Physical Damage
  +110 to Evasion Rating
  +35 to maximum Energy Shield
  +(30-50) to maximum Life
  Reflects (71-90) Physical Damage to Melee Attackers"A man cowers behind his walls.
  A woman carries her fortress with her.
  In heart, in mind, in hand."
  - Sekhema Deshret (15%): Grants the highest block chance of all weapons, nice defensive bonuses, and a free Fortify gem. However, its damage output is subpar.
• Prismatic EclipsePrismatic Eclipse
  Twilight BladeOne Handed Sword
  Physical Damage: (90-100) to (157-166)
  Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
  Attacks per Second: 1.30
  Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 53, 91 Str, 91 Dex40% increased Global Accuracy Rating+8% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding
  Adds (60-70) to (71-80) Physical Damage
  25% increased Global Physical Damage with Weapons per Red Socket
  12% increased Global Attack Speed per Green Socket
  0.4% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Mana per Blue Socket
  +0.2 metres to Melee Strike Range per White Socket"A raging Solaris seared and contorted the orb's surface.
  A despairing Lunaris filled the scars with her tears.
  Yet Viridi remained, trapped within, forever more."
  - Azmerian Creation Myth (10% (Legacy)/8%): In addition to the block chance, Prismatic Eclipse can provide interesting socket bonuses, particularly 36% attack rate for a GGG version. However, it has a low base damage and its critical hit capability is even worse endgame than those of Ungil's Gauche.
• Essentia SanguisEssentia Sanguis
  Vaal ClawClaw
  Physical Damage: 29-76
  Elemental Damage: 1 to (600-700)
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.50%
  Attacks per Second: (1.56-1.69)
  Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 66, 95 Dex, 131 Int2% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Life+8% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding Claws
  Adds 1 to (600-700) Lightning Damage
  (20-30)% increased Attack Speed
  +(30-40) to maximum Energy Shield
  Energy Shield Leech Effects from Attacks are not removed at Full Energy Shield
  Ghost ReaverThe darkest clouds clashed and coupled,
  giving birth to four lightning children of hate. (10% (Legacy)/8% with claws): Without improved critical strike chance, Essentia Sanguis is lacking in direct attack capability lategame.
• Mark of the Doubting KnightMark of the Doubting Knight
  Platinum KrisRune Dagger
  Physical Damage: (84-88.8) to (332.5-351.5)
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.50%
  Attacks per Second: 1.08
  Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 64, 76 Dex, 149 Int50% increased Global Critical Strike Chance+5% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding
  (250-270)% increased Physical Damage
  10% reduced Attack Speed
  +(6-10)% to all Elemental Resistances
  50% chance to Cause Bleeding on Critical Strike
  50% chance to Cause Poison on Critical StrikeNothing is pure.
  Slice open the Innocent
  And spill a thousand Sins. (5%): Without improved critical strike chance, Mark of the Doubting Knight is lacking in direct attack capability lategame. At only 5% additional block chance, reaching the block cap will also likely require corrupted items and/or Master crafting.
• ScaevaScaeva
  GladiusOne Handed Sword
  Physical Damage: (129-146) to (203-232)
  Critical Strike Chance: (5.75-6.25)%
  Attacks per Second: 1.30
  Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 60, 113 Str, 113 Dex40% increased Global Accuracy RatingAdds (75-92) to (125-154) Physical Damage
  (15-25)% increased Critical Strike Chance
  0.3% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Life per Red Socket
  +10% to Global Critical Strike Multiplier per Green Socket
  0.3% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Mana per Blue Socket
  8% increased Global Defences per White Socket
  (60-80)% increased Global Critical Strike Chance when in Main Hand
  +8% Chance to Block Attack Damage when in Off HandEven from the back rows,
  the whistling steel was mesmerising.
  They watched the dance in the arena dust, silent as the dead.
  A spell only broken by the spilling of blood. (8%): This weapon gains block chance when equipped in the off-hand. Compared to Prismatic Eclipse, while its socket bonuses are not as powerful, its base damage makes it usable for attacking. As a downside, equipping it on the off-hand sacrifices a large amount of potential critical strike chance.
• Rigwald's CommandRigwald's Command
  Midnight BladeOne Handed Sword
  Physical Damage: (95-115) to (249-279)
  Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
  Attacks per Second: 1.30
  Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 68, 113 Str, 113 Dex40% increased Global Accuracy Rating+10% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding
  Adds (60-80) to (150-180) Physical Damage
  +(350-400) to Accuracy Rating
  +1% to Damage over Time Multiplier for Bleeding per Rage while wielding an AxeFear not death. Turn to him, face him.
  And smile as he sinks his teeth
  into the throats of our oppressors. (10%): While end-game viable for non-crit builds, it is a league-exclusive item and its bonuses are sub-optimal without axes, which lacks uniques that add block chance.

Most of the one-handed uniques above are all lacking in direct attack capability in the lategame, so it's advisable for users to wield them in the offhand and arrange to attack with the main hand only.

Spell block

Since there is no spell block on the passive tree for dual wielding, any spell block will have to come from either Ascendancy passive skills, items, or jewels.

Apart from corrupted items (which add a flat 2-4% to Spell Block only), the only way to get capped spell block is to use Stone of LazhwarStone of Lazhwar
Lapis AmuletRequires Level 5+(20-30) to Intelligence(12-15)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
(15-20)% increased Cast Speed
+(40-70) to maximum ManaYou are slow, foolish and ignorant.
I am not., RainbowstrideRainbowstride
Conjurer BootsEnergy Shield: (36-42)Requires Level 53, 94 Int(15-20)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
+(40-60) to maximum Mana
+20% to all Elemental Resistances
20% increased Movement Speed"They say that you should take life's troubles in your stride.
Some men have a longer stride than others."
- Gaius Sentari, and Wings of EntropyWings of Entropy
Ezomyte AxeTwo Handed Axe
Physical Damage: (139.2-156.6) to (209.6-235.8)
Critical Strike Chance: 5.70%
Attacks per Second: 1.35
Weapon Range: 1.3 metresRequires Level 62, 140 Str, 86 Dex(7-10)% Chance to Block Spell Damage
+(8-12)% Chance to Block Attack Damage while Dual Wielding
(60-80)% increased Physical Damage
Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Fire Damage in Main Hand
Adds (75-100) to (165-200) Chaos Damage in Off Hand
Counts as Dual WieldingFire and Anarchy are the most reliable agents of change.. Not using the last can still yield a respectable but not capped amount of spell block.

These Ascendancy passive skills grant bonuses to spell block: