Dual Strike & Dual Guard
The "Dual Strike" and "Dual Guard" mechanics are integral to the Pair Up system in Fire Emblem Awakening, offering significant offensive and defensive advantages on the battlefield. When two units are paired, the lead unit attacks, and the support unit has a chance to trigger a Dual Strike. This is an additional attack performed by the support unit, effectively allowing for two attacks in a single player phase turn. The chance of a Dual Strike is directly influenced by the Dexterity (DEX) stat of both the attacking lead unit and the supporting unit. A higher combined DEX value increases the probability of a Dual Strike occurring. For example, if Chrom has 30 DEX and Lissa has 25 DEX, their combined DEX contributes to the Dual Strike chance when Lissa is supporting Chrom.
Conversely, the Dual Guard mechanic provides a crucial defensive layer. When the lead unit is attacked by an enemy, the support unit has a chance to intervene and block or mitigate the incoming damage. This is known as a Dual Guard. The success rate of a Dual Guard is primarily determined by the Resistance (RES) stat of the support unit. A higher RES stat on the support unit significantly increases the likelihood of a successful Dual Guard, preventing or reducing damage to the lead unit. This is particularly useful for protecting vulnerable units like mages or archers who are often targeted by enemies. For instance, pairing a high-RES unit like Henry with a physically frail unit like Maribelle can provide a substantial defensive buffer against magical attacks.
The effectiveness of both Dual Strikes and Dual Guards can be further enhanced by character skills and Support bonuses. Certain character skills, like "Avoid +10," can passively increase the chance of dodging attacks, which indirectly contributes to Dual Guard success. Furthermore, the Support level between the paired units directly impacts the stat bonuses they provide to each other, which in turn influences their respective offensive and defensive capabilities. A strong S-rank support between two units can provide significant stat boosts that make both Dual Strikes and Dual Guards more potent. Strategically utilizing Pair Up to maximize Dual Strike opportunities against formidable foes like the Risen in skirmishes, or to ensure the survival of key units through Dual Guards during critical story moments, is paramount to success in Fire Emblem Awakening.