Double Attacks & Synergy
Achieving a Double Attack in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a significant boon, dealing substantial damage and often leading to critical advantages in combat. A Double Attack occurs when both your Rider and your active Monstie target the same enemy with compatible attack types simultaneously. For this to happen, your Rider and Monstie must both choose an attack, and their chosen attack types must be in a winning or neutral state against the target's current stance. For example, if your Monstie targets an enemy with a Power attack and your Rider also chooses a Power attack, and the enemy is not actively countering with a Speed attack, a Double Attack can be triggered.
The benefits of a Double Attack extend beyond raw damage. Successfully executing a Double Attack fills a portion of your Kinship Gauge, bringing you closer to unleashing devastating Kinship Skills. It also has a higher chance of inflicting status effects, such as Poison or Paralysis, depending on the weapons and abilities used. Furthermore, a Double Attack can sometimes break specific monster parts more effectively, yielding rarer crafting materials. Coordinating your actions with your Monstie is crucial. If your Monstie is set to use a Speed attack, you might consider selecting a Speed attack yourself, provided the enemy isn't already preparing a counter. Some Rider skills, like "Inspiring Shout," can temporarily boost your Monstie's attack power, increasing the likelihood of a successful Double Attack.
Synergy between Rider and Monstie is the foundation of effective Double Attacks. Certain Monsties, like the Zinogre, have innate abilities that complement specific Rider attack patterns. For instance, a Zinogre's "Thunderclap" ability can stun enemies, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks, including those from your Rider, thus increasing the chances of a Double Attack. actively experiment with different Rider weapon types and Monstie pairings to discover potent combinations. For example, pairing a Rider wielding a Great Sword (Power attack focus) with a Monstie that excels in Speed attacks can create dynamic offensive opportunities. Mastering the art of the Double Attack is a cornerstone of high-level play, allowing you to efficiently dispatch even the most resilient monsters, such as the formidable Nargacuga.