Preface

This is a mechanics change review, along with a specific case for one of the affected unit (Enhanced unit). Keep in mind the gearing difference between GL and JP version.

Opening

The time has come. The 28th Sept update of JP version have introduced a mechanics for dual wielders to match the damage output of TDH : Dual Wield Mastery

So what is Dual Wield Mastery?

• It increases the chain damage cap from 4x to 6x, and also
• It increases the TDW cap from 100% to 200%

As of the time of this writing, this option only available for CG Lasswell and CG Reagan.

As I've covered 7★ Raegen on 7★ Notable Physical Chainers Comparison, I will take him for example, as well as doing small review on overall his damage output.

In comparison

How the changes will affect the meta

Right now, the practical advantage only comes from the higher chain average for these 2 units.

The 200% cap for TDW is still not much of use with the lackluster of TDW gear on top of how small the TDW% increment compared to TDH.

Let's take a dive on the average chain increase. All the numbers is calculated under the assumption of proper damage distribution and 1-element spark chain.

• Azure Crimson Blade (緋蒼ノ剣)/ Raegen's LB

  Damage distribution : 14% x6 16% last hit

  The average chain modifier of first cast is increased from 3.223 to 3.935. And for the rest of 2nd cast the average increased from 4.0 to 6.0.

  So overall, for dual wield the average chain modifier increased from to 3.6115 to 4.9675 (37.54% increase), or in single cast case (LB), it's 22.09% increase

• 八連刃 (AT frame skills)

  Damage distribution : 10% x7 30% last hit

  The average chain modifier of first cast is increased from 3.445 to 4.525. And for the rest of 2nd cast the average is increased from 4.0 to 6.0.

  So overall, for dual wield the average chain modifier increased from to 3.7225 to 5.2625 (41.37% increase)

ADD:

In comparison, Hyou's Blade Slave average chain modifier on first cast is 3.8414. It "only" gives 19.18% increase from 3.223 (default's DR chain mod average on first cast)

How strong is Raegen now with the new Dual Wield?

In short : strong enough that you can pass Jecht. Close enough (but still below) Akstar's 1-handed mode.

But the major reason he can climb that high is not due to the increased chain cap/ small TDW boost. But rather his Akstar-esque's skill-boosting LB. For Akstar's his LB boost 極・明鏡 significantly (500%). Meanwhile, for Raegen, his LB now boost 八連刃 much more significantly (1400%).

Due to that change, the rotation is also changed slightly. That is, 八連刃 is cast right after LB to take the advantage of the massive boost (4000% 八連刃 per cast!). and the LB from 2nd cast and beyond will be having fire ice element due to 裂氷の緋剣 casted the turn before, and hence, higher chain modifier.

Here's the comparison on old 7★ Raegen vs Enhanced Raegen

Turn-per-turn damage modifier

Turn-per-turn damage race

Comparison with other physical chainers

To see how I came up with the number above, you can visit my 7★ Notable Physical Chainers Comparison thread. The downloadable excel file (version 4) has enhanced Raegen added into the list.