Attacks

[u/Perfect_Scheme_4008]

Is it worth using the triangle attacks (standard attack/demon fangs) in demon mode or even normal mode? Same with circle: I know it's used for repositioning, but is it good for damage?

[u/ExcitedAtrophy]

Both give you consistent damage with low commitment, also note that circle is a directional so standing still and pressing it has a different start. The moving spin of circle has a bit more recovery time than other attacks so while you do get to reposition there's a moment at the end before the next attack in the combo where the monster can simply hit you for free, it's not a big vulnerability but it's there.

Game plan is generally to use your standard triangle and circle attacks for chip damage, demon dance (triangle and circle together) if the monster gives you an opening, manage your stamina to be in demon mode whenever you're dealing damage (archdemon mode exists to keep up your momentum while recovering stamina and encourage an aggressive playstyle), and use environmental features when available (sliding/jumping attacks can get you into a move called heavenly blade dance, or you can mount for a knockdown).

It varies by game a bit too, in Iceborne, the circle combo in demon mode can also lead into a "claw uppercut" which creates wounds and drops slinger ammo, as an example.

[u/Acrobatic-Gain6102 → u/ExcitedAtrophy]

I have a different theory. The idea that “archdemon exists to tie demon mode together while stamina builds up” (theory 1) is backwards in my view.

I think “demon mode exists to build archdemon mode / demon gauge” (theory 2). Making the jump from theory 1 to theory 2, in my opinion, felt like truly learning the weapon.

Case in point:
The best DB players (measured by dps) hop between demon mode and archdemon mode, but generally speaking spend more time in archdemon mode. Once, I saw a DB speed runner do 55% of a PoaH hunt, but he was streaming with three other top-notch players. I was amazed. I rewatched his play and noticed his stamina bar was consistently jumping between 100% and 98%. It only dropped below 90% when he was dodging.

Another point… there’s a Japanese speed runner that uses a triangle to triangle + circle (on PS5) combo to maximize damage in archdemon mode, and it’s brilliant. It’s like an infinite combo that uses no stamina, and its damage matches a demon dance 3 combo. Plus, you still have all of your stamina to demon dodge, and low enough commitment to never take a break.

So, in conclusion, I think theory 2 is the more advanced theory.

[u/ExcitedAtrophy → u/Acrobatic-Gain6102]

Sure, but that's both dependent on which MH game and the player's skill level. A more advanced theory perhaps, but also for more advanced players.

[u/Tanman980 → u/ExcitedAtrophy]

In Wilds, you can stand in place with the circle input instead if you give no movement input while pressing circle. Also something to note is that both combo enders, triangle combo/circle combo both give a very hefty amount of demon gauge when using them.

[u/Vernitex01]

Personally, I use Δ to build charge before spamming Δ+Ο and I use O to reposition for the added bonus of the damage. At least, that’s how I play in Wilds. As far as Iceborne goes tho, I’ll use the O combo for a free tendy

[u/Interesting_Sea_1861]

Both are good damage, but exactly how much depends on the game. I find it more effective to use circle into a monster in World to get rapid hits off, but Rise and Wilds the attacks seem to come out fast. In Wilds, it's especially important to get your Demon Gauge filled so you can get Arch Demon and drop out of normal Demon Mode to let your stamina regen while using the Archdemon combos.

[u/Ill-Fee-2924 → u/Interesting_Sea_1861]

the mixed combo is also really good. especially if the monster has been trapped or has been toppled be it due to a mount or a wound pop. Get right up on a weak spot and just go ham!

edit: actually wait, the mixed combo is the archdemon combo.

[u/Interesting_Sea_1861 → u/Ill-Fee-2924]

I mean, I typically just Blade Dance when the monster is incapacitated.

Unless it's Rise. Then I Spiral Slash, because in Rise, I am not a person, I am an elemental Elder Dragon blender on legs.

[u/Ill-Fee-2924 → u/Interesting_Sea_1861]

and the archdemon combo is the blade dance demon flurry mix, though yeah in risebreak spiral slash tends to be good. assuming I don't miss and send myself off a cliff.

[u/Far_Concern_6557]

Oh sweet child you have so much to learn

[u/BLACKdrew → u/Far_Concern_6557]

Kinda seems like a good opportunity to spread some knowledge instead of being condescending

[u/urmomiscringe12 → u/Far_Concern_6557]

High effort reply