Hello, this is XboxAhoy and this is the twentieth episode of my Black Ops 2 Attachment Guide.
In this episode we're covering Dual Wield.
The ability to wield two weapons in COD was first introduced in Modern Warfare 2, with
the akimbo attachment available for pistols, SMGs and other one-handed weapons - including
the Model 1887 shotgun.
The attachment has returned in every title since, although has mainly been limited to
secondary weapons only, with some exceptions in the first Black Ops.
In real-life, it is entirely possible to hold two pistols - but accurately firing them is
another matter altogether.
Rapid fire dispensation of guns akimbo is something that is really only seen in the
movies, with origins in western films: desperados with two 6-shooters and nothing to lose.
It was the 1990s where dual weapons truly became popular, however - principally through
John Woo action movies, with choreographed shootouts and pistols aplenty.
In Black Ops 2, Dual Wield is exclusive to the pistol category: no other class of weapon
may equip this attachment.
It's also incompatible with all other attachments, meaning you cannot pair Dual Wield with any
other option via the Secondary Gunfighter wildcard.
Dual Wield's primary and most obvious effect is to grant another weapon in your left hand:
doubling both your rate of fire and potential damage output.
This is a particularly potent addition, so there are a slew of negative traits to balance
out the attachment's impact - most of which limit your effectiveness at a longer range,
instead focusing your power for close-range engagements only.
One such negative trait is the loss of your ability to aim: with the left trigger firing
the left-hand weapon instead of aiming down your sights, you are entirely reliant on hipfire
with two weapons in either hand.
This in itself is enough to limit your mid-ranged performance - but in addition, you'll see
a large increase to hipfire divergence, reducing your ranged effectiveness further.
The B23R, KAP-40 and Executioner see further penalty in a range reduction, lessening your
reach with the maximum damage of each weapon.
All-in, these penalties will severely limit a weapon's versatility: you double your effectiveness
at a point blank range, but this effect quickly evaporates.
There are some upsides, however: the Executioner, for instance, gains the benefit of the Fast
Mags attachment, meaning all rounds are resupplied in one action - and the other handguns also
see a significant buff to damage at the extent of your reach, meaning you'll never need more
that 5 shots to kill instead of 6.
Additionally, the two semi-automatic options do see a damage increase: the Five-Seven and
TAC-45 will kill with just two shots at a slightly longer range.
Dual Wield is an attachment that will double up your firepower, at the expense of effectiveness
at a longer range.
Nothing kills as quickly up close as two pistols, save for a one-shot kill weapon such as a
shotgun - and the fact that for just two points you can equip such an option as a deadly fast-swapping
backup means it's definitely worth considering if your primary is less effective up close.
As a standalone option, it can be difficult to make good use of Dual Wield, as you sacrifice
much in the way of reach - and forcing engagements to those which the attachment excels at can
be tricky on most maps.
Nevertheless, with a lightweight, fast moving build you can employ dual wield with hyper
aggressive tactics to some effect.
The automatic options - the B23R and KAP-40 - are probably the best choice for those without
strong trigger fingers, with their ability to saturate an area quickly with bullets.
The semi-auto options can be also put to good use with some effort on the triggers, with
their two-hit potential possibly scoring an instant kill.
However, it's hard to recommend Dual Wield in most cases: The Executioner's already limited
range means the double pocket shotguns require a huge sacrifice in performance.
All of the pistols will prove more versatile without the option, so if you're intent on
making extensive use it might be best to pack just a single gun.
Still, dual wield offers unparalleled close quarters ability - so if you fancy taking
a gamble on an extremely potent close-range build...
...then double down on this attachment.
Thanks for watching, this has been XboxAhoy.
Join me for the next attachment guide, when I'll be covering the Target Finder.
Until then, farewell.