Dual wielding is a feature released with the Evolution of Combat and is a members-only feature - with the exception of the Diamond sceptre.
The feature consists of wielding two weapons, a regular version of a weapon in the main weapon hand, and an off-hand version of a weapon, in the shield hand. Dual wielding will increase the damage output of the player, at the cost of sacrificing defensive and life points bonuses granted by a shield.
A player dual wielding weapons in combat.
Players may interchange which weapons they dual wield, even if they are not the same class of weapon. For example, one may wield an abyssal whip with a rune crossbow in the offhand.
There are specific abilities unlocked if dual-wielding two of the same weapon class (Ranged, Magic or Melee). If two different classes of weapon are being wielded, then the abilities available will be determined by the main hand weapon.
Non-members can only dual wield with one melee weapon and magic equipment, specifically the Imphide wand, Spider wand and Batwing wand and their corresponding off-hand weapon. Dual wielding for ranged is only available to members as it is impossible for non-members to obtain off-hand weaponry of this combat types. The Diamond sceptre is the only free-to-play off-hand weapon, and thus allows free-to-play players to dual wield, but can not use abilities such as Havoc.
Trivia
- Prior to the March 4, 2013 update to dual wielding, off-hand weapons did damage with havoc/decimate based only on their damage rating, not taking into account a weapons speed.