Dual wield

Barbarians dual wielding.

Dual wielding returns in Diablo III, in expanded fashion. Three of the characters can dual wield various types of weapons, and even the Wizard has a sort of dual wielding. Only the Witch Doctor can't do it, as far as we know. Since the issue of what class weapons are restricted has changed numerous times during development, expect more changes on this issue.

As of November 2010:

The Barbarian is able to dual-wield virtually every one-handed weapon he can equip. (Though there are a lot of one-handed weapons he can't use; such as wands and short staves that the spell-casters use.) The Barbarian can not, however, dual wield two-handed weapons, or use them with a shield as well, as he did Diablo II.

The Monk can also dual wield all one-handed melee weapons. [1]. It was initially said that he could only dual-wield his class specific fist weapons, but that changed.

The Wizard and Witch Doctor can not dual wield weapons, though the Wizard at least has the option of wielding a weapon in one hand and an orb (rather than a shield) in the other. Orbs offer offensive bonuses, almost like a second wand or other caster weapon, rather than the defensive bonuses or blocking that a shield provides.

The Demon Hunter can not dual wield melee weapons, but she can dual wield her class-restricted pistol crossbows. All other bows and crossbows are two-handed, and the Monk and Barbarian can not use any type of ranged weapon.

Dual Wielding Skills and Traits

There are no known skills that can only be used while dual wielding.

There is a trait, Frenzied Attacks that both the Barbarian and the Monk can enable. It provides them with (slightly different) critical hit bonuses while dual wielding.

Blizzard on Dual Wielding

Bashiok spoke about the theory behind dual-wielding, vs. using a sword/shield or a two-handed weapon, in early September, 2010. [2]

The general philosophy and intent for the differences between the three main melee types is to make them all viable, but with obvious trade offs. For dual-wield versus two-hander, it’s currently balanced so that it’s essentially an aesthetic choice. If you think it looks cool to run around with a big two-hander, do it, if you get two awesome one-handers, then use those. Obviously that comes down to tuning affixes and such as it’s one item versus two, but that’s the intent and how it is balanced and works in the game right now. Compared to using a shield it should be viable either way, but you’re obviously gaining some survivability with a shield. The drop in damage output should be accurately offset with a better chance to live, ability to take some greater risks, etc.

Demon Hunter dual wielding pistol crossbows in a scene from the Demon Hunter Cinematic.