Dual Wielding Dual Wielding refers to wielding a one - handed weapon , spell , or staff in both hands . While dual wielding , the equipped items do not have to match . Effects . Dual wielding weapons . When dual wielding weapons , the Dragonborn has four options of attack : attacking either with left or right weapon , attacking with both weapons simultaneously ( by pressing both attack buttons at the same time ) and performing a dual wielding power attack . All four attack types are affected by the Dual Flurry perk . Attacking with both weapons simultaneously does not consume stamina and as such is an easy and effective way of increasing the damage output . The damage , reach , stagger and any enchantments are calculated separately for each weapon . The speed of the attack is based on ( but not equal to ) weapon speed held in the left hand , so it is advisable to always hold the faster weapon in the left hand . Note that you cannot move when performing the dual attack . Dual wielding power attacks do 50 % extra damage and the stamina cost is half of what is needed for a regular power attack . The dual wielding power attack hits three times however , for a total of 150 % extra damage and 150 % stamina cost . The stamina used for dual wielding power attack is based on the weight of the weapon in the right hand only . Dual wielding daggers results in a special power attack animation in which the Dragonborn first flips the dagger held in the right hand before performing the actual attack . While cool looking , the time it takes to flip the dagger on every power attack decreases overall damage output . This is especially noticeable when attack speed is improved , either by the Dual Flurry perk or by the Elemental Fury shout . Dual wielding spells or staves . Dual wielding different spells works just as if the spells were cast in any other way . You can cast any combination of spells that require only one hand to cast . Dual wielding the same spell can be improved if the Dual Casting perk of the appropriate school is unlocked . Dual casting a spell works just like dual attacking weapons - by pressing both left and right hand attack buttons simultaneously . The effect of dual cast depends on school - destruction spells deal more damage , conjuration spells last longer , restoration spells heal more , etc . It also has unique cast animation . Staves cannot be used for dual casting . It should be noted that dual casting is only marginally more effective than casting independently with both hands ( 10 % better spell effect ) while at the same time being noticeably more magicka - intensive ( 40 % higher magicka cost than when cast independently with both hands ) . As such , it should probably be avoided until enough magicka reserves ( or casting cost reducing gear ) is obtained , with the possible exception of Destruction Dual Casting , which is required to use the Impact perk . NPC dual wielding . Other characters can dual wield , but the conditions under which they will do so are very particular . Some , such as Jenassa , will dual wield any two weapons when in range of an enemy . Most others will only equip certain weapons in their left hand , specifically a pickaxe , or Forsworn sword or axe .