Mastering Two-Handed Weapons in Elden Ring: A Guide

Mastering the art of wielding weapons with two hands in *Elden Ring* can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, turning you into a formidable force against your foes. In this guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing, the advantages it offers, potential drawbacks, and the best weapons to consider for this technique.

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How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden RingWhy You Should Two-Hand in Elden RingThe Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-HandsBest Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

To two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring, hold down the E key on PC, the triangle button on PlayStation, or the Y button on Xbox, then press the attack button for the weapon you want to wield with both hands. Keep in mind that if you've customized your controls, you might need to adjust these inputs accordingly.

This technique is not only useful on foot but also on horseback, allowing seamless weapon switching between melee and magic. However, remember that for weapons requiring two hands due to Strength requirements, you must two-hand them before mounting your horse, as the two-handing stance won't activate while riding if not set beforehand.

Related: How to Get Out of Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring offers several compelling advantages. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50%, amplifying the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons. This increase can make a significant difference in combat effectiveness.

Additionally, two-handing often modifies the weapon's move set, potentially changing the type of damage you deal. This can be particularly useful for adapting to various combat scenarios. The Strength boost also allows you to use heavier weapons that you might not be able to wield with one hand, helping you manage your Strength stat more efficiently.

Moreover, two-handing your right-hand weapon allows you to utilize its Ashes of War more effectively. When using a sword and shield, your weapon skill defaults to the shield, which might limit your offensive options. By two-handing, you gain full access to your weapon's unique abilities, enhancing your combat versatility.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

While two-handing can be advantageous, it's not without its drawbacks. Altering your grip changes the weapon's attack patterns, requiring you to adapt to new combat dynamics. This adjustment can impact your performance in certain situations, sometimes making it worthwhile to sacrifice some damage for more suitable attack options.

Additionally, two-handing is particularly beneficial for Strength-focused builds. If you're pursuing a Dexterity or another type of build, you might find less benefit in this technique. Experimentation is key to determining whether two-handing aligns with your preferred playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

For optimal two-handing in Elden Ring, focus on large, Strength-scaling weapons. With the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to further enhance your damage output when wielding swords with both hands.

Among the top choices for two-handing are Greatswords and Colossal Swords, as well as Great Hammers and other Colossal Weapons. Specifically, the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight's Greatsword are excellent options. If you prefer non-sword options, the Giant-Crusher is a powerful choice.

By understanding and mastering the art of two-handing in Elden Ring, you can significantly improve your combat prowess and enjoy a more dynamic gameplay experience.

Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Update: This article was updated on 1/27/25 by Liam Nolan to provide more insight into how to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring.