Mastering the Art of Two-Handing Weapons in Elden Ring
This guide explores the mechanics and strategic advantages of two-handing weapons in Elden Ring, a technique that can significantly enhance your combat prowess. We'll cover how to execute this maneuver, the benefits it offers, potential drawbacks, and some of the best weapons suited for two-handed combat.
How to Two-Hand Weapons
To wield a weapon with both hands, press and hold E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then initiate an attack using the desired weapon (left or right hand). Note that this keybind may vary if you've customized your control scheme. This method also functions while mounted, allowing for seamless weapon switching between melee and magic, although weapons requiring two-handing due to Strength requirements must be wielded in two hands before mounting.
Why Two-Hand Your Weapon?
Two-handing provides several crucial advantages:
- Increased Damage: Your Strength stat receives a 50% boost, significantly amplifying the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons.
- Altered Movesets: Some weapons exhibit altered attack animations and damage types when wielded with two hands.
- Accessibility to Heavier Weapons: The Strength boost allows you to equip weapons that would otherwise be inaccessible, maintaining a more balanced character build.
- Ash of War Access: Two-handing your right-hand weapon grants access to its equipped Ash of War, providing greater tactical flexibility, unlike when using a shield which defaults to the shield's skill.
Potential Downsides
While beneficial, two-handing isn't always optimal:
- Modified Attack Patterns: Two-handing alters attack animations; familiarize yourself with these changes to adapt your combat strategy.
- Strength Build Dependency: The technique's effectiveness is heavily reliant on a Strength-focused build; it might not be ideal for Dexterity or other build types.
Best Weapons for Two-Handing
Generally, large, Strength-scaling weapons excel in two-handed combat. Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons are prime candidates. Consider the Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in Shadow of the Erdtree) for a damage boost when two-handing swords. Popular choices include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher (for non-sword options).
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.
