Mastering Two-Handed Weapons in Elden Ring: A Guide

Mastering the art of two-handing weapons in *Elden Ring* can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, allowing you to obliterate your foes with increased power. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing, explore the advantages it offers, discuss potential drawbacks, and highlight the best weapons to wield with both hands.

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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 weapons in Elden Ring, you need to hold E on PC, triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, and then press the attack button for either your left or right-hand weapon, depending on which one you want to two-hand. It's important to verify your control settings if you've customized them, as they may differ from the default configuration.

This method not only applies to regular combat but also enables you to switch weapons while on horseback, which is particularly useful for players who frequently change between different weapon types or alternate between melee and magic. However, remember that if a weapon requires two-handing due to Strength requirements, you must start two-handing it before mounting your horse, as the two-handing state doesn't automatically apply once you're mounted.

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

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Two-handing your weapon in Elden Ring offers several compelling benefits. One of the primary advantages is the significant increase in damage output. When wielding a weapon with two hands, your Strength stat is boosted by 50%, which can substantially enhance the damage dealt by Strength-scaling weapons.

Moreover, two-handing often alters the weapon's move set, potentially allowing you to switch damage types based on your grip. This Strength boost also enables you to use heavier weapons that would otherwise be too demanding for your character's Strength level, making it easier to wield greatswords and similar armaments without excessive stat investment.

Additionally, two-handing your right-hand weapon grants you access to its Ashes of War, which can be crucial for utilizing weapon skills effectively. If you're using a sword and shield setup, the weapon skill defaults to the shield's ability (like parry), but equipping the No Skill Ash of War can mitigate this. However, two-handing provides a more straightforward solution, ensuring you can leverage your weapon's full potential in battle.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

While two-handing is advantageous for Strength builds in Elden Ring, it's not without its drawbacks. The altered move set can affect how your attacks function, requiring you to adapt and familiarize yourself with these changes. In certain situations, opting for a different attack style, even if it means sacrificing some damage, might be more effective.

Furthermore, two-handing is most beneficial for Strength-focused builds. If you're pursuing a Dexterity or other type of build, you might find that the technique doesn't align with your playstyle. It's essential to experiment and determine what suits your character's development path best.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

When it comes to two-handing, large weapons that scale with Strength are typically the best choice in Elden Ring. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to further boost your damage when wielding swords with two hands.

For specific weapon recommendations, Greatswords and Colossal Swords are excellent options, as are Great Hammers and other Colossal Weapons. Any weapon that scales with Strength can be a formidable choice. Popular picks include the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight’s Greatsword. For those interested in non-sword options, the Giant-Crusher is highly recommended.

By mastering the technique of two-handing in Elden Ring, you can significantly enhance your combat prowess and overcome even the toughest adversaries.

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.