Mastering Two-Handed Weaponry in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide delves into the mechanics and strategies of two-handing weapons in Elden Ring, explaining how to do it, its advantages, disadvantages, and the best weapons suited for this combat style.
How to Two-Hand Weapons
To wield a weapon with two hands in Elden Ring, press and hold E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then initiate an attack. This applies to both your left and right-hand weapons. Note that if you've customized your controls, these may differ. This method also works while mounted, but remember that weapons requiring two-handed use due to Strength requirements must be two-handed before mounting your steed.
Why Two-Hand Your Weapon?
Two-handing offers significant benefits:
- Increased Damage: Your Strength stat receives a 50% boost, significantly enhancing damage output, especially for Strength-scaling weapons.
- Altered Movesets: Some weapons gain new attack animations and damage types when wielded with two hands.
- Access to Higher Strength Weapons: It allows you to use weapons that would otherwise be inaccessible due to your Strength level.
- Ash of War Accessibility: Using a shield blocks access to your right-hand weapon's Ash of War. Two-handing your main weapon unlocks its full potential.
Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat
While powerful, two-handing has drawbacks:
- Altered Attack Patterns: Attacks change; adapt your strategy to these shifts.
- Build Dependency: Best suited for Strength builds; less effective for Dexterity or other builds. Experiment to find what works best.
Best Weapons for Two-Handing
Generally, large, Strength-scaling weapons excel when wielded with two hands. Since the Shadow of the Erdtree update, the Two-Handed Sword Talisman is a valuable addition for further damage boosts when using swords.
Excellent choices include:
- Greatswords
- Colossal Swords
- Great Hammers
- Colossal Weapons (generally anything scaling well with Strength)
Specific recommendations include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher (a strong alternative if you prefer non-sword options).
Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Updated: 1/27/25
