Two-Handing Weapons in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Two-Handed Weaponry in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide delves into the mechanics and strategic advantages of wielding weapons two-handed in Elden Ring. We'll cover how to execute the technique, the benefits it offers, potential drawbacks, and optimal weapon choices.

How to Two-Hand Weapons

To two-hand a weapon, press and hold E (PC), Triangle (PlayStation), or Y (Xbox), then initiate an attack. This applies to both your left and right-hand weapons. Note that if your control scheme is customized, verify these default settings haven't been altered. This method also works while mounted, allowing for seamless weapon switching between melee and magic, but remember that weapons requiring two-handed use due to Strength requirements must be wielded two-handed before mounting.

Why Two-Hand Your Weapon?

Two-handing significantly boosts your damage output. Your Strength stat receives a 50% increase, maximizing the effectiveness of Strength-scaling weapons. Furthermore, the move set often changes, potentially altering damage types depending on your wielding style. This Strength boost also enables you to use weapons normally beyond your reach, allowing for more flexible stat allocation. Finally, two-handing grants access to your weapon's Ash of War, unlike when using a shield, which defaults to the shield's skill.

Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat

While advantageous for Strength builds, two-handing isn't universally beneficial. Attack patterns change, requiring adaptation and strategic planning. The damage increase might not always outweigh the loss of a shield's defensive capabilities. Experimentation is key to determining the best approach for your chosen build.

Best Weapons for Two-Handing

Large, Strength-scaling weapons are ideal for two-handed combat. Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons are all excellent choices. Since the Shadow of the Erdtree update, the Two-Handed Sword Talisman provides a significant damage boost when using swords two-handed. Consider weapons like the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for diverse combat styles.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of two-handed combat significantly enhances your Elden Ring experience. Understanding the mechanics, advantages, and drawbacks will empower you to make informed decisions, leading to more effective and satisfying gameplay.

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 two-handed weapon combat in Elden Ring.