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

This guide delves into the art of two-handing weapons in Elden Ring, exploring its benefits, drawbacks, and optimal weapon choices. We'll cover the mechanics, strategic advantages, and potential downsides to help you maximize your combat effectiveness.

How to Two-Hand Weapons

To wield weapons with both hands, press and hold E (PC), Triangle (PlayStation), or Y (Xbox), then initiate an attack. This applies to both your left and right-hand weapons. Remember to check your control settings if you've customized them. This technique also functions while mounted, but note that weapons requiring two-handed use due to Strength requirements must be wielded this way before mounting your steed.

Why Two-Hand Your Weapon?

Two-handing offers significant advantages:

• Increased Damage: Your Strength stat receives a 50% boost, significantly amplifying damage, especially for Strength-scaling weapons.
• Altered Movesets: Some weapons gain new attack animations and even damage types when wielded in two hands.
• Accessibility to Heavier Weapons: The Strength boost allows you to use weapons normally beyond your reach, optimizing stat allocation.
• Ash of War Access: Using a shield prevents access to your right-hand weapon's Ash of War. Two-handing bypasses this limitation, unlocking valuable combat skills.

The Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat

While powerful, two-handing isn't always optimal:

• Altered Attack Patterns: The change in attack animations requires adaptation and strategic adjustments.
• Build Dependency: It's most effective for Strength builds; other builds might find it less advantageous.
• Loss of Shield Protection: You sacrifice the defensive capabilities of a shield.

Best Weapons for Two-Handing

Generally, large Strength-scaling weapons excel at two-handed combat:

• Greatswords and Colossal Swords: Classic choices for significant damage output.
• Great Hammers and Colossal Weapons: Devastating blunt force weapons.

Consider the Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in Shadow of the Erdtree) for a damage boost when using swords with two hands. 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 two-handed weapon combat in Elden Ring.