Mastering Two-Handed Combat in Elden Ring

Mastering the art of wielding a weapon with two hands in *Elden Ring* can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, allowing you to devastate your foes. In this guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing weapons, explore the advantages and potential drawbacks, and suggest the best weapons to use for this technique.

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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 a weapon in Elden Ring, simply hold E on PC, triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then press the attack button for your chosen hand's weapon. This action is essential if you're using a weapon that demands higher Strength than you currently possess. Remember, if you've altered your control scheme, verify that these default settings remain unchanged.

This technique also proves invaluable when mounted, allowing seamless weapon switching between melee and magic. However, remember to two-hand your weapon before mounting if it requires doing so due to Strength prerequisites, as you can't initiate two-handing while on horseback.

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

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. Opting to two-hand your weapon in Elden Ring comes with multiple benefits. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50%, amplifying the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons. This increase not only enhances your attack power but also alters the weapon's move set, potentially changing the damage type for strategic advantages.

Moreover, two-handing enables you to wield heavier weapons without the need to pump up your Strength stat excessively. It also optimizes the use of your Ashes of War, particularly when using a sword and shield setup. By two-handing your right-hand weapon, you can access its unique Ash of War, adding versatility to your combat strategy.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

Screenshot by The Escapist. While two-handing is advantageous for Strength builds in Elden Ring, it's not without its downsides. The altered attack patterns may require adjustment, potentially affecting your combat efficiency in certain situations. It's crucial to weigh the benefits of higher damage against the need for specific attack types that might better suit your current battle scenario.

Additionally, if your build focuses on Dexterity or another attribute, two-handing might not be as beneficial, necessitating experimentation to find what works best for your playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. For those looking to two-hand in Elden Ring, weapons that scale with Strength are your go-to choice. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to further boost your two-handed sword damage.

Ideal weapons for two-handing include Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and other Colossal Weapons. Some top recommendations include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight’s Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for non-sword options. Choose the weapon that best complements your combat style and strategy.

And that’s a comprehensive guide on how to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring.

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.