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 dominate your foes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing weapons, explore the advantages and potential drawbacks, and recommend the best weapons for this technique.

JUMP TO:

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'll 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 you wish to wield with both hands. If you've customized your control settings, ensure you haven't altered these default configurations.

These button combinations are also useful for switching weapons while mounted, which is particularly beneficial for players who frequently alternate between different weapons or switch between melee and magic. It's important to note that if you're using a weapon that requires two hands due to Strength requirements, you must start two-handing it before mounting your horse. Once on horseback, you won't be able to initiate two-handing unless you've done so beforehand.

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

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

There are compelling reasons to opt for two-handing weapons in Elden Ring. The primary advantage is the increased damage output. When you two-hand a weapon, your Strength stat receives a 50 percent boost, significantly enhancing the power of Strength-scaling weapons.

Additionally, two-handing often alters the weapon's move set, allowing for different damage types based on your grip. This Strength boost also enables you to wield heavier weapons that you might not be able to use otherwise, making it easier to manage your Strength stat while still handling formidable weapons like greatswords.

Moreover, two-handing your right-hand weapon grants you more efficient use of your Ashes of War. If you're using a sword and shield setup, your weapon skill defaults to the shield's ability, such as parry. By two-handing, you can access the sword's Ash of War, providing greater utility in combat.

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 change in attack patterns can take some getting used to, so it's crucial to adapt to these changes and strategize according to your surroundings. Sometimes, sacrificing a bit of damage for a more situationally effective attack can be beneficial.

Two-handing is primarily suited for Strength builds, so if you're focusing on Dexterity or another build type, you might find it less advantageous. Experimentation is key to determining what works best for your playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

When it comes to two-handing, large weapons that scale with Strength are your top choices in Elden Ring. With the Shadow of the Erdtree update, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to boost your damage when wielding a sword 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 well with Strength will serve you well. Personal favorites include the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight's Greatsword. If you're not set on using a sword, the Giant-Crusher is another formidable choice.

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.