Mastering Two-Handed Combat in Elden Ring

Mastering the art of wielding a weapon in two hands can be a game-changer in *Elden Ring*, offering players a significant advantage in combat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the mechanics of two-handing, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and the best weapons to use with 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 effectively two-hand weapons in Elden Ring, you'll need to press and hold E on PC, triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then press the attack button corresponding to your desired weapon. This applies to both your left and right-hand weapons. If you've customized your control settings, ensure you're familiar with any changes from the default configuration.

This method is also useful for switching weapons while mounted on horseback, which is particularly beneficial for players juggling multiple weapons or transitioning between melee and magical attacks. It's important to remember that if a weapon requires two hands due to its Strength stat, you must start two-handing it before mounting your horse, as you cannot initiate two-handing while already 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 several compelling advantages. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50 percent, significantly enhancing the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons. This increase allows for more powerful strikes and can transform your combat effectiveness.

Additionally, two-handing can alter a weapon’s move set, potentially changing the damage type and offering new combat options. This Strength boost also enables you to wield heavier weapons that would otherwise be out of reach, allowing you to maintain a balanced Strength stat while still using formidable weapons like greatswords.

Moreover, two-handing your right-hand weapon grants direct access to its Ash of War, bypassing the default use of a shield's skill. This can be crucial in battle, providing you with the ability to utilize your weapon's unique abilities more effectively.

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 does come with some potential drawbacks. The change in attack patterns requires adaptation, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with these new moves to maximize effectiveness in various combat scenarios. Sometimes, opting for a different attack style might be more advantageous despite the damage reduction.

For players focusing on Dexterity or other build types, two-handing might not be the optimal strategy. It's essential to experiment and find what works best for your specific playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. When selecting weapons for two-handing in Elden Ring, those that scale with Strength are typically your best choice. With the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to enhance your damage when wielding a sword with both hands.

Recommended weapons for two-handing include Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and other Colossal Weapons. Among these, the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight’s Greatsword are highly effective. For those not fixated on swords, the Giant-Crusher is another excellent option.

And that’s 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.