How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

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 decide if this combat style suits your play.

How to Two-Hand Weapons

To wield a weapon with two hands, press and hold E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then initiate an attack. This applies to both your left and right-hand weapons. Note that if your chosen weapon requires two hands due to Strength requirements, you must initiate the two-handed stance before mounting your steed. Two-handing while mounted isn't possible unless already engaged before mounting.

Strategic Advantages of Two-Handing

Two-handing offers significant combat advantages:

Increased Damage: Your Strength stat receives a 50% boost, significantly amplifying damage, especially with Strength-scaling weapons.
Altered Movesets: Many weapons gain unique attack animations and potentially altered damage types when wielded with two hands.
Accessibility to Heavier Weapons: The Strength boost enables the use of weapons that would otherwise be inaccessible, allowing for greater build flexibility.
Ash of War Accessibility: Using a shield often defaults weapon skills to the shield. Two-handing your main weapon allows you to utilize its Ash of War freely.

Scorpion River Catacombs entrance in Elden Ring.

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat

While powerful, two-handing has limitations:

Altered Attack Patterns: Attacks change significantly. Adjusting to new attack timings and ranges is crucial.
Build Dependency: The technique is most effective for Strength builds; other builds may find less benefit.
Loss of Shield Protection: You forfeit the defensive capabilities of a shield.

Smithscript Hammer in Elden Ring.

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Optimal Weapons for Two-Handing

Generally, large, Strength-scaling weapons excel in two-handed combat. Consider these weapon types:

Greatswords: Excellent all-around choices.
Colossal Swords: High damage, but slower attacks.
Great Hammers: Devastating blunt force damage.
Colossal Weapons: Immense power, but significant trade-offs in speed and maneuverability.

Specific recommendations include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher (for non-sword users). The Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in Shadow of the Erdtree) provides a damage boost for two-handed swords.

Church of the Bud in Elden Ring.