Master Elden Ring's Dual Wielding

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

This guide delves into the intricacies 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 make informed decisions in combat.

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How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring | Why Two-Hand in Elden Ring | Downsides of Two-Handing | Best Weapons for Two-Handing

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

To wield weapons two-handed in Elden Ring, press and hold E (PC), Triangle (PlayStation), or Y (Xbox), then initiate an attack. The attack will utilize either your left or right-hand weapon, depending on which you've selected. Note that customized control schemes may alter these default bindings. This method also works for switching weapons while mounted, facilitating seamless transitions between melee and magic, or different weapon types. However, remember that weapons requiring two-handed use due to Strength requirements must be two-handed before mounting your steed.

Why Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring?

Two-handing offers significant combat advantages. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50%, significantly amplifying the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons. Furthermore, the attack animations often change, potentially altering damage types depending on the weapon and your wielding style. This Strength boost also unlocks access to weapons normally beyond your reach, allowing for more build flexibility. Finally, two-handing grants direct access to your weapon's Ash of War, bypassing potential conflicts with shield-equipped skills.

The Downsides of Two-Handed Combat

While beneficial for Strength builds, two-handing has drawbacks. The altered attack patterns require adaptation, demanding strategic adjustments based on your surroundings. The trade-off between raw damage and situational effectiveness must be carefully considered. Additionally, this technique may not be optimal for Dexterity or other non-Strength-focused builds. Experimentation is key to finding the right balance.

Best Weapons for Two-Handed Use

Generally, large Strength-scaling weapons excel when wielded with two hands. Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons are prime candidates. Since the Shadow of the Erdtree update, the Two-Handed Sword Talisman provides a damage boost for two-handed swords, making them even more potent. Specific recommendations include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for non-sword options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your playstyle and build.

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.