Mastering Two-Handed Combat in Elden Ring

Mastering the art of two-handing weapons in *Elden Ring* can significantly enhance your combat prowess, allowing you to decimate your foes with greater efficiency. In this guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing, explore the advantages it offers, discuss its potential drawbacks, and recommend the best weapons to wield with both hands.

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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, and then press the attack button for either your left or right-hand weapon, depending on your preference. If you've customized your control settings, ensure you haven't altered these default inputs.

These button combinations are also useful for changing weapons while mounted on your horse, perfect for players who frequently switch between different types of weapons or blend melee and magic in combat. Remember, if you're using a weapon that requires two-handing due to Strength requirements, you must two-hand it before mounting your horse, as you can't 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

Two-handing weapons in Elden Ring offers several compelling benefits. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50%, which significantly increases the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons, making each hit more impactful.

Additionally, two-handing often alters the weapon's move set, allowing for different damage types and attack patterns. This Strength boost also enables you to wield heavier weapons you might not be able to use otherwise, helping you maintain a balanced Strength stat while effectively handling powerful weapons like greatswords.

Moreover, two-handing your right-hand weapon grants direct access to its Ash of War, enhancing your combat versatility. When using a sword and shield, the weapon skill defaults to the shield, which might not always be optimal. By two-handing, you can utilize the sword's Ash of War more efficiently, providing a tactical edge in battles.

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 altered attack patterns require time to master, and you may need to adjust your strategy based on the combat environment. Sometimes, sacrificing some 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 whether two-handing aligns with your playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

For optimal two-handing in Elden Ring, focus on large weapons that scale well with Strength. With the Shadow of the Erdtree update, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to further enhance your damage output when wielding swords with both hands.

Recommended weapons for two-handing include Greatswords and Colossal Swords, as well as Great Hammers and other Colossal Weapons. Notable choices are the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight's Greatsword. If you're looking for a non-sword option, the Giant-Crusher is an excellent alternative.

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.