Master Wielding: Unlocking Two-Handed Might in Elden Ring

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

This guide details the mechanics and strategic advantages of two-handing weapons in Elden Ring, helping you maximize damage and overcome challenges.

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How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring Why Two-Handing is Advantageous Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat Top Weapons for Two-Handed Use

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

To wield weapons with two hands in Elden Ring, press and hold E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then initiate an attack. The attack will utilize either your left or right-hand weapon, depending on which you selected. Remember to check your control scheme if these defaults have been altered. This method also functions while mounted, allowing for seamless weapon switching between melee and magic. However, note that weapons requiring two hands due to Strength requirements must be two-handed before mounting your steed.

Why Two-Handing is Advantageous

Two-handing offers significant benefits:

• Increased Damage: Your Strength stat receives a 50% boost, significantly amplifying damage, especially with Strength-scaling weapons.
• Altered Movesets: Some weapons gain modified attack animations and damage types when two-handed.
• Access to Heavier Weapons: It allows wielding weapons normally beyond your Strength capabilities, optimizing stat allocation.
• Ash of War Accessibility: Using a sword and shield defaults weapon skills to the shield. Two-handing your main weapon grants access to its Ash of War, unlocking tactical versatility.

Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat

While generally beneficial for Strength builds, two-handing has drawbacks:

• Modified Attack Patterns: Attacks change, requiring adaptation and strategic adjustments.
• Build Dependency: Less effective for Dexterity or other non-Strength-focused builds. Experimentation is key to finding the right approach.

Top Weapons for Two-Handed Use

Large, Strength-scaling weapons excel when two-handed. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in Shadow of the Erdtree) further boosts damage with two-handed swords. Consider these weapon types:

• Greatswords
• Colossal Swords
• Great Hammers
• Colossal Weapons

Specific recommendations include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for non-sword options. Ultimately, weapon 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 how to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring.