How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

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.

How to Two-Hand Weapons

To wield a weapon with two hands in Elden Ring, 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. Remember to check your control settings if you've customized them. This method also facilitates weapon switching while mounted, proving invaluable for those utilizing multiple weapons or a blend of melee and magic. However, note that weapons requiring two-handing due to Strength requirements must be wielded in this manner before mounting your steed.

Why Two-Hand?

Two-handing offers significant advantages:

• Increased Damage: Your Strength stat receives a 50% boost, significantly amplifying the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons.
• Altered Movesets: Two-handing can modify attack animations and even damage types for certain weapons.
• Access to Higher Strength Weapons: It allows you to wield weapons exceeding your single-handed Strength capabilities.
• Ash of War Accessibility: Two-handing your right-hand weapon grants direct access to its Ash of War, bypassing potential conflicts with shield-based skills.

Drawbacks of Two-Handed Combat

While beneficial for Strength builds, two-handing has potential downsides:

• Modified Attack Patterns: The altered attack animations may require adjustment and strategic planning.
• Build Specificity: It's less effective for Dexterity or other non-Strength-focused builds.

Optimal Weapons for Two-Handing

Generally, large Strength-scaling weapons excel when wielded with two hands. Consider these weapon types: Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in Shadow of the Erdtree) further enhances damage output for two-handed swords. Specific recommendations include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for those preferring non-sword options.

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.