Mastering Two-Handed Weapons in Elden Ring: A Guide

Wielding a weapon with both hands in *Elden Ring* can be a game-changer, offering the potential to dominate your foes. In this guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing weapons, the advantages it brings, potential drawbacks, and the best weapons to use for this technique.

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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, you'll need to hold E on PC, triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, and then press the attack button for the weapon you wish to wield with both hands. If you've customized your controls, ensure you haven't altered these default settings.

This method also applies when you're on horseback, allowing seamless weapon switching between melee and magic. Remember, if a weapon's Strength requirement necessitates two-handing, you must do so before mounting your horse. Once mounted, you won't be able to initiate two-handing unless it was already active.

Related: How to Get Out of Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. Two-handing weapons in Elden Ring offers several compelling benefits. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50%, significantly increasing damage output for Strength-scaling weapons. This boost can transform your attacks, making them more potent.

Additionally, two-handing often alters a weapon's move set, potentially changing the damage type and enhancing your combat versatility. It also enables you to wield heavier weapons that might otherwise be out of reach, allowing you to maintain a balanced Strength stat while still using powerful arms like greatswords.

Moreover, two-handing your right-hand weapon grants direct access to its Ash of War, bypassing any shield skills and providing more strategic options in battle.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

Screenshot by The Escapist. While two-handing is advantageous for Strength builds in Elden Ring, it's not without its drawbacks. The altered attack patterns require adaptation, and sometimes, a slight reduction in damage might be preferable for a more situationally effective attack.

This technique is less beneficial for Dexterity or other non-Strength builds, so experimentation is key to finding what suits your playstyle best.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

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

Recommended weapons for two-handing include Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and other Colossal Weapons. Top picks include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for non-sword options. Choose what aligns best with your playstyle and strategy.

And that's how to effectively 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.