Mastering the art of wielding a weapon with both hands in *Elden Ring* can significantly enhance your combat prowess, turning you into a formidable force against your foes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the mechanics of two-handing, the advantages it offers, potential drawbacks, and the best weapons to use for this technique.

JUMP TO:

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 effectively two-hand weapons in Elden Ring, you'll need to follow these simple steps: On PC, hold the 'E' key, on PlayStation, press and hold the triangle button, and on Xbox, use the 'Y' button. Once held, press the attack button for the weapon you wish to wield in both hands, either from your left or right slot. If you've customized your control settings, ensure they align with these defaults for seamless transitions.

This technique isn't just limited to foot combat; it's equally useful when you're mounted. You can switch weapons on horseback using the same button combinations, making it a versatile skill for those who juggle between melee and magic. Remember, if your weapon demands two hands due to its Strength requirement, you'll need to start two-handing before mounting your steed, as the action doesn't translate automatically once you're on horseback.

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

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. Opting to two-hand your weapon in Elden Ring comes with several compelling benefits. The most immediate advantage is the 50% increase in Strength, which significantly boosts the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons. This can turn your attacks into devastating blows, especially when paired with weapons that have excellent scaling.

Additionally, two-handing often alters the weapon's move set, potentially changing the damage type and providing a strategic advantage in combat. The increased Strength also allows you to use heavier weapons that might otherwise be out of your reach, enabling you to maintain a balanced build while still wielding powerful greatswords.

Moreover, two-handing your right-hand weapon grants you direct access to its Ash of War, enhancing your combat versatility. This is particularly useful if you prefer using weapon skills over shield-based abilities like parry, ensuring you can fully leverage your chosen weapon's potential.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

Screenshot by The Escapist. While two-handing can be incredibly powerful for Strength builds in Elden Ring, it's not without its drawbacks. The shift in attack patterns can take some getting used to, requiring you to adapt your combat strategy to the new dynamics. Sometimes, sacrificing some damage for a more situationally effective attack can be beneficial.

Furthermore, if your build focuses on Dexterity or other attributes, two-handing might not align with your overall strategy. It's crucial to experiment and find what works best for your playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. When choosing weapons to two-hand in Elden Ring, focus on those that scale well with Strength. Large weapons like Greatswords and Colossal Swords are prime candidates, as are Great Hammers and other Colossal Weapons. With the introduction of the Shadow of the Erdtree update, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to further amplify your damage output when wielding a sword in both hands.

Among the top choices for two-handing are the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight's Greatsword. For those looking beyond swords, the Giant-Crusher is an excellent option, offering immense power without the need for a blade.

In conclusion, understanding how to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring can be a game-changer, allowing you to maximize your combat efficiency and dominate your enemies with sheer force.

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.