How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

Mastering the art of two-handing weapons in *Elden Ring* can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, allowing you to unleash devastating attacks on your enemies. In this guide, we'll explore how to two-hand weapons, the benefits of doing so, potential drawbacks, and 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, 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. Ensure your control scheme remains at the default settings unless you've intentionally changed them.

This technique is also useful while on horseback, enabling seamless weapon switching between melee and magic. Remember, if your weapon requires two-handing due to Strength requirements, you must start two-handing before mounting your horse. Otherwise, you won't be truly two-handing the weapon while riding.

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 numerous advantages. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50 percent, significantly increasing damage output, especially with Strength-scaling weapons. This boost can also allow you to wield heavier weapons that you might not be able to use one-handed.

Additionally, two-handing often alters the weapon's move set, potentially changing the damage type and providing tactical advantages. It also enhances the efficiency of Ashes of War, allowing you to utilize your weapon's special skills more effectively than when using a shield.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

While two-handing can be advantageous for Strength builds in Elden Ring, it's not without its drawbacks. The altered move set can take some getting used to, and it might be worth sacrificing some damage for attacks better suited to specific situations.

For those focusing on Dexterity or other builds, two-handing might not be as beneficial. Experimentation is key to finding the right balance for your playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

When it comes to two-handing, large weapons that scale with Strength are ideal. With the introduction of Shadow of the Erdtree, consider using the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to boost your damage when wielding a sword with both hands.

Recommended weapons for two-handing include Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and other Colossal Weapons. Notable choices are the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight’s Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for non-sword options.

By understanding how to effectively two-hand weapons in Elden Ring, you can tailor your combat strategy to maximize your damage and effectiveness on the battlefield.

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.