Mastering the art of wielding weapons with two hands can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in *Elden Ring*. In this guide, we'll explore how to two-hand weapons, the advantages of doing so, 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 engage in two-handed combat in Elden Ring, simply hold down the E key on PC, the triangle button on PlayStation, or the Y button on Xbox, then press the attack button corresponding to the weapon you wish to wield with both hands. Be mindful of your control settings; if you've customized them, ensure they align with the default configuration for this action.

This method also facilitates weapon switching while mounted, making it a versatile choice for players juggling different combat styles or transitioning between melee and magic. If your weapon's Strength requirement necessitates two-handing, remember to adopt this stance before mounting your steed, as the two-handed grip won't automatically apply 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 can offer several strategic advantages. Notably, it increases your Strength by 50%, amplifying damage output, especially with Strength-scaled weapons. This boost not only enhances your attack power but also enables you to wield heavier weapons that might otherwise be beyond your Strength capacity.

Additionally, two-handing often alters the weapon's move set, potentially changing the damage type and offering tactical flexibility. It also streamlines the use of Ashes of War, ensuring that your weapon's skill is utilized effectively without interference from secondary items like shields.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

Screenshot by The Escapist. While two-handing is advantageous for Strength-focused builds in Elden Ring, it's not without its drawbacks. The change in attack mechanics may require time to adapt, and in certain scenarios, opting for a different attack style might be more beneficial despite a potential decrease in damage.

Moreover, this technique is less suitable for Dexterity or other non-Strength builds. It's crucial to experiment and determine whether two-handing aligns with your overall strategy and character build.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. When selecting weapons to two-hand in Elden Ring, focus on those that scale well with Strength. With the Shadow of the Erdtree update, equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman can further enhance your damage output when wielding a sword in this manner.

Among the top choices are Greatswords and Colossal Swords, as well as Great Hammers and other Colossal Weapons. Recommended options include the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight's Greatsword. For those not fixated on swords, the Giant-Crusher is an excellent alternative.

And that's a comprehensive guide on how to 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.