How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

Mastering the art of two-handed weapon combat is key to dominating your enemies in Elden Ring. This guide will break down exactly how to two-hand weapons and why it's such a powerful technique.

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

To two-hand weapons, simply press and hold E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then press your attack button. This will activate your chosen weapon (left or right hand). If you've customized your controls, double-check your settings to ensure these default actions haven't been altered. This method also works for switching weapons while mounted, offering flexibility for those who utilize multiple weapons or switch between melee and magic. However, remember that if a weapon requires two-handing due to Strength requirements, you must two-hand it before mounting your steed. While mounted, you aren't technically two-handing unless you initiate it beforehand.

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Two-handing offers significant advantages. The most obvious is the damage boost. Your Strength stat receives a 50% increase, significantly amplifying the impact of Strength-scaling weapons. Beyond raw power, two-handing often alters attack animations and move sets, potentially changing damage types depending on the weapon. This Strength boost also allows you to wield weapons normally beyond your capabilities, making it easier to manage your Strength stat while still using powerful weapons. Finally, it unlocks the full potential of your Ashes of War. When using a sword and shield, your weapon skill defaults to your shield. Two-handing your weapon grants direct access to its Ash of War, providing tactical flexibility in combat.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

While highly beneficial for Strength builds, two-handing isn't without drawbacks. The altered attack patterns require adjustment and careful consideration of your surroundings. Sometimes, sacrificing some damage for a more situationally effective attack is a worthwhile trade-off. Furthermore, this technique is less ideal for Dexterity or other builds; experimentation is key to determining the best approach for your chosen playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Generally, large, Strength-scaling weapons are optimal for two-handing. Consider the Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in *Shadow of the Erdtree*) for a damage boost when wielding swords. Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons are all excellent choices. Focus on weapons that scale well with Strength. Recommended options include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher (a strong alternative if you prefer non-sword options).

And there you have it—your comprehensive guide to two-handed combat 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 two-handed weapon combat in Elden Ring.