Mastering the art of wielding a weapon in two hands can significantly enhance your combat prowess in *Elden Ring*. In this guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of two-handing, the advantages it offers, potential drawbacks, and recommend the best weapons to maximize your effectiveness.

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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 switch to a two-handed grip in Elden Ring, 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 use in both hands. If you've customized your controls, ensure you haven't altered these default settings.

This technique also facilitates weapon switching while mounted, which is particularly useful for players who juggle multiple weapons or switch between melee and magical attacks. Remember, if your weapon requires two hands due to Strength requirements, you must equip it this way before mounting your horse. While riding, the weapon isn't technically two-handed unless prepped beforehand.

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

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. There are compelling reasons to adopt a two-handed stance in Elden Ring. Primarily, it boosts your Strength by 50 percent, significantly enhancing the damage output of Strength-scaling weapons. This increase can turn your attacks into devastating blows.

Moreover, two-handing often alters your weapon's move set, which can change the damage type and provide tactical advantages. It also allows you to wield heavier weapons that might otherwise be beyond your Strength capacity, keeping your stats balanced while still using powerful gear like greatswords.

Another advantage is the more efficient use of Ashes of War. When using a sword and shield, the weapon skill defaults to the shield's ability. By two-handing, you can access the sword's Ash of War directly, offering greater utility in combat scenarios.

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 challenges. The altered attack patterns require adjustment, so take time to familiarize yourself with these changes and adapt your strategy accordingly. Sometimes, sacrificing some damage for a more suitable attack in a specific situation can be beneficial.

Additionally, if your build focuses on Dexterity or another attribute, two-handing might not be the optimal choice. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for your playstyle.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Screenshot by The Escapist. When considering weapons for two-handing in Elden Ring, focus on those that scale well with Strength. Large weapons such as Greatswords and Colossal Swords are ideal candidates, as are Great Hammers and other Colossal Weapons. With the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, consider equipping the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to further boost your damage output when wielding swords in this manner.

Recommended weapons include the Greatsword, Zweihander, and Fire Knight's Greatsword. For those interested in non-sword options, the Giant-Crusher is an excellent choice.

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.