How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

Dominating your foes in Elden Ring often hinges on wielding your weapons with devastating power. Two-handing weapons is a key strategy for maximizing damage and control. This guide will break down how to two-hand, when it's advantageous, and the potential drawbacks.

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

To two-hand weapons, press and hold E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, or Y on Xbox, then press your attack button. This activates either your left or right-hand weapon, depending on which you selected. If you've customized your controls, double-check your settings. This method also works for weapon switching while mounted, a boon for players using multiple weapons or switching between melee and magic. However, remember that weapons requiring two hands due to Strength requirements must be two-handed before mounting your steed; otherwise, you won't benefit from the two-handed bonus while riding.

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Two-handing offers significant advantages. Firstly, it boosts your Strength by 50%, significantly increasing damage output, especially with Strength-scaling weapons. Secondly, it often alters your weapon's moveset, sometimes even changing damage types. This increased Strength also unlocks access to weapons you might otherwise struggle to wield, allowing for greater build flexibility. Finally, two-handing grants access to your weapon's Ash of War, unlike when using a shield, providing crucial tactical options.

The Downsides of Two-Handing

While beneficial for Strength builds, two-handing isn't always optimal. The altered attack patterns require adjustment and strategic planning. Sometimes, sacrificing raw damage for more situationally effective attacks is worthwhile. Furthermore, its benefits are less pronounced for Dexterity or other build types. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for your playstyle.

Best Weapons for Two-Handing

Generally, large, Strength-scaling weapons excel when two-handed. Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons are all excellent choices. Since the *Shadow of the Erdtree* update, the Two-Handed Sword Talisman significantly boosts damage with two-handed swords. Consider weapons like the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, or the Giant-Crusher for a non-sword option. Ultimately, the best weapon depends on your individual preferences and build.

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-handing weapons in Elden Ring.