How To 2 Hand In Elden Ring

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, two-handing a weapon is a crucial combat technique that allows you to deal increased damage at the cost of losing your off-hand item, such as a shield or secondary weapon. This guide will walk you through the process of two-handing weapons, explain the benefits and drawbacks, and provide examples of how to effectively utilize this mechanic in combat.

How to Two-Hand a Weapon

The process of two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring differs slightly from previous FromSoftware titles. Here’s how to do it on each platform:

Platform	Input
PlayStation	Hold Triangle + Press R1 or L1
Xbox	Hold Y + Press RB or LB
PC (Keyboard & Mouse)	Hold E + Right-click or Left-click

To two-hand a weapon, first hold down the appropriate button (Triangle, Y, or E) while your weapon is equipped. Then, press the corresponding shoulder button (R1/L1, RB/LB, or right-click/left-click) to two-hand the weapon in your right or left hand, respectively.Pressing the same button combination again will return you to a one-handed stance, re-equipping any off-hand item you had previously.

Benefits of Two-Handing Weapons

There are several advantages to two-handing weapons in Elden Ring:

Increased Damage Output: Two-handing a weapon will increase the damage dealt by both light and heavy attacks, making it a valuable option for maximizing your offensive potential.
Reduced Strength Requirements: If you fall slightly short of the strength requirement for a particular weapon, two-handing it can help you meet the necessary threshold, allowing you to wield it effectively.
Access to Different Movesets: Certain weapon types, such as greatswords, gain access to unique two-handed movesets that can be useful in specific situations, like the overhead slam attack that deals poise damage to break enemy guards.
Dual-Wielding Movesets: For one-handed weapons like fists and claws, two-handing them will equip the same weapon in both hands, granting you access to a dual-wielding moveset with increased damage potential.

Drawbacks of Two-Handing Weapons

While two-handing offers several benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks:

Loss of Off-Hand Item: When two-handing a weapon, you will be unable to use any off-hand items, such as shields, torches, or secondary weapons. This can leave you more vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Slower Attack Animations: Two-handed attack animations are generally a bit slower compared to one-handed attacks, as your character puts more power into each strike. This can leave you more open to counterattacks.
Reduced Blocking Capability: While you can still block attacks with a two-handed weapon, you will take more damage compared to using a shield with 100% physical damage resistance.
Increased Reliance on Dodging: Without a shield, you’ll need to rely more on well-timed dodges and rolls to avoid enemy attacks, as blocking with a two-handed weapon is less effective.

When to Use Two-Handing

Deciding when to two-hand a weapon depends on the situation and the specific enemy you’re facing. Here are some general guidelines:

Against Enemies with Weak Poise: Two-handing can be effective against enemies with low poise, as the increased damage and unique movesets can help you break their guard more easily.
In Open Areas: Two-handing is often better suited for open areas where you have more room to maneuver and take advantage of the increased damage output without being too constrained by the environment.
When Facing Slow, Heavy Attacks: If an enemy is telegraphing slow, heavy attacks, two-handing can help you deal more damage before they recover and counterattack.
When Strength is a Limiting Factor: If your strength stat is limiting your weapon choices, two-handing can help you wield heavier weapons that you wouldn’t normally be able to use effectively.

Examples of Effective Two-Handing Builds

Here are a few examples of builds that can benefit from two-handing weapons:

Strength-Based Builds: Characters with high strength stats can take full advantage of two-handing heavy weapons like greatswords and greataxes, dealing massive damage while breaking enemy poise.
Dexterity-Based Builds: Dexterity-focused builds can benefit from two-handing fast weapons like katanas, curved swords, and claws, taking advantage of the unique dual-wielding movesets to quickly overwhelm opponents.
Quality Builds: Quality builds that invest in both strength and dexterity can adapt to various situations by two-handing different weapon types, such as greatswords for poise damage or curved swords for bleed buildup.
Bleed Builds: Characters focused on inflicting bleed status can take advantage of two-handing bleed-infused weapons like katanas or daggers, quickly building up the bleed meter and staggering enemies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I two-hand a shield?
- Yes, you can two-hand certain shields, such as the Marred Leather Shield, which inflicts blood loss when attacking with it.
Does two-handing increase the damage of spells or incantations?
- No, two-handing only affects the damage of melee weapons. It does not impact the potency of spells or incantations.
Can I two-hand a bow or crossbow?
- No, you cannot two-hand ranged weapons like bows and crossbows. They are always used one-handed.
Does two-handing reduce the weight of a weapon?
- No, two-handing a weapon does not reduce its weight. However, it does allow you to equip heavier weapons if your strength is limited.
Can I two-hand a staff or seal?
- Yes, you can two-hand staves and seals, but this will not increase their spell or incantation damage. It’s mainly useful for the unique moveset changes.
How much additional damage does two-handing provide?
- The exact damage increase varies by weapon, but it is typically a modest boost, often in the range of 10-20% additional damage.
Can I two-hand while dual-wielding?
- No, you cannot two-hand a weapon while dual-wielding. You must have a free off-hand to two-hand a weapon.
Does two-handing affect the requirements of special weapons?
- Yes, two-handing can help you meet the requirements for special weapons that have high attribute thresholds, such as the Bolt of Gransax spear.

Conclusion

Two-handing weapons is a powerful combat technique in Elden Ring that allows you to deal increased damage and access unique movesets. By understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and best practices for two-handing, you can adapt your playstyle to various situations and build upon your strengths as a player. Remember to experiment with different weapon types and two-handed movesets to find what works best for your preferred playstyle and character build.