How to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, two-handing your weapon offers a dynamic approach to combat, emphasizing raw strength and devastating blows. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring the Lands Between or a seasoned adventurer looking to refine your skills, understanding the intricacies of two-handed combat can elevate your gameplay experience. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about effectively wielding your weapon with both hands.

Benefits of Two-Handing Your Weapon

Two-handing your weapon in Elden Ring provides several advantages that can significantly impact your effectiveness in combat:

1. Increased Damage: Two-handing generally increases the damage output of your attacks. This is because wielding a weapon with both hands allows you to leverage more of its weight and momentum into each strike.
2. Different Moveset: When you two-hand a weapon, its moveset often changes. Some weapons gain new attacks or combos that aren’t available when wielded with one hand, offering versatility in combat.
3. Breaks Enemy Guard: Two-handing can break through enemy defenses more effectively, staggering or stunning opponents and creating openings for critical attacks.
4. Poise Damage: Certain heavy weapons can also inflict poise damage more effectively when two-handed, potentially staggering enemies even if they’re in mid-attack.

How to Two-Hand Your Weapon

1. Unequip the Shield of Secondary Weapon: First, ensure you have unequipped your shield or secondary weapon.
2. Toggle Stance: To two-hand your weapon, press and hold the two-hand toggle button. On most platforms:
   • PC: Press and hold the “Y” key by default.
   • PlayStation: Press and hold “Triangle”.
   • Xbox: Press and hold “Y”.
   Your character will visibly adjust their stance, gripping the weapon with both hands.
3. Combat Adjustments: Once two-handed, your character’s movement and attack animations may change. Experiment with different attacks and combos to familiarize yourself with the weapon’s new moveset.

Strategies for Effective Two-Handed Combat

1. Timing and Stamina Management: Two-handed attacks often consume more stamina than single-handed attacks. Pay attention to your stamina bar and avoid over-committing to attacks that may leave you vulnerable.
2. Mixing with Magic or Abilities: Combine two-handed attacks with spells, incantations, or weapon arts for diverse combat strategies. This hybrid approach can catch opponents off guard and enhance your overall combat effectiveness.
3. Adapt to Enemy Types: Different enemies may require varying approaches when two-handing your weapon. Experiment with different weapons and observe how they interact with enemy defenses and vulnerabilities.

Advancing Your Two-Handed Skills

1. Weapon Upgrades: Enhance your chosen weapon through upgrades at blacksmiths or using rare materials found throughout the Lands Between. Upgrading can increase damage output and unlock new abilities.
2. Skill Development: Practice and repetition are key to mastering two-handed combat. Challenge yourself against tougher enemies or in PvP encounters to refine your skills and adapt to different combat scenarios.
3. Exploration and Discovery: As you explore Elden Ring‘s vast world, keep an eye out for new weapons or equipment that may complement your two-handed combat style. Hidden treasures and challenging foes often yield valuable rewards.

Two Hand Combat Elden Ring

Mastering two-handed combat in Elden Ring offers a rewarding experience, blending strength, strategy, and skill. By embracing the raw power of two-handing your weapon, you can overcome formidable adversaries, uncover hidden secrets, and forge your legend in the mystical Lands Between. Whether you prefer colossal greatswords or nimble spears, honing your two-handed prowess will undoubtedly enrich your journey through this hauntingly beautiful world.