Mastering the art of two-handing weapons in Elden Ring is key to obliterating your foes. This guide breaks down exactly how to two-hand weapons and why you might want to.

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 applies to either your left or right-hand weapon. If you've customized your controls, double-check your settings. This method also works for switching weapons while mounted, useful 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 won't be effectively two-handing unless you've already done so.

Why You Should Two-Hand in Elden Ring

There are compelling reasons to wield weapons with both hands. Primarily, it significantly boosts damage. Two-handing increases your Strength by 50%, making Strength-based weapons hit considerably harder. Beyond raw power, two-handing often alters attack movesets. Some weapons even allow you to change damage types depending on your wielding style. This Strength boost also enables you to use weapons you normally couldn't, maintaining a manageable Strength stat while still wielding powerful greatswords. Finally, it optimizes Ashes of War. When using a sword and shield, your weapon skill defaults to the shield. Two-handing your right-hand weapon grants access to its Ash of War, offering increased tactical options.

The Downsides of Using a Weapon in Two-Hands

While beneficial for Strength builds, two-handing has drawbacks. The altered attack patterns require adjustment and strategic planning. Sometimes, sacrificing some damage for a more situationally effective attack is worthwhile. Moreover, this technique is less ideal for Dexterity or other non-Strength builds. Experiment to find what suits your playstyle best.

Best Weapons to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

Large, Strength-scaling weapons are generally best for two-handing. Consider the Two-Handed Sword Talisman (available in *Shadow of the Erdtree*) for a damage boost when two-handing swords. Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Great Hammers, and Colossal Weapons are all excellent choices. Focus on weapons that scale well with Strength. Popular options include the Greatsword, Zweihander, Fire Knight's Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher for non-sword users.

And there you have it—mastering the art of two-handing 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-handing weapons in Elden Ring.