Everything You Need to Know About Two-Handing Weapons in Elden Ring

PDF download Download Article
Get the most out of those big, powerful weapons
PDF download Download Article

Like previous FromSoft games, Elden Ring gives you the option to change your stance and hold your weapon with one hand or with two hands. There are many benefits and disadvantages to two-handing a weapon. This wikiHow article teaches you everything you need to know about two-handing weapons in Elden Ring.

Two-Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring

  • On Playstation, press and hold Triangle and then press R1 or L1 , depending on if you want to two-hand the weapon in your right or left hand.
  • On Xbox press and hold Y and then press RB or LB , depending on if you want to two-hand the weapon in your right or left hand.
  • On PC, press and hold E and then right-click or left-click , depending on if you want to two-hand the weapon in your right or left hand.
Section 1 of 4:

How to Two-Hand in Elden Ring

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Connect-Ps5-Controller-to-Ps5-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Ps5-Controller-to-Ps5-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Connect-Ps5-Controller-to-Ps5-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Ps5-Controller-to-Ps5-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press R1 to two-hand the weapon or shield in your right weapon slot. Press L1 to two-hand the weapon or shield in your left weapon slot.
  2. 2
    Press and hold Y and press RB or LB on Xbox. Press RB to two-hand the weapon or shield in your right weapon slot. Press LB to two-hand the weapon or shield in your left weapon slot.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Press and hold E and right-click or left-click on PC. Right-click to two-hand the weapon or shield in your right weapon slot. Left-click to two-hand the weapon or shield in your left weapon slot.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Advantages of Two-Handing

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Follow-Dietary-Requirements-for-an-Anemic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Follow-Dietary-Requirements-for-an-Anemic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Follow-Dietary-Requirements-for-an-Anemic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Follow-Dietary-Requirements-for-an-Anemic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Two-handing gives you a 1.5x strength modifier. This means that if a sword requires 30 strength to wield, you can two-hand it with 20 strength. If you have less than 20 strength, you won't be able to effectively wield the weapon, even with two hands.
  2. 2
    You do more damage. The 1.5x strength modifier also applies to the damage you do. It's also more effective at breaking an enemy's guard.
  3. 3
    Some weapons have different attacks. Some weapons have different modes and different attacks when wielded with two hands instead of one.
  4. 4
    You can lighten your equipment load. Since you'll be carrying your weapon with two hands, you can remove the shield from your other hand. This will lighten your equipment load.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Disadvantages of Two-Handing

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    You can't carry a shield. Since you'll be using both your hands to carry your weapon, you can't carry a shield at the same time. This will lower your defenses and leave you more open to attack.
  2. 2
    Blocking isn't as effective. You can still block while two-handing a weapon, but it won't be as effective. You'll receive more damage than you would if you were to block with a shield.
  3. 3
    You'll need to depend on rolling more. You'll need to get good and practice the timing of your rolls in order to prevent damage.
  4. 4
    Your attacks are slightly slower. Since you're putting more power into your attacks, there is a slightly slower wind-up and recovery for each attack. [1]
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Best Two-Handed Weapons

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Buy-Gas-Gift-Cards-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Buy-Gas-Gift-Cards-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Buy-Gas-Gift-Cards-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Buy-Gas-Gift-Cards-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Greatswords are large, powerful swords that do a great deal of damage. Using them with two hands allows you to wield them without as much strength. They also have different attacks when wielded with two hands. You can do a powerful overhead attack instead of a vertical attack.
  2. 2
    Collosal weapons. Collosal weapons require high levels of strength and stamina to wield. Wielding them with two hands allows you to wield them with 50% less strength. They also tend to have greater range, which allows you to keep your distance so that you don't get attacked since you're not carrying a shield.
  3. 3
    Fists and claws. When two-handing fists and claws, you get a two-handed move set. This essentially allows you to duel-wield your fists and claws.
  4. 4
    Bows. Bows needed to be two-handed by default. While you can use them with one hand, they're not as effective.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Become-a-Fashion-Designer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Fashion-Designer-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Become-a-Fashion-Designer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Fashion-Designer-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unlike bows, crossbows can be welded effectively with one hand. However, using two hands allows you to aim and zoom in.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Try the samurai class. If you plan on playing a two-handed game, try selecting the samurai class at the start of the game. This glass greatly benefits from switching between one-handed and two-handed. [2]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Equip heavier armor when two-handing. Since you can't carry a shield while two-handing, unequip your shield to lighten your equipment load. Use the excess carrying capacity to equip heavier armor to protect yourself from attacks.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Get good at rolling and dodging . Since you won't be able to block or parry with a shield while two-handing, your best defense against attacks is to roll and dodge. Practice rolling and get good at the timing.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Fortnite: How to Redeem a V-Bucks Gift Card on All Platforms
      5 Quick Steps to Enable Aim Assist (Auto Aim) in Fortnite
      How to
      Spectate a Match in Fortnite Battle Royale: Easy Guide
      How to
      Beat Fungus Brutal Mode in Plague Inc
      Easy Ways to Attach Bait to a Fishing Rod in Stardew Valley
      How to
      Use Dead Eye in Red Dead Redemption
      How to
      Duel in Red Dead Redemption
      Stardew Valley: Complete Guide to Accessing Ginger Island
      How to
      Fix Fortnite Crashes: Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks
      How to
      Download and Play Fortnite on a Google Chromebook
      What You Need to Know About Activision Shadow-bans
      How to
      Change to a Different Character in Fortnite
      How to
      Fix Voice Chat Problems in Fortnite
      Is Dead By Daylight Crossplay? Everything You Need to Know
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://readwrite.com/how-to-two-hand-elden-ring/
      2. ↑ https://www.gamesradar.com/elden-ring-two-hand-weapon-how-to/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 74 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement