How to Two Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring: Explained

How To Two Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring Elden ring two handed weapons

If you want to know how to two hand a weapon in Elden Ring, you’re not alone. It can be an effective option in FromSoftware’s ARPG. Two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring can increase your damage output even if your attack stats aren’t that impressive. But the increased strength comes with a trade off as it requires. giving up the use of the shield. This means your only defensive options is to dodge.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to two hand a weapon in Elden Ring on every platform and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.

How to Two Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring

How To Two Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring Elden ring two handed weapons
Image Source: FromSoftware

In Elden Ring, FromSoftware has made some changes to the control scheme for two-handing weapons due to the addition of a jump action. Here’s how you can two-hand weapons on various platforms:

  • PS4/PS5: Hold the triangle button and press R1/R2 to two-hand a weapon in your right hand. Hold triangle and press L1/L2 to two-hand a weapon in your left hand.
  • Xbox: Hold the Y button and press RB/RT to two-hand a weapon in your right hand. Hold Y and press LB/LT to two-hand a weapon in your left hand.
  • PC: Hold the E key and right-click to two-hand a weapon in your right hand. Hold E and left-click to two-hand a weapon in your left hand.

To switch back to one-handed use, press the same button combination again. This allows you to quickly change between one-handed and two-handed modes as needed.

Advantages of Elden Ring Two Handed Weapons

Using a weapon with both hands can provide several benefits:

  • Compensates for Low Strength: If your strength is slightly below the required level to wield a weapon, two-handing can make up for this deficiency. For instance, a weapon requiring 20 strength can be effectively used with 14 strength when two-handed.
  • Increased Damage: Attacking with a two-handed weapon deals more damage than using it with one hand. This can help you defeat enemies faster.
  • Reduced Equipment Weight: When two-handing a weapon, you don’t need a shield, which can reduce your equipment weight. This allows you to wear heavier armor or other gear without becoming overburdened.

Elden Ring Two Handed Weapons: The Shortcomings

How To Two Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring Elden ring two handed weapons
Image Source: FromSoftware

However, two-handing a weapon also comes with some drawbacks:

  • No Shield or Torch: Without a free hand, you can’t use a shield or a torch. This means you’ll need to switch back to one-handed mode if you want to use other equipment.
  • Slower Attack Animations: Two-handed attacks are usually slower because they require more power. This means it takes longer to recover and follow up with another attack.
  • Increased Dependency on Dodging: Without a shield, you must rely more on dodging to avoid damage. Blocking with a two-handed weapon is possible, but you’ll still take some damage.

So using a weapon in two handed mode makes sense in certain scenarios, but you will have to make up for your loss in defensive options.