Elden Ring, the sprawling action RPG from FromSoftware, offers players a vast array of combat options. Mastering these options is key to survival in the Lands Between. Among the fundamental techniques, knowing how to two-hand weapons is crucial for unleashing devastating attacks and altering your combat style. This guide will explain everything you need to know about two-handing in Elden Ring, and also touch upon the powerful dual-wielding mechanic to give you a comprehensive understanding of weapon stances.
Understanding Two-Handing in Elden Ring
Two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring is a simple yet effective way to significantly increase your damage output. When you grip a weapon with both hands, you forgo the use of your off-hand armament, be it a shield, another weapon, or a staff. In return, you gain enhanced strength scaling for that weapon. This means your Strength stat will have a greater impact on the weapon’s attack power, leading to more substantial damage with each swing.
While two-handing amplifies your offensive capabilities, it’s important to note the tactical trade-off. You lose the ability to parry with a shield or utilize the unique skills of an off-hand weapon. Furthermore, while you can still block while two-handing, it’s less effective than blocking with a dedicated shield, and you’ll sustain a chip damage even on a successful block.
Despite these defensive compromises, two-handing is invaluable for players who favor aggressive combat, allowing you to stagger enemies more easily and defeat them faster. It’s particularly useful against slower, heavily armored opponents or when you need to break an enemy’s stance quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Two-Handing Weapons in Elden Ring
The method for two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring is consistent across all platforms, but the button inputs vary depending on whether you are playing on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. Here’s a breakdown for each platform:
Two-Handing on PlayStation Consoles (PS4 & PS5)
To two-hand a weapon on PlayStation:
- Hold down the Triangle button. This button acts as the stance modifier.
- Simultaneously press either L1 or L2 to two-hand the weapon equipped in your left hand. L1 corresponds to the weapon art or skill of the left-hand weapon, while L2 is typically used for blocking with a shield in the left hand.
- Alternatively, press R1 or R2 to two-hand the weapon equipped in your right hand. R1 is your standard light attack for the right-hand weapon, and R2 is your heavy attack.
By holding Triangle and pressing the corresponding shoulder button, you will switch to the two-handed stance for your desired weapon. Repeat the process to revert back to your standard equipment setup.
Two-Handing on Xbox Consoles (Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S)
The process on Xbox mirrors PlayStation, with button equivalents:
- Hold down the Y button. This is the Xbox equivalent of the Triangle button.
- Press LB or LT to two-hand the left-hand weapon. LB and LT function similarly to L1 and L2 on PlayStation.
- Press RB or RT to two-hand the right-hand weapon. RB and RT are equivalent to R1 and R2 on PlayStation.
Holding Y and pressing the appropriate bumper or trigger will toggle the two-handed stance for your chosen weapon. Repeat to return to your regular stance.
Two-Handing on PC (Keyboard and Mouse)
For PC players using a keyboard and mouse:
- Hold down the E key. The ‘E’ key serves the same function as the Triangle/Y button on consoles.
- Left-click your mouse to two-hand the weapon in your left hand. The left mouse button typically corresponds to actions associated with the left hand.
- Right-click your mouse to two-hand the weapon in your right hand. The right mouse button usually corresponds to right-hand actions.
Holding ‘E’ and clicking the corresponding mouse button will switch you to the two-handed stance. Repeat to switch back.
Dual-Wielding: Expanding Your Combat Arsenal in Elden Ring
Beyond two-handing, Elden Ring offers another powerful combat option: dual-wielding. While technically you can equip any combination of weapons in each hand, the true potential of dual-wielding is unlocked when you equip two weapons of the same weapon type. This activates what’s known as the “Power Stance”.
When in Power Stance, your attack moveset changes dramatically. Your left-hand attacks are no longer simply off-hand swings. Instead, you unleash a flurry of attacks utilizing both weapons simultaneously. This can significantly increase your damage per second and open up new combo possibilities. Power Stance attacks often have unique animations and properties, making your combat style more dynamic and aggressive.
To dual-wield effectively and access the Power Stance:
- Open the Equipment Menu.
- Equip the same type of weapon in both your right and left hand slots. For example, equip two Straight Swords, two Katanas, or two Curved Swords. Ensure they are of the same weapon category for Power Stance to activate.
- Observe your character’s stance and moveset. When Power Stance is active, you’ll notice a distinct change in your character’s posture and attack animations when using the left attack button (L1/LB/Left Mouse Button).
Dual-wielding, like two-handing, comes with a defensive trade-off. You sacrifice the ability to block effectively with a shield (unless you are dual-wielding shields). However, the increased offensive pressure and unique attack patterns of Power Stance can overwhelm enemies before they have a chance to strike.
Conclusion: Mastering Weapon Stances for Elden Ring Success
Understanding how to two-hand and dual-wield weapons in Elden Ring is essential for mastering its combat system. Two-handing offers a straightforward damage boost for individual weapons, while dual-wielding and Power Stance unlock entirely new attack styles and greater damage potential. Experiment with both techniques to find the combat style that best suits your playstyle and conquer the challenges that await you in the Lands Between. Whether you prefer the focused power of two-handing a colossal sword or the rapid strikes of dual katanas, Elden Ring provides the tools for you to forge your own path to victory.
