Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion offers a variety of combat options including the ability to two-hand weapons. This technique is not well explained explicitly in the game, however, it can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in some situations.
Two-handling allows you to wield a weapon in both hands although, you will have to compensate for the shield or your off-hand item. This will allow you to achieve an increase in the damage output and unlock new attacking patterns as well.
How to two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Follow the steps below for two-handing a weapon on various devices:
PC controls:
- To two-hand the weapon on your left hand: Hold E and left-click
- To two-hand the weapon on your right hand: Hold R and right-click
PlayStation Controls:
- For using the weapon on your left hand: Hold Triangle and press L1 or L2
- For using the weapon on your right hand: Hold Triangle and press R1 or R2
Xbox Controls:
- To use the weapon on your left hand: Hold Y and press LB or LT
- To use the weapon on your right hand: Hold Y and press RB or RT
Bows are generally two-handed weapons but can be held on one hand while using another weapon on another, however, this negates the bow’s effectiveness. Crossbows can be held on either one or both hands. Two-handing the crossbow allows greater accuracy and control.
Why two-hand a weapon in Shadow of the Erdtree
When you two-hand a weapon, the attack power of your character receives a significant boost. There is a +50% strength scaling making your attacks more potent and it is beneficial when you face tough enemies.
The character’s strength stat increases 1.5 times allowing you to wield heavier weapons that cannot be held with one hand. Some of the powerful weapons in the game require you to have high Strength to wield them.
You may get all these strength and damage output boosts, however, you will be unable to use the shield in your off-hand and be vulnerable to enemy attacks. You will be heavily dependent on timing your dodge rolls to avoid damage.
Two-handing weapons are particularly useful when you need to maximize your damage output or when the enemies can be easily staggered or defeated using heavy strikes. Adapt to the new attacking patterns unlocked after two-handing your weapons and make your strategy to achieve maximum efficiency during battles in the Shadow Realm.
