How to 2 Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring, the latest FromSoftware masterpiece, has taken the gaming world by storm. One of the key aspects of the game that has drawn attention is its deep character customization and weapon customization system. Among these customization options is the ability to 2-hand weapons, which can be both empowering and intimidating to new players. In this article, we’ll explore the art of 2-handing weapons in Elden Ring and provide tips on how to master this skill.
What is 2-Handing a Weapon?
In Elden Ring, 2-handing a weapon refers to the ability to equip a weapon with both hands, allowing you to use its full potential. When you 2-hand a weapon, you’re effectively disabling the use of your shield, which means you’ll need to rely on other defensive mechanics, such as dodging or parrying, to stay safe. However, this comes with significant benefits, including increased damage output and improved survivability.
Why Would You Want to 2-Hand a Weapon?
So, why would you want to 2-hand a weapon? Here are a few reasons:
• Increased Damage Output: 2-handing a weapon often increases the damage output due to the increased strength and power you can bring to bear on your enemies.
• Improved Survivability: By focusing all your might on a single attack, you can inflict massive damage on enemies and even potentially stagger or stagger-kill them.
• Cool Factor: Let’s face it – there’s a certain cool factor to swinging a massive, heavy sword or axe in both hands and taking down enemies with ease.
How to 2 Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring?
Now that you know why you’d want to 2-hand a weapon, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Equip the Correct Weapon: To 2-hand a weapon, you need to equip a weapon that can be wielded in both hands. You can check the weapon’s attributes by opening the menu and selecting the weapon.
2. Enter Combat Mode: Make sure you’re in combat mode by entering a fight or by holding the left trigger (or equivalent on your platform).
3. Press the Switch Hands Button: Once you’re in combat mode, press the switch hands button (usually the Y button on Xbox, Triangle on PS4, or R on PC). This will toggle your weapon from being wielded in one hand to being wielded in both.
4. Adjust Your Stance: As you start using your 2-handed weapon, you may need to adjust your stance to optimize your attack flow and timing. Practice dodging, parrying, and taking advantage of the openings in your opponents’ attacks to stay safe and dish out damage.
Tips for 2-Handing a Weapon
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when 2-handing a weapon in Elden Ring:
- Use Heavy Weapons Wisely: 2-handing heavy weapons like greataxes or giant hammers can be intimidating, but they’re not always the best choice for 2-handed fighting. Try using them in tight spaces or when facing off against specific types of enemies.
- Dodge and Parry: As mentioned earlier, when 2-handing a weapon, you’re unable to use a shield. Make sure you practice your dodging and parrying skills to stay safe in combat.
- Master Your Weapon’s Attacks: Understand the attack animations and combos of your weapon and master them to optimize your damage output and stay effective.
- Be Patient and Adaptable: 2-handing a weapon requires patience, timing, and adaptability. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the situation and enemy types.
2-Handed Weapons to Consider
Here are some weapons that are great for 2-handing in Elden Ring:
Weapon | Location | Damage Type | Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Morning Star | Starting Location | Holy | 22 Strength |
Great Hammer | Limgrave | Strike | 34 Strength |
War Sword | Stormveil | Slash | 24 Strength |
Giant Hammer | Mountaintops of the Giants | Strike | 42 Strength |
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2-handing a weapon in Elden Ring requires a deep understanding of combat mechanics, weapon attributes, and playstyle. With the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you should be well on your way to mastering the art of 2-handing a weapon and taking down even the toughest enemies. Remember to stay patient, adapt to situations, and experiment with different weapons to find the one that suits your playstyle best. Happy hunting, and see you on the battlefield!