Elden Ring: 18 Tips to Master Two-Handed Weapons
Elden Ring offers a wide variety of weapon types for players to master, but none quite capture the essence of raw power like two-handed weapons. Whether you're swinging colossal greatswords or wielding massive axes, the ability to master two-handed weapons can be a game-changer in your journey through the Lands Between. In this guide, we'll explore 18 tips to help you maximize your effectiveness with two-handed weapons in Elden Ring.
1. Understanding the Basics of Two-Handed Combat
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand how two-handed weapons function in Elden Ring. When you equip a weapon with both hands, you'll generally increase your damage output and enable a different set of moves. However, this comes at the cost of being slower and less nimble compared to one-handed weapons.
2. Choosing the Right Weapon for Your Build
Not all two-handed weapons are created equal. Some might suit a Strength-based build, while others are better for Dexterity or even hybrid builds. When selecting your weapon, ensure it aligns with your character’s primary stats. If you prefer a tanky, heavy hitter build, consider weapons like the Great Club or the Dragon Slayer. If you're looking for a balance of power and speed, the Greatsword or the Colossal Sword might be more your style.
3. Focus on Strength Scaling
Two-handed weapons in Elden Ring typically scale better with Strength, so focusing on leveling up this stat will significantly boost your damage output. It's wise to prioritize Strength over other stats, particularly if you’re planning to take full advantage of two-handed weapons.
4. Experiment with Weapon Skills
Each two-handed weapon comes with unique weapon skills that can be used to overwhelm enemies. These special moves often have a longer wind-up time but can deal devastating damage. Mastering these weapon skills can give you the upper hand in battles, so spend some time experimenting with each weapon’s abilities.
5. Learn to Time Your Attacks
Timing is key when wielding two-handed weapons. While your attacks pack a serious punch, they also leave you vulnerable to counterattacks due to the slower speed. Focus on learning enemy patterns and striking when you see an opening. Patience is essential when using these heavy-hitting weapons.
6. Use the Right Ashes of War
Ashes of War allow you to customize your weapon with additional effects or enhance its abilities. For two-handed weapons, you'll want to equip Ashes of War that complement your build. For example, adding an Ash of War like Flaming Strike can increase your fire damage output, while one like Beast Roar can send enemies flying backward.
7. Positioning Is Everything
Wielding a two-handed weapon can leave you exposed if you aren’t careful with your positioning. Always make sure you have enough space to execute your heavy attacks without getting caught off guard by enemies. Use the terrain to your advantage and try to find ways to separate enemies, so you can focus your attacks on one target at a time.
8. Stamina Management
Since two-handed weapons use up more stamina with each swing, you need to be mindful of your stamina bar. If you run out of stamina, you’ll be unable to defend or continue attacking effectively. Keep an eye on your stamina and make sure to back off when you’re getting low, allowing it to regenerate before you commit to another set of swings.
9. Unlock the Power of Power Stance
When wielding two weapons, Elden Ring offers a “Power Stance” where you can use both weapons in tandem for increased damage. This stance requires specific stat requirements but can turn you into a one-person wrecking ball. Mastering this stance can make your combat style feel dynamic and unpredictable.
10. Equip Proper Armor for Heavy Attacks
With two-handed weapons, you’ll likely be playing a more aggressive role. To match that, you’ll need to equip armor that allows you to absorb damage while dishing it out. Heavy armor will help you survive hits while executing your powerful attacks, but remember that it will impact your mobility.
11. Adapt to Different Enemy Types
While two-handed weapons are fantastic for dealing massive damage to standard enemies, you may need to adjust your strategy when facing larger bosses or fast enemies. For bosses, you’ll want to focus on landing heavy strikes while maintaining distance to avoid taking hits. Against faster enemies, use your slower attacks strategically and learn how to cancel your attacks into dodges.
12. Master the Roll and Attack Combo
One trick that many players overlook is the roll-into-attack maneuver. After rolling to avoid an attack, immediately follow up with a powerful two-handed strike. This allows you to remain unpredictable while still dealing significant damage to your target.
13. Understand the Trade-Offs
When you wield a two-handed weapon, you forgo the ability to block with a shield. This means you’ll need to rely heavily on dodging and positioning to avoid taking damage. Be prepared for the trade-off: you sacrifice defense for offense, and the more you learn to manage that, the better your combat will become.
14. Consider Buffing Items
Buffing your weapon with items like Golden Vow or the consumable item Flame, Grant Me Strength can dramatically increase your attack power. Use these items before engaging tougher enemies to increase your chances of success in battle.
15. Take Advantage of Elemental Infusions
If you’re looking to add some flair to your two-handed weapons, consider elemental infusions. Whether it's fire, lightning, or magic, infusing your weapon with an element can help you deal with specific enemy weaknesses. Be mindful of your chosen element and make sure it matches the enemies you face.
16. Level Up Your Weapon
Just like your character, your weapons need upgrades. Don’t neglect leveling up your two-handed weapon to increase its effectiveness. Make sure you’re collecting the right materials to upgrade your weapon as you progress through the game, ensuring that your weapon scales well with your stats.
17. Use Two-Handed Weapons for Crowd Control
Two-handed weapons are particularly good for crowd control because of their wide-reaching attacks. If you’re faced with multiple enemies, utilize sweeping attacks to hit several at once. This strategy can help you clear groups of enemies quickly, allowing you to focus on stronger foes.
18. Buy Elden Ring Runes for Faster Progression
If you’re eager to level up quickly and unlock the full potential of your two-handed weapons, buying Elden Ring runes can help you expedite the process. This way, you can pump more points into Strength, Endurance, and other stats crucial for wielding heavy weapons. Additionally, buying Elden Ring items to upgrade your gear can give you that extra edge in tougher encounters.
Mastering two-handed weapons in Elden Ring is all about understanding timing, positioning, and stats. By applying these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true force in the Lands Between. Whether you’re swinging a mighty greatsword or crushing enemies with a massive hammer, two-handed combat is a rewarding, powerful playstyle to master. Keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself dominating the battlefield.