In Elden Ring, mastering weapon mechanics can significantly change the tide of battle. While dual-wielding and magic builds have their place, two-handing a weapon unlocks its full potential, offering increased damage and unique movesets. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or just starting out, here are five essential ways to truly master two-handing in Elden Rings.

1. Learn When to Switch Between One-Hand and Two-Hand Modes

Two-handing a weapon boosts its strength scaling by 50%, allowing you to meet stat requirements you otherwise couldn’t with one hand. However, it comes at the cost of a shield or off-hand utility. Understanding when to commit to two-handing is key. Use it aggressively against slower enemies or bosses when dodging is more effective than blocking. Don’t forget that you can quickly toggle between modes using the in-game button combination — practice this until it becomes second nature.

2. Take Advantage of Unique Movesets

Many weapons offer different light and heavy attack chains when two-handed. Greathammers, colossal swords, and even some katanas gain powerful vertical swings or combos ideal for staggering enemies. Experiment with different Elden Ring items and test their two-handed animations at the Site of Grace or against weaker enemies to get a feel for the range, timing, and stamina consumption.

3. Optimize Your Strength and Endurance Stats

Two-handing a weapon doesn’t just increase damage — it also demands more from your stamina and equipment load. Investing in Strength will further boost your two-handed damage, while Endurance helps manage stamina and wear heavier armor. Using your Elden Ring Runes wisely on these stats can drastically improve your combat efficiency. Don’t spread your points too thin; specialize if you want to maximize the benefits of a two-handed build.

4. Use Ashes of War Effectively

Ashes of War are key to personalizing your two-handed playstyle. Some, like Lion’s Claw or Flaming Strike, synergize particularly well with heavy weapons. When customizing, make sure to experiment with both the weapon scaling and the special ability itself. U4GM offers a variety of insights on how to best utilize Ashes of War with different weapon classes, making it easier to find combinations that suit your build.

5. Choose the Right Gear and Talismans

Not all Elden Ring items are created equal. Some talismans, such as the Radagon’s Scarseal or Green Turtle Talisman, are perfect complements to a two-handed warrior. Likewise, armor that balances poise and weight will let you stay mobile while dealing heavy blows. Keep your equipment load just below the medium threshold to avoid fat rolling — a crucial consideration when you don’t have a shield to rely on.

Mastering two-handing in Elden Rings is more than just swinging a big weapon — it’s about precision, timing, and building your character with purpose. Spend your Elden Ring Runes carefully, explore diverse Elden Ring items, and stay updated on meta shifts through communities like U4GM. With the right approach, you’ll crush your foes with overwhelming force and style.