Introduction
As a player journeying through Elden Ring, you may find yourself struggling with combat and looking for ways to improve your gameplay. One technique that can greatly enhance your performance is 2-handing. In this article, we will explore what 2-handing is and how to effectively use it in both PvE and PvP scenarios. With step-by-step instructions, weapon and build recommendations, advanced tactics, and common mistakes to avoid, you’ll be able to master the art of 2-handing in no time.
Overview of 2-Handing
2-handing is a combat technique in which a player wields a weapon with both hands instead of one. This allows for increased damage and range, as well as faster attack speed. By 2-handing your weapon, you sacrifice the use of a shield or off-hand weapon, but the advantages often outweigh any potential drawbacks.
The primary advantage of 2-handing is the increased damage output. By using both hands to wield a weapon, you have greater control and power, allowing you to inflict more damage with each strike. Additionally, 2-handing can provide greater range, which can be especially useful against enemies with long reach or difficult-to-reach weak spots.
Step-by-Step Guide
To 2-hand your weapon, follow these simple steps:
- Equip the desired weapon in one of your main hand slots.
- Press and hold down the two-hand weapon button (Triangle on PS4, Y on Xbox, and the Tab key on PC).
- Your character will transition into a two-handed stance and your off-hand weapon or shield will be hidden.
- To return to single-handed mode, press the two-hand button again.
It can take some practice to get accustomed to 2-handing, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be dealing massive damage in no time!
Weapon and Build Recommendations
Not all weapons are created equal when it comes to 2-handing. Larger weapons, such as greatswords, axes, and hammers, are typically the best options due to their high damage output and reach. Some recommended weapons for 2-handing include:
- Greatsword of Judgement
- Demon’s Greataxe
- Red Rust Scimitar
- Fume Ultra Greatsword
- Dragon Tooth
Additionally, you should consider building your character specifically for 2-handing. Focus on increasing strength and dexterity to maximize the damage output of your chosen weapon. Endurance and vigor should also be prioritized to ensure you have enough stamina and health to survive in combat.
Advanced Tactics
Once you’ve mastered the basics of 2-handing, you can take your gameplay to the next level with some advanced tactics. One technique to consider is utilizing weapon arts, which are special abilities unique to certain weapons. These can provide additional damage and stun potential, and can also help you close the gap between you and your opponent.
Another strategy to consider is chaining together attacks for maximum impact. By alternating between light and heavy attacks, you can create devastating combos that can quickly take down even the toughest enemies. Make sure to take advantage of your weapon’s move set and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
Comparison to Other Techniques
2-handing is just one of many combat techniques available in Elden Ring. It’s important to understand how it compares to other options, such as single weapon and shield, dual-wielding, and spellcasting.
Compared to single weapon and shield, 2-handing sacrifices defensive capabilities for greater offense. Dual-wielding, on the other hand, offers more options for combining different types of weapons, but can be more difficult to master. Finally, spellcasting provides a completely different playstyle, relying on ranged attacks and magical abilities instead of physical melee combat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with any technique, there are common mistakes to avoid when 2-handing. These include:
- Forgetting to manage your stamina. Make sure to keep an eye on your stamina bar and take breaks between attacks to avoid being left vulnerable.
- Using the wrong weapon for the situation. Not all enemies are created equal, and some weapons may be more effective against certain types of foes.
- Overcommitting to attacks. It’s important to know when to back off and wait for an opening, rather than blindly attacking and leaving yourself open to counterattacks.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure a successful and productive combat experience.
PvE vs PvP
Finally, it’s important to understand the differences between using 2-handing in PvE versus PvP scenarios. In PvE, 2-handing can be extremely effective against larger enemies, allowing you to take them down quickly and efficiently. In PvP, however, it can be more complicated. While 2-handing can provide greater damage output, it also leaves you more vulnerable to parry and backstab attempts, which can quickly turn the tide of a fight.
As such, it’s important to tailor your weapons and strategies to the situation. In PvP, consider using weapons that provide a mix of offense and defense, and be prepared to switch up your tactics if your opponent proves difficult to defeat.
Conclusion
In summary, 2-handing is a powerful combat technique in Elden Ring that can greatly enhance your gameplay if used correctly. By following the steps outlined above, choosing the right weapons and building your character appropriately, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be able to take down even the most challenging foes with ease.
