Can You Riposte with Your Left Hand in Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide

The short and direct answer is: no, you cannot riposte with your left hand in either Elden Ring or Dark Souls 3. Ripostes, which are powerful counterattacks executed after a successful parry or guard break, are exclusively performed using a weapon in your right hand. This mechanic is a fundamental part of the combat system in both games, impacting how players approach engagements and weapon choices. Understanding this limitation is crucial for mastering these challenging titles.

Understanding the Mechanics: Right Hand Dominance

The core gameplay design of both Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3 heavily favors the right-hand weapon when it comes to critical attacks like ripostes and backstabs. While you can wield weapons in your left hand, their functionality is often reduced to blocking, parrying, or utilizing weapon skills. The execution of a riposte requires a specific animation triggered by a right-hand weapon, reinforcing the idea that the primary offensive role is reserved for the right hand.

This design choice influences strategy. Players must be aware that to capitalize on an enemy’s vulnerability after a successful parry, they need a weapon in their right hand. This often involves quickly switching weapons, or deliberately positioning a powerful weapon in the right hand before attempting parries or guard breaks. This tactical necessity adds a layer of depth to combat, ensuring players are always thinking about their weapon placement and loadout.

Left Hand’s Role: More Than Just a Shield

Despite not being able to riposte, the left hand is still critical in these games. It provides opportunities for defense, offensive support, and tactical maneuvering:

• Parrying: Left-hand weapons like shields or special parrying tools are essential for executing parries, setting up the opportunity for a riposte with the right-hand weapon.
• Weapon Skills: While only active if the left hand weapon is two-handed, some unique weapon skills can be activated using the left hand.
• Blocking: Blocking can mitigate damage and sometimes allow players to avoid staggers or counter attack after a successful block.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Combat Mechanics

To further clarify the complexities of combat in Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3, here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing related mechanics and strategies:

1. Can You Backstab with Your Left Hand?

No, you cannot backstab with a left-hand weapon. Similar to ripostes, the backstab animation is only triggered when attacking with a right-hand weapon. If you aim for a backstab with a dagger, for example, you need to ensure that it is equipped in your right hand.

2. How Do You Two-Hand a Weapon in Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3?

To two-hand a weapon:
* On PlayStation, hold the Triangle button and press R1 for a right-hand weapon or L1 for a left-hand weapon.
* On Xbox, hold the Y button and press RB for a right-hand weapon or LB for a left-hand weapon.
* On PC, hold the E key and left click for a right-hand weapon or right click for a left-hand weapon.

3. What is the Benefit of Two-Handing a Weapon?

Two-handing a weapon grants you a significant strength bonus (typically a 50% increase) and can increase your attack power. It also alters your moveset, potentially making attacks more powerful, but sometimes slower. It is an effective method to dish out more damage if you don’t need a shield.

4. Can You Use Weapon Skills on Left Hand Weapons?

Yes, but with a caveat. You can only activate the Weapon Skill of a left-hand weapon if you are two-handing it. If it is wielded in a single hand, you’ll be using the right hand weapon’s skill. Some abilities, like shield parries, are exceptions and do not need two handing.

5. Should You Dual Wield or Two-Hand Weapons?

The choice between dual-wielding and two-handing depends on your playstyle. Two-handing offers a significant strength bonus, and changes moveset, but can be slower. Dual-wielding allows for more attacks and potential damage per hit, but it doesn’t offer a shield option and sometimes uses more stamina.

6. What is Powerstancing?

Powerstancing is a mechanic unique to Elden Ring that allows you to wield two similar weapons simultaneously for a unique moveset. This can greatly enhance your damage output, especially when performing jumping attacks, but increases stamina consumption and equipment load.

7. Is Dual Wielding Effective?

Yes, dual-wielding is very effective in Elden Ring. Using two of the same weapon or a complimentary combination greatly increases your damage potential. Many players utilize this to max out their combat potential.

8. Can You Parry with Two-Handed Weapons?

Single-handed weapons can parry. However, you cannot parry with two-handed colossal weapons. You also cannot parry some types of attacks like charged attacks from greatswords/greataxes or jumping attacks.

9. Can You Parry Barehanded?

Yes, you can parry barehanded, or with items like the Caestus. This can increase the window for parrying, making it a great option for people who wish to forgo a shield.

10. Is it Harder to Fight Left-Handed People?

Studies suggest that left-handed individuals may have an advantage in sports involving hand-eye coordination and fighting, as opponents are often less accustomed to their style of play.

11. Are Fist Weapons Viable in Elden Ring?

Yes, Fist weapons are viable and can deal considerable damage with the right stat investments. They lack range but can hit hard for players who prefer close-quarters combat.

12. What are Some of the Toughest Regular Enemies in Elden Ring?

Some notoriously tough regular enemies in Elden Ring include Ancestral Archers, Rats and Dogs, Abductor Virgins, and Knights, among others.

13. Can You Parry the Tree Sentinel?

Yes, most of the Tree Sentinel’s attacks are parriable. It is easiest to learn the timing for their Charging and Leap attacks.

14. Is There DLC for Elden Ring?

Yes, a major DLC for Elden Ring is currently in development and will be available soon. This will add even more content to the game.

15. What is the Recommended Boss Order in Elden Ring?

While you can approach the game how you please, a general boss order would be: Margit, The Fell Omen > Godrick, The Grafted > Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon > Starscourge Radahn > Morgott, The Omen King > The Fire Giant > Astel, Naturalborn of the Void > Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy > Mohg, Lord of Blood.

Conclusion

While the inability to riposte with a left-hand weapon may initially seem limiting, it adds a layer of tactical complexity to Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3. Mastering the interplay between the left and right hand, understanding the benefits of two-handing, and knowing when to dual-wield are essential to conquering the challenges of these games. By understanding these mechanics, players can optimize their builds and approaches to combat, becoming formidable warriors in the Lands Between and beyond.