Does Two-Handing a Weapon Double Strength in Elden Ring? The Truth Unveiled

No, two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring does not double your Strength stat. It grants a 50% Strength bonus. This means if you have, for example, 20 Strength, two-handing a weapon will effectively give you 30 Strength for the purposes of meeting weapon requirements and scaling damage. Understanding this mechanic is crucial for optimizing your build and maximizing your damage output in the Lands Between.

The Power of Two Hands: Understanding the Mechanics

Two-handing a weapon is a fundamental mechanic in Elden Ring, inherited from previous FromSoftware titles. It offers strategic advantages beyond simply meeting Strength requirements. While it doesn’t double your Strength, the 50% bonus is a significant boost, allowing you to wield heavier, more powerful weapons earlier in the game, or to effectively increase your damage output with Strength-scaling weapons. This is especially useful for players who prefer a Strength-focused build but haven’t yet reached the required stat thresholds to comfortably wield certain armaments one-handed.

The benefits of two-handing extend beyond the Strength bonus. It also changes the weapon’s moveset, often resulting in faster, more powerful attacks. This can significantly impact your combat style, making you more aggressive and capable of staggering enemies more effectively. However, it also comes at the cost of not being able to use a shield, leaving you more vulnerable to enemy attacks. Therefore, knowing when to two-hand and when to use a shield is essential for survival.

Understanding the Strength Scaling Bonus

The primary reason to two-hand a weapon is to take advantage of the damage scaling bonus. Weapons in Elden Ring have different scaling properties with various stats, including Strength. The higher your Strength stat, the more damage you’ll deal with weapons that scale well with it. When you two-hand a weapon, the effective increase in your Strength stat translates directly to increased damage output.

This boost is most noticeable with weapons that have a high Strength scaling grade (e.g., A or S). These weapons benefit immensely from the two-handing bonus, allowing you to deal significantly more damage with each attack. This is why two-handing is a popular tactic for players using colossal weapons or other heavy armaments with high Strength requirements.

Two-Handing: More Than Just Meeting Requirements

While using the two-handing mechanic to meet minimum Strength requirements is a common tactic, its real strength lies in its offensive capabilities. Here’s why you should consider two-handing weapons in Elden Ring:

• Increased Damage: As mentioned earlier, the 50% Strength bonus directly translates to increased damage output, especially with Strength-scaling weapons.
• Modified Moveset: Two-handing changes the attack animations and combos of many weapons, often resulting in faster, more powerful attacks.
• Enhanced Stagger Potential: Two-handed attacks often have higher poise damage, making it easier to stagger enemies and open them up for critical hits. This is incredibly valuable against tougher enemies and bosses.
• Strategic Flexibility: Switching between one-handed and two-handed grips allows for adaptable combat. Use a shield for defense, then two-hand for aggressive bursts of damage.

However, remember the downsides:

• No Shield: Giving up your shield leaves you vulnerable to enemy attacks. Knowing enemy attack patterns is essential.
• Potential Slower Movement: While attack speed often increases, overall movement speed might decrease, affecting your ability to dodge.

FAQs: Mastering the Art of Two-Handing in Elden Ring

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the mechanics and strategies associated with two-handing weapons in Elden Ring:

1. How do I two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring?

   • On PlayStation, hold Triangle and press either L1 (for the left-hand weapon) or R1 (for the right-hand weapon). On Xbox, hold Y and press LB or RB.

2. Does two-handing work with all weapons?

   • Yes, you can two-hand any melee weapon in Elden Ring. However, the benefits are most pronounced with Strength-scaling weapons.

3. Does two-handing affect Weapon Skills (Ashes of War)?

   • Yes, two-handing can sometimes slightly alter the animation or properties of a Weapon Skill. Experiment to see how it changes your chosen skill.

4. Does two-handing affect status buildup (e.g., bleed, poison)?

   • Yes, if your weapon has innate status buildup, two-handing will generally increase the speed at which you apply that status due to the increased damage output and potentially faster attacks.

5. What is the difference between power stancing and two-handing?

   • Power stancing requires wielding two weapons of the same type, while two-handing involves holding a single weapon with both hands. Power stancing unlocks a unique moveset but has higher stat requirements.

6. Is it always better to two-hand a weapon?

   • Not necessarily. The best approach depends on your build, playstyle, and the specific encounter. A shield can be crucial for defense and parrying.

7. Does two-handing increase the speed of my attacks?

   • Often, yes. Two-handing frequently results in faster attack animations, allowing you to deal more damage in a shorter amount of time.

8. Does two-handing affect my stamina consumption?

   • Sometimes. It depends on the weapon and the specific attack. Generally, more powerful attacks consume more stamina.

9. Can I still parry while two-handing a weapon?

   • No, you cannot parry without a shield or a parrying dagger/weapon skill.

10. What’s the best Strength weapon to two-hand in Elden Ring?

    • This depends on your personal preference and playstyle. The Giant-Crusher has the highest Strength requirement and deals massive damage, but it is slow. Other excellent options include the Greatsword, Ruins Greatsword, and Bloodhound’s Fang (if you have Dex investment).

11. Does two-handing stack with other Strength-boosting items or talismans?

    • Yes! Two-handing is multiplicative with other sources of Strength boosts, like the Radagon’s Soreseal or consumables.

12. If I have 99 Strength, how much Strength do I effectively have when two-handing?

    • With 99 Strength, two-handing gives you an effective Strength of 148.5, which rounds down to 148 for calculations.

13. How does Dexterity factor into two-handing?

    • Dexterity does not directly affect the Strength bonus from two-handing. However, if you are using a weapon that scales with both Strength and Dexterity, leveling both stats will further increase your damage output.

14. Does two-handing change the damage type of my weapon (e.g., standard, strike, pierce)?

    • No, two-handing does not change the damage type of your weapon. The damage type is inherent to the weapon itself.

15. Where can I learn more about Elden Ring mechanics and strategies?

    • There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Studying the game’s mechanics can greatly enhance your gameplay experience and understanding. Consider joining online communities to collaborate, share experiences, and explore the strategic dimensions of Elden Ring. You might also find insightful perspectives and research at GamesLearningSociety.org, though the site’s focus is broader than just game guides.

Conclusion: Mastering Two-Handing for Tarnished Greatness

Two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring is a powerful tool in any Tarnished’s arsenal. While it doesn’t double your Strength, the 50% bonus, coupled with the potential for modified movesets and increased stagger potential, makes it a valuable tactic for both offensive and strategic play. By understanding the mechanics and experimenting with different weapons, you can master the art of two-handing and carve your own path to becoming Elden Lord. Remember to adapt your playstyle to the situation, balancing the benefits of two-handing with the defensive advantages of using a shield. Good luck, Tarnished!