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Dominating Tamriel: Choosing the Best Two-Handed Weapon in Elder Scrolls Online

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The question of the “best” two-handed weapon in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is akin to asking which Daedric Prince is most malevolent – it depends on your playstyle and what you’re trying to accomplish. However, if forced to crown a champion, the Greatsword generally reigns supreme for its balance of damage, versatility, and accessibility. Paired with the right sets and skills, a Greatsword-wielding warrior can tear through both PvE and PvP content with devastating effectiveness.

But don’t count out the others! The Maul and Battle Axe each have their niche, catering to specific builds and strategies. Understanding the nuances of each weapon type is key to unlocking their full potential. This article will delve into the strengths of each two-handed weapon, providing you with the knowledge to choose the perfect instrument of destruction for your character.

Two-Handed Weapon Types: A Deep Dive

Each two-handed weapon type in ESO boasts unique passives that significantly impact combat. Let’s break them down:

Greatswords: Offer a balance between damage and utility. Their passives increase weapon and spell damage (increasing overall DPS) and provide bonus critical damage. This makes them ideal for characters seeking consistent, high-damage output.
Mauls: These are the kings of penetration. Their passives grant increased armor penetration, allowing you to bypass enemy defenses and deal more direct damage, especially effective against heavily armored opponents in PvP. They also have a passive that allows for a small shield when damaging a target.
Battle Axes: These are the bleed machines. Their passives focus on applying bleed damage and increasing damage against bleeding enemies, adding a damage-over-time element to your attacks.

Key Two-Handed Skills and Morph Choices

Beyond the base weapon type, specific skills are crucial for maximizing your two-handed potential. Here are a few must-haves:

Cleave: A powerful AoE attack that hits multiple enemies. Morphing it into Brawler grants a damage shield, increasing your survivability in group content. This is a staple for any two-handed build.
Critical Charge: A gap closer that allows you to quickly engage enemies. Stampede is a popular morph, adding a snare effect to your target.
Reverse Slice: The two-handed execute ability, dealing increased damage to enemies below 25% health. The Reverse Slice morph is a favorite as it gives you increased stamina sustain when hitting multiple targets with the ability.
Rally: A buff that increases weapon damage and heals you over time. The Forward Momentum morph removes snares and immobilizations, making it invaluable in PvP.

Gear Sets and Synergies

No weapon operates in a vacuum. The right gear sets can amplify the strengths of your chosen two-handed weapon. Here are some top contenders:

Briarheart: A very powerful crafted set that increases weapon damage and heals you when you critically strike an enemy. The Briarheart set is very popular for stamina builds in ESO.
Hunding’s Rage: Another excellent crafted set that provides a reliable boost to weapon damage and critical strike chance.
Kinras’s Wrath: Drops in Black Drake Villa dungeon and grants increased damage and minor Berserk to increase overall damage done.
Pillar of Nirn: A dungeon set that adds a physical damage bleed and a burst of damage on proc. The Pillar of Nirn is extremely popular in end game content for extra damage.
Relequen: A trial set that grants stacking weapon damage, making it ideal for sustained damage output. The Relequen set is extremely popular in end game content.

Two-Handed Builds: Examples and Considerations

Here are a couple of example builds to illustrate how different two-handed weapons can be utilized:

The Greatsword General (Balanced DPS)

Weapon: Greatsword
Sets: Briarheart, Hunding’s Rage, Agility
Skills: Cleave (Brawler), Critical Charge (Stampede), Reverse Slice, Rally (Forward Momentum), Executioner
Playstyle: Focuses on consistent, high-damage output, utilizing Cleave for AoE and Reverse Slice for execute. Rally provides sustain and mobility.

The Maul Crusher (Armor Penetration)

Weapon: Maul
Sets: Spriggan’s Thorns, Bone Pirate Tattoo, Agility
Skills: Critical Charge (Stampede), Wrecking Blow, Executioner, Rally (Forward Momentum), Stampede
Playstyle: Emphasizes armor penetration and burst damage, aimed at quickly taking down heavily armored targets.

The Verdict

While the Greatsword offers a reliable foundation for most two-handed builds, the choice ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle and the content you’re tackling. Experiment with different weapon types and gear sets to discover what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to respec your skills and attribute points to fine-tune your build. And remember, practice makes perfect!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning two-handed weapons in ESO:

Is two-handed better than dual wield for stamina builds in ESO?

It depends on your playstyle. Two-handed offers better AoE damage and sustain, while dual wield excels in single-target damage. Both are viable, but two-handed is often considered more beginner-friendly.
Can I tank with a two-handed weapon in ESO?

It’s highly discouraged. Tanking requires blocking, and sword and shield provide significantly better blocking capabilities. Two-handed weapons lack the defensive passives needed for effective tanking in veteran content.
What is the best race for a two-handed stamina build in ESO?

Orc and Redguard are excellent choices. Orcs provide increased weapon damage and health, while Redguards offer superior stamina sustain. Nord is another solid option, providing extra health, stamina and weapon damage when hit.
Are two-handed weapons viable in PvP?

Absolutely! Two-handed weapons can be devastating in PvP, particularly with their burst damage and mobility. However, you need to be mindful of your positioning and sustain.
What are the best enchants for a two-handed weapon?

For damage-focused builds, a Weapon Damage enchant is generally the best choice. For sustain-focused builds, a Absorb Stamina enchant can be beneficial.
How important is critical strike chance for a two-handed build?

Critical strike chance is crucial, as it significantly increases your damage output. Aim for a high critical strike chance through gear and skills.
What is the best Mundus Stone for a two-handed build?

The Thief Mundus Stone (increased critical strike chance) is often the top choice for DPS-focused builds. The Warrior (increased weapon damage) can also be a good alternative.
How do I improve my two-handed sustain?

Focus on skills that restore stamina, such as Rally, and utilize gear sets and enchants that provide stamina recovery. Maintaining your Heavy Attack rotation is also essential.
What are some good skills to use alongside my two-handed weapon?

Skills from the Fighters Guild (e.g., Dawnbreaker) and Weapon skill lines (e.g., Poison Injection from Bow) can significantly enhance your two-handed build.
Can I use a two-handed weapon on a Magicka character?

While possible, it’s not optimal. Two-handed weapons primarily scale with stamina. Magicka characters are better suited for staves.
How do I get better at using two-handed weapons in ESO?

Practice your rotation, learn the timing of your skills, and experiment with different gear sets and skill combinations. Watch videos of experienced players and adapt their strategies to your own playstyle.
Are there any unique two-handed weapons in ESO?

Yes, there are several unique two-handed weapons that drop from specific bosses or quests. These weapons often have special effects that can be very powerful.
What is the best way to level up the two-handed skill line?

Equip a two-handed weapon and participate in combat. Completing quests, defeating enemies, and participating in dungeons and trials will all contribute to leveling up your skill line.
How does armor penetration work with a two-handed Maul?

Armor penetration reduces the amount of physical resistance that enemies have. The Maul’s passives increase your armor penetration, allowing you to bypass more of the enemy’s defenses and deal more direct damage.
What are some common mistakes that new two-handed players make?

Failing to manage stamina, neglecting to use buffs and debuffs, and focusing solely on damage without considering survivability are common mistakes. Mastering these aspects will significantly improve your effectiveness.

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