Being able to wield a weapon with both hands is a core combat feature of just about every FromSoftware RPG. In Elden Ring just about every melee weapon can be one-handed, leaving the other hand free for items, shields, or abilities. When defense isn't your main concern, or when you want to use an Ash of War skill, two-handing weapons is typically the way to go.
Wielding a melee weapon with both hands not only increases overall damage output (at the cost of an off-hand), it also reduces the requirements needed to equip them. For example, a character with a low Strength stat can wield weapons normally unavailable to them, as long as they two-hand it. Though it functions the same way, the inputs for two-handing have changed for Elden Ring.
New Game, New Two-Handing System
Because Elden Ring adds so many new combat mechanics, like stealth and the ability to jump, the button layout had to be changed to suit the more varied playstyle. In previous FromSoftware games, players needed only to press the Y button on an Xbox controller, or the Triangle button on a Playstation controller, to wield their right-handed weapon in both hands.
Elden Ring uses the A button/X button for jumping, so the input for interacting with the environment was changed to the Y button/Triangle, which previously was used for two-handing. Though the method for two-handing weapons in Elden Ring is more complicated than before, it also allows players to two-hand either their right or left-handed weapon, depending on which buttons they press.
How To Two-Hand Weapons In Elden Ring
To two-hand a weapon, first hold down the Y button/Triangle button. Depending on which hand's weapon you want to two-hand, press either the right or left shoulder buttons (R1 or L1) while holding down the Y button/Triangle button. As one might expect, pressing the right shoulder or R1 button two-hands weapon on your right, while pressing the left shoulder or L1 two-hands the weapon on your left.
The best time to two-hand a weapon is when you don't have to worry too much about defending yourself or when you are in close range and have a window of opportunity to attack. If you want to go back to using your other hand for an item or a shield, simply hold down the Y/Triangle button again and press the shoulder button (R1 or L1) that corresponds with the weapon's original hand.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.