How to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign has arrived, introducing fresh challenges, fearsome bosses, and powerful new weapons to the acclaimed soulslike experience. While the game retains its signature punishing difficulty, mastering advanced combat techniques—such as two-handing weapons—can give players a crucial advantage in battle.
This guide will explain how to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign, the benefits of this playstyle, and key strategies to maximize its effectiveness.

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign

Two-handing a weapon means gripping it with both hands, sacrificing the ability to use a shield in exchange for greater attack power and unique movesets. This technique is ideal for aggressive players who rely on dodging rather than blocking.

Controls for Two-Handing Weapons

The input varies depending on your platform:

• PlayStation 5:
  • Hold Triangle (△), then press:
    • R1 to two-hand your right-hand weapon
    • L1 to two-hand your left-hand weapon
• Xbox Series X|S:
  • Hold Y, then press:
    • RB for the right-hand weapon
    • LB for the left-hand weapon
• PC (Default Keybinds):
  • Hold Alt, then:
    • Left Click to two-hand the right weapon
    • Right Click to two-hand the left weapon

If the default controls feel awkward, you can remap keybindings in the Settings menu under Key Bindings (PC) or Controller Configuration (consoles).

Why Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign?

While two-handing removes the safety of a shield, the trade-off comes with significant combat advantages:

1. Increased Damage Output

• Striking with both hands boosts attack power, making it easier to take down high-health enemies and bosses.
• Ideal for strength-based builds, as two-handing increases effective Strength by 50%.

2. Expanded Moveset & Combos

• Some weapons unlock new heavy attacks, charged strikes, or special combos when wielded with two hands.
• Greatswords, colossal weapons, and halberds often gain wider, more devastating swings.

3. Better Poise Damage & Stagger Potential

• Heavy two-handed attacks break enemy poise faster, leading to critical hit opportunities.
• Effective against shielded foes or aggressive bosses that require staggering.

4. Lower Stat Requirements

• Two-handing effectively reduces Strength requirements, allowing you to wield heavier weapons earlier in the game.

Is Two-Handing Right for You?

While two-handing offers higher DPS and stagger potential, it demands precise timing and evasion skills since you lose shield protection. Here’s who should consider it:

✔ Aggressive players who prefer dodging over blocking.
✔ Strength or hybrid builds using greatswords, hammers, or colossal weapons.
✔ Veteran Soulslike fans comfortable with high-risk, high-reward combat.

Beginners may find it challenging at first, but practicing two-handing can sharpen combat reflexes and improve overall gameplay.

Final Tips for Mastering Two-Handed Combat

Pair with Light Armor – Faster rolls compensate for the lack of a shield.

Use Jump Attacks – Two-handed jump strikes deal massive poise damage.

Experiment with Weapon Arts – Some skills become more potent when two-handing.

Learn Enemy Patterns – Since blocking isn’t an option, mastering dodges is essential.

Conclusion

Two-handing weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign is a powerful technique that enhances damage, unlocks new moves, and improves stagger potential. While it requires skill and adaptability, mastering this playstyle can make you a far deadlier warrior in the Lands Between.

Ready to dominate the battlefield? Grip your weapon with both hands and unleash devastation!

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