How To Two Hand Weapons And Power Stance in Elden Ring

Two-handing and Power Stancing are two different mechanics used to handle weapons in Elden Ring, which will make a vast difference while building and playing your character. Both of these have several advantages and disadvantages.

In this guide, we go through the details of two-handing and Power Stancing within Elden Ring. We show how to effectively perform these mechanics and discuss the advantages they will provide. Let's get going.

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring?

Two-handing is a pretty versatile mechanic in Elden Ring and applies to most weapons besides bows and other range options. To two-hand a weapon, hold down Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox while the weapon is equipped to your left hand and press L1/LB or L2/ LT to bring it into a two-handed stance. Right-hand weapons work similarly; hold down Triangle/Y and press R1/RB or R2/RB.

On PC using keyboard and mouse, hold the E key to two-hand a weapon. Click Left and Right-click buttons on your mouse to use your respective left and right-hand weapons.

How to Power Stance in Elden Ring?

Power stancing is similar in concept to two-handing, the process of increasing the weapon damage output. Where two-handing refers to utilizing both hands in wielding one weapon, Power Stancing means equipping two identical weapons, one in each hand.

Equipping two Nagakiba swords, one in each hand, is one example of Power Stancing. To perform this mechanic, find two copies of the same weapon, enter your gear/inventory menu, and equip them in the left and right-hand slots.

Keep in mind that not all weapons can use Power Stancing, and some are only available to be obtained once throughout an entire playthrough - meaning the quantity of said weapon is limited to continue this technique. You will have to start a New Game Plus to Power Stance some weapons.

Two-Handing Weapons vs Power Stancing?

The biggest advantage of Two-Handing weapons is that you can use weapons with higher strength requirements than your level. This near 50% virtual strength increase allows you to utilize those weapons you otherwise can't use due to your failure to meet just their strength requirements.

The benefit of Two-Handing is most evident in boss battles, where it adds a lot to even light and heavy attacks. Dual-wielding can be a really high-risk strategy with a very high reward attached to it, but it does take very careful thought as far as attack combinations go.

Power Stancing will unlock new combos for your favorite weapon. Alone, these will make Power Stancing much more viable than Two-Handing. A focus on elemental or status-based attacks-such as bleed, frost, and poison-the use of two identical weapons speeds up the stacking process for all those.

Mastering Two-Handing and Power Stancing can greatly increase your combat potential in Elden Ring and help you finally start overcoming challenges. Experiment with both techniques to find the perfect approach that fits your playstyle.