How to Use Two-Handed Weapons and Power Stance in Elden Ring

Two-handing and Power Stancing are methods to wield your weapons in Elden Ring. Each option offers a range of possibilities for your character build and playstyle, providing various benefits and drawbacks.

This guide will explain how to Two-hand and Power Stance in Elden Ring. Moreover, we’ll explore the benefits of each configuration. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

How to Two-Hand Weapons in Elden Ring?

The majority of weapons in Elden Ring can be Two-handed, with the exception of bows and other ranged equipment, which require both hands from the outset.

To Two-hand a weapon in your left hand, hold down Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox. After that, press either L1/LB or L2/LT, and your character will use both hands for the weapon. To Two-hand a weapon in your right hand, simply press Triangle/Y, then press either R1/RB or R2/RB.

For PC users, you need to hold the E key to Two-hand a weapon with a keyboard and mouse. To use your left and right-handed weapons, click the Left and Right mouse buttons, respectively.

How to Power Stance in Elden Ring?

Power Stancing functions similarly to Two-handing, as it enhances your damage output. However, instead of wielding the same weapon in both hands, Power Stancing involves equipping different versions of the same weapon in both your right and left hands.

For instance, if you have one Nagakiba in your left hand and another Nagakiba in your right, you’re effectively Power Stancing. Conversely, if you wield a single Nagakiba with both hands, you are simply Two-handing it.

To engage in Power Stancing, you need to procure two copies of the same weapon, access your gear/inventory menu, and equip one in the left-hand slot while placing another in the right-hand slot.

Power Stancing isn’t applicable to all weapons, as some can only be acquired once during a playthrough. To use Power Stance with certain weapons, you may need to enter a New Game Plus (NG+) run.

Two-Handing Weapons vs Power Stancing?

The primary advantage of Two-handing weapons is the ability to handle weapons that have higher strength requirements than your current level. Two-handing grants you an approximate 50 percent boost to your strength, allowing you to wield and utilize the weapon even if your strength isn’t sufficient.

Two-handing weapons offers significant benefits during boss encounters, as it amplifies the damage dealt by light and heavy attacks. On the flip side, Dual-wielding operates as a high-risk, high-reward strategy, which can yield impressive results with the right attack combinations.

However, the downside to Two-handing is the inability to use a shield, which means you’ll have to evade enemy strikes without the extra protection a shield provides.

In contrast, Power Stancing introduces a host of fresh combos for your chosen weapon. This style is often preferred over Two-handing for this reason. Additionally, if you’re using a build that leverages elemental or status effects (like bleed, frost, or poison), equipping two of the same weapon will expedite the build-up of these effects.

This can significantly augment the effectiveness of your builds. Like Two-handing, Power Stancing also eliminates the option to utilize a shield, presenting a noteworthy risk.