Mastering Dual Wielding in Elden Ring: A Beginner’s Guide

In the world of Elden Ring, mastering the mechanics of weapon handling is crucial for every adventurer. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of two-handing and dual-wielding, otherwise known as power stancing, various weapons in the game. We will also delve into the mechanics of gestures and emotes, which are essential for effective communication in the multiplayer aspects of the game. By the end of this blog post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to optimize your combat techniques and interactions in Elden Ring.

How Do You Two-Hand and Dual-Wield / Power Stance Weapons in Elden Ring?

How to Two-Hand Weapons

Two-handing a weapon in Elden Ring is a strategic choice that increases your weapon’s damage output and alters some of your combat moves. To two-hand a weapon, you’ll need to press and hold the Triangle button on PlayStation or the Y button on Xbox, and then press the R1/RB or L1/LB, depending on which hand is currently holding the weapon. It’s important to note that while two-handing a weapon, you won’t be able to use a shield, but the payoff in increased damage often makes up for this trade-off. When two-handing a weapon, you gain a 50% increase in your Strength stat for that weapon. This is particularly beneficial for players who prefer using heavy weapons like greatswords, axes, and hammers, which require significant Strength to wield effectively. Additionally, two-handing can change the moveset of your weapon, providing unique attack animations that may be more suited to your combat style. Learning when to two-hand your weapon can give you a significant edge against tougher enemies and bosses. Moreover, two-handing is not limited to melee weapons. You can also two-hand bows and other ranged weapons to improve your aiming precision and damage output. This versatility makes two-handing a valuable tactic in various combat scenarios, allowing you to adapt to different battle conditions swiftly.

How to Dual-Wield / Power Stance Weapons

Dual-wielding or power stancing in Elden Ring involves wielding two weapons of the same type, one in each hand. This style of combat provides a unique set of attacks and combos that can devastate your foes. To dual-wield, simply equip a compatible weapon in each hand. You can initiate power stance attacks by pressing the L1/LB button, which will execute a coordinated attack using both weapons simultaneously. Power stancing allows for a range of devastating combos, but it also comes with increased stamina consumption. Managing your stamina efficiently is essential when dual-wielding, as exhausting your stamina bar can leave you vulnerable to enemy attacks. The key is to balance your aggression with well-timed dodges and retreats, ensuring you remain on the offensive while mitigating damage from opponents. One of the main advantages of dual-wielding is the ability to mix and match different weapon effects. For instance, you can combine a weapon that deals bleeding damage with one that inflicts poison, creating a deadly synergy that can quickly deplete an enemy’s health. Experimenting with different weapon combinations is a significant part of mastering the power stance, offering a level of customization that enhances your overall combat strategy.

Up Next: How to Gesture and Emote

Gestures and emotes in Elden Ring are essential tools for communication, especially in multiplayer environments. Whether you’re coordinating with allies or engaging in PvP combat, being able to convey messages quickly and effectively can make a considerable difference. To access the gesture menu, simply press the Options button on PlayStation or the Menu button on Xbox, and then navigate to the gesture tab. From there, you can select and perform various gestures and emotes. Performing gestures and emotes is straightforward. Once you’ve accessed the gesture menu, choose the gesture you wish to perform and press the corresponding button to execute it. Gestures range from simple actions like waving and bowing to more complex emotes that can convey specific tactical information. For instance, pointing emotes can direct other players towards critical objectives or enemies, while beckoning emotes can signal allies to follow you. Customizing your gesture wheel is a handy feature that allows you to have quick access to your most frequently used gestures. To customize, go to the gesture menu, select a slot in the gesture wheel, and assign your desired gesture. This customization ensures that you can communicate swiftly and efficiently, particularly in situations where timing is crucial. Mastering the use of gestures and emotes will enhance your cooperative and competitive gameplay experiences, making your time in Elden Ring all the more engaging. Summary of main points: