Elden Ring Nightreign: How to dual wield & two-hand weapons
In Elden Ring Nightreign, how you hold your weapon can change how you fight. Whether you like swinging fast or hitting hard, knowing when to dual wield or two-hand a weapon can make a big difference.
How to dual-wield in Elden Ring Nightreign
Image via FromSoftwareDual wielding is when you equip the same type of weapon in both hands. It works with most melee weapons like daggers, katanas, and axes.
To do it, just put one weapon in your right hand and the same type in your left. Once that’s done, press the light attack button for your left hand (L1 on PS5 or LB on Xbox) to start using the dual-wield moveset.
This setup is good for fast damage and triggering status effects quickly. For example, the Duchess becomes really strong with two magic daggers, while the Executor deals more damage using two katanas with effects like poison or frostbite.
Dual-wielding is best when you're not relying on a shield and want to stay aggressive.
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How to two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring Nightreign
Image via FromSoftwareTwo-handing is when you hold one weapon with both hands. To do this, hold the Triangle button (or Y on Xbox), then press R1 or L1 depending on which hand the weapon is in.
This makes the weapon your main one and lets you use its skill instead of whatever you had in the other hand. The game also shows the weapon’s skill on screen, so you know it worked.
Two-handing increases the damage of strength-scaling weapons because it boosts your effective Strength stat. It also gives you access to the weapon’s special skill, which can be more useful than a shield skill if the shield doesn't have "No Skill" equipped.
However, using two hands means you lose the ability to block with a shield. You also use more stamina with each attack, so you’ll need to manage your energy carefully, or you might get caught unable to dodge.
When to use dual-wielding or two-handing in Elden Ring Nightreign?
Image via FromSoftwareIt really depends on your playstyle and the character you're using. Characters like the Wylder and Raider get a lot of value from two-handing heavy weapons. It boosts their raw damage and works well with their Strength builds.
On the other hand, nimble characters like the Duchess and Executor do better with dual wielding. They can hit fast and build up damage over time through status effects.
If you're using a bow, two-handing it gives you Precision Aiming. You can use L1/LB to aim and R1/RB to shoot. But it’s hard to use in boss fights because you move slower while aiming, so it’s more useful when you have cover or someone else is distracting the enemy.
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FAQs
How do I dual wield in Elden Ring Nightreign?
- Equip the same type of weapon in both hands and press the left-hand light attack button (L1/LB) to activate the dual wield moveset.
How do I two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring Nightreign?
- Hold Triangle (or Y) and press R1/RB or L1/LB depending on which hand holds the weapon.
Is dual wielding better than two-handing?
- It depends on your build. Dual wielding is better for speed and status effects, while two-handing is better for raw power and Strength builds.
Can I use skills when dual wielding?
- You can only use the skill of the weapon in your right hand unless you’re two-handing.
Does two-handing work with bows?
- Yes, two-handing a bow lets you use Precision Aiming mode for manual targeting, though it’s harder to use in fast fights.
Do I lose defense when two-handing?
- Yes, since you can’t use a shield while two-handing, you’ll have to rely more on dodging.
