Elden Ring, FromSoftware's critically acclaimed action RPG, offers a vast array of weapons and combat styles. One particularly effective and visually appealing approach is dual wielding, also known as two-handing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mastering this technique, boosting your damage output, and enhancing your overall gameplay experience.
Understanding Dual Wielding Mechanics
Dual wielding in Elden Ring isn't simply equipping two weapons; it's about understanding the mechanics and maximizing their potential. Here's the breakdown:
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Weapon Requirements: You need to meet the individual strength and dexterity requirements for both weapons. If you don't meet the requirements of one or both weapons, you'll suffer reduced attack power and potentially slower attacks.
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Off-hand Weapon Scaling: Your secondary weapon's scaling will usually be slightly reduced compared to your main hand. This means the stats affecting your damage will have a lessened impact.
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Powerstance: This is the key to effective dual wielding. Powerstancing allows you to wield two weapons of the same type (e.g., two katanas, two great swords) in a devastating powerstance attack. This is more effective than using two different weapons. The powerstance will often have a unique moveset that's more powerful than using each weapon individually. However not all weapons can be powerstanced.
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Weapon Weight: Keep your total equip load in mind. Carrying two weapons significantly increases your equip load, potentially slowing you down and making you more vulnerable. Experiment with different weapon combinations to find a balance between damage and agility.
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Weapon Arts: Remember that both weapons have their unique weapon arts. It will benefit you to have a primary attack style and a secondary one for different scenarios.
Choosing Your Weapons for Dual Wielding
The best weapons for dual wielding depend on your preferred playstyle and build. However, here are some general tips and examples:
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Fast weapons: Lightweight weapons, such as daggers and katanas, provide high attack speed, making them ideal for a flurry of quick strikes and are the easiest to dual wield. Consider weapons like the Bloodhound's Fang or the Nagakiba.
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Heavy Weapons: Greatswords and colossal swords can create incredibly powerful combos when dual wielded, although you will be significantly slower. Expect to have slow attacks, but high damage. However, this requires a high strength build and is not recommended for beginners.
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Balanced Options: Straight swords often offer a good balance between speed and damage, making them versatile choices for dual wielding. A good example is the Longsword.
Experimentation is Key: Don't be afraid to try different weapon combinations. The ideal setup depends on your individual build, playstyle, and the challenges you face.
Mastering Dual Wield Combat
To truly dominate with dual wielding, you need to master the following:
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Timing: Learn the rhythm of your attacks. Practice your combos to maximize damage and efficiency.
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Positioning: Be mindful of enemy attack patterns. Use your mobility and attack speed to avoid hits while delivering devastating attacks.
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Adaptability: Different weapons excel against different enemy types. Be prepared to switch your weapons depending on the situation, or even adjust your build depending on your enemies.
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Stamina Management: Powerstancing drains stamina quickly. Practice managing your stamina effectively to avoid leaving yourself open to attacks.
Leveling Up for Dual Wielding
To effectively utilize two weapons, focus on these key stats:
- Strength: Crucial for increasing the damage output of most weapons.
- Dexterity: Boosts attack speed and reduces stamina consumption.
- Vigor: Essential for increasing your health pool, enabling you to survive more attacks.
By following these tips and dedicating time to practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable dual-wielding warrior in Elden Ring. Remember, experimentation and adaptation are crucial to finding the optimal setup and playstyle that best suits you. Good luck, Tarnished!
