Why Mastering Two-Handing Feels Like Unlocking a Hidden Arsenal
In the unforgiving world of Dark Souls 3, where every swing can mean survival or swift defeat, two-handing your weapon transforms you from a mere wanderer into a force of unyielding power. Picture it as wielding a thunderclap in your grip—raw, explosive, and capable of turning the tide against the game’s most monstrous foes. If you’re playing on PC, getting this right isn’t just about button presses; it’s about building that intuitive rhythm that makes combat feel like an art form. Drawing from years of exploring these dark realms, I’ll walk you through the essentials, share real-game scenarios, and offer tips that go beyond the basics to help you dominate Lothric’s challenges.
The Basics of Two-Handing: What Makes It a Game-Changer
Two-handing in Dark Souls 3 isn’t just a flashy move; it’s a strategic shift that boosts your weapon’s damage while freeing you from shield dependency. On PC, this mechanic shines because of the game’s precise controls, but it demands quick adaptation. Think of it as swapping a cautious dance for a bold charge—suddenly, your greatsword or ultra greatsword hits like a battering ram, perfect for staggering enemies that once seemed invincible. From my own runs, I’ve seen players turn the tide in boss fights, like against the Abyss Watchers, by two-handing at just the right moment to break through their frenzy.
To pull this off, you’ll need to understand the key inputs. On PC, Dark Souls 3 uses keyboard and mouse or controller setups, and two-handing is tied to a simple yet often overlooked command. It’s that seamless transition that can make you feel like you’re finally in control, especially after a string of frustrating deaths.
Step-by-Step Guide to Two-Handing on PC
Let’s break it down into actionable steps. Start in a safe bonfire area to practice, as fumbling this mid-fight could leave you exposed like a lone flame in a storm-swept plain.
- Equip Your Weapon First: Before diving in, make sure your desired weapon is in your right hand. Open your inventory by pressing the ‘I’ key, select the weapon, and equip it. This might seem basic, but skipping it is like forgetting your armor before a boss rush—disastrous.
- Hold the Two-Hand Key: With your weapon equipped, press and hold the ‘E’ key on your keyboard (or the right trigger on a controller if you’re using one). You’ll feel the weight shift as your character grips the weapon with both hands, increasing its power output. Hold it for a second to confirm; it’s that subtle lock-in that turns a regular attack into something devastating.
- Experiment with Movement: Once two-handed, try rolling or dodging with the spacebar while attacking. The enhanced moveset means your swings cover more ground, like a wave crashing over rocks. Test this in the High Wall of Lothric against basic knights to get a feel for the reach.
- Switch Back When Needed: To return to one-handed stance, simply release the ‘E’ key and equip a shield if required. This fluid back-and-forth is crucial in dynamic fights, such as against the Deacons of the Deep, where you might need to block one moment and unleash a heavy blow the next.
- Adjust for Mods or Custom Controls: If you’ve tweaked your key bindings in the options menu, double-check that the two-hand command hasn’t been reassigned. In my experience, mods like DS3 input fixers can remap this, turning what was a simple ‘E’ into something more personalized, but always test in a low-stakes area first.
Varying these steps based on your playstyle keeps things fresh—short, sharp practices build muscle memory, while longer sessions let you savor the satisfaction of perfect execution.
Real-World Examples: When Two-Handing Shines in the Game
Dark Souls 3 is full of moments where two-handing isn’t just useful; it’s transformative. Take the fight against Pontiff Sulyvahn, for instance. His rapid attacks can overwhelm, but two-handing a straight sword lets you counter with wide, sweeping blows that feel like carving through mist. I once turned a desperate struggle into a triumphant finish by two-handing mid-battle, the screen lighting up with critical hits that left me exhilarated yet drained from the intensity.
Another example: In the Irithyll Dungeon, facing jailers with their grab attacks, two-handing an axe provides the poise to shake off stuns and retaliate. It’s not always about raw power; sometimes, it’s the precision that saves you, like threading a needle through a hail of arrows. On PC, with mouse aiming, this becomes even more precise, adding a layer of control that console players might envy.
Unique Scenarios to Try
- Co-op Invaders: If you’re invading worlds, two-handing can surprise foes. Imagine leaping into a gank squad and two-handing a halberd for maximum reach—it’s that unexpected edge that turns the tables.
- Speedruns: For those chasing optimal routes, two-handing in areas like the Catacombs of Carthus lets you plow through skeletons faster, shaving precious seconds off your time.
- Build-Specific Plays: On a strength build, two-handing amplifies your stats in ways that feel almost unfair, like a hidden gear shift in a high-stakes race.
Practical Tips for Refining Your Two-Handing Technique
To elevate your game, think beyond the basics. Two-handing isn’t just about damage; it’s about timing and positioning, which can make fights feel less like a grind and more like a symphony of chaos. Here’s where I draw from personal mishaps—I’ve lost count of the times I two-handed too early and got caught off-guard, only to learn and adapt.
- Pair It with Buffs: Combine two-handing with resin or spells for amplified effects. For example, applying a fire buff before two-handing against icy enemies in the Undead Settlement creates combos that hit like a forge hammer, melting defenses instantly.
- Watch Your Stamina: Heavy two-handed swings drain stamina fast, so weave in lighter attacks to recover. It’s like pacing a marathon—push too hard, and you’ll falter when it matters most.
- Adapt to Enemy Patterns: Study foes before committing; two-handing works wonders on slow giants but can backfire against agile enemies. In the Grand Archives, use it sparingly against crystal mobs to avoid getting swarmed.
- Leverage PC Perks: Use tools like the in-game recorder to review your fights. Seeing your two-handed misses replayed is a humbling experience, but it sharpens your instincts over time.
- Build Around It: Invest in strength and vitality to make two-handing sustainable. A well-rounded build feels like forging your own path, turning what was a vulnerability into a signature style.
Through these tips, you’ll encounter the highs of nailing a perfect two-handed riposte and the lows of overcommitting, but that’s the beauty of Dark Souls 3—it rewards persistence with moments of pure triumph.
Overcoming Common Pitfalls: Turning Frustration into Mastery
Even veterans slip up with two-handing, often because of poor spacing or ignoring enemy tells. I recall a run where I two-handed into a trap, only to learn the value of restraint. On PC, the controls are forgiving if you remap them, so don’t hesitate to tweak for comfort—it’s that personal touch that makes the game your own.