Two-handed weapons in Elden Ring offer a powerful and satisfying combat style, blending raw damage with wide-reaching attacks and staggering potential. For players who prefer trading speed for overwhelming force, building around two-handed weapons is an excellent choice. Whether you favor colossal greatswords, massive axes, or hefty hammers, there are plenty of ways to optimize your build to make the most of these heavy hitters.

Here are the top 12 builds that excel with two-handed weapons, along with tips on how to maximize your efficiency in combat.

1. Colossal Strength Juggernaut

This build maximizes Strength to wield colossal weapons like the Greatsword or Dragon Slayer’s Greatsword. High vigor and endurance help with survivability and stamina management for relentless two-handed swings.

2. Quality Two-Hander

By balancing Strength and Dexterity, the Quality build allows the use of versatile weapons such as the Claymore or Bastard Sword two-handed. This build focuses on adaptability and scaling for various enemy types.

3. Bleed Build with Twinblades

Two-handed twinblades paired with bleed-inflicting weapons like the Rivers of Blood katana can deal devastating damage over time. Supplement this build with Arcane to boost bleed buildup.

4. Heavy Greatsword Pyromancer

Combining heavy two-handed weapons with fire incantations can stagger enemies while dealing elemental damage. Investing in Faith and Strength lets you wield weapons two-handed and cast potent fire spells.

5. Two-Handed Dexterity Assassin

A dex-focused build that uses fast, two-handed curved swords or katanas. Prioritizing stamina and dexterity ensures rapid attack combos and quick dodge rolls.

6. Tanky Two-Handed Paladin

This build invests in vigor and endurance alongside strength, focusing on wielding two-handed weapons with heavy armor and high poise, allowing you to trade hits effectively.

7. Arcane Two-Hander

By mixing arcane scaling with heavy weapons, you can create builds that inflict status effects and leverage rare weapons that scale with arcane, all used two-handed for maximum damage.

8. Bleed Greatsword Warrior

Specializing in bleed and using colossal greatswords like the Reduvia or Rivers of Blood two-handed, this build excels at bleeding enemies quickly while controlling the battlefield.

9. Quality Faith Hybrid

This build balances quality stats with faith to use weapons like the Dragon Slayer’s Greatsword two-handed while buffing with faith-based incantations.

10. Two-Handed Strength Spellblade

Combining two-handed heavy weapons with sorcery buffs, this build uses magic to enhance physical damage and crowd control.

11. Colossal Weapon Barbarian

Maximizing raw damage output, this pure strength build focuses on the biggest two-handed weapons, complemented by endurance and vigor to sustain fights.

12. Two-Handed Dexterity Ranger

Utilizing fast two-handed weapons like spears or halberds, this build mixes mobility and power for players who like a more agile approach.

If you’re looking to speed up your leveling to experiment with these builds, sourcing cheap Elden Ring runes can give you a helpful boost. Additionally, checking out Elden Ring Items for sale may provide access to some of the powerful weapons and gear that synergize perfectly with two-handed playstyles.

Two-handed weapons in Elden Ring aren’t just about brute force—they offer tactical depth, wide-area attacks, and the satisfaction of punishing enemies with heavy blows. With these 12 builds, you can find the perfect setup to dominate the Lands Between.