Elden Ring, with its vast open world and challenging combat, rewards players who master its intricate mechanics. One such mechanic that significantly boosts your combat prowess is dual wielding, allowing you to wield two weapons simultaneously. This guide will walk you through the process of equipping and effectively utilizing dual weapons in Elden Ring.
Understanding the Requirements for Dual Wielding
Before you can unleash the fury of two weapons, you need to meet a few key requirements:
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Sufficient Strength and Dexterity: The stats required to wield each weapon individually are crucial. You'll need enough Strength and Dexterity to meet the minimum requirements for both weapons you intend to use. Check each weapon's description to see its stat requirements. Don't try to power through with low stats – you'll severely impact your attack speed and damage output.
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Weapon Weight: Your total equipment load, including both weapons, armor, and shields, affects your movement speed. Carrying too much weight will slow you down significantly, making you a sitting duck for enemies. Manage your equipment load effectively to maintain optimal agility. You want to stay within your equip load so you can maintain your agility.
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The Right Weapon Types: While you can dual wield almost any weapon type, certain combinations work better than others. Experiment to find a balance between damage, speed, and your personal playstyle. Fast weapons complement slow, heavy weapons. Consider the movesets and attack speeds. A fast weapon in your off-hand can enhance a slower weapon's attack speed and open up opportunities for combos.
Equipping Two Weapons: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Open Your Inventory: Access your inventory menu using the designated button (usually the "Start" or "Options" button).
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Navigate to Weapons: Locate the "Weapons" section in your inventory.
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Select Your Weapons: Choose your preferred weapon for your main hand. This is usually your strongest weapon or one with higher damage.
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Select Your Off-Hand Weapon: Now, select your second weapon for your off-hand. Keep the weight and stat requirements in mind.
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Equip Both Weapons: Once selected, both weapons will be equipped. You'll now be dual wielding!
Mastering Dual Wielding Combat Strategies
While the power of dual wielding is undeniable, it's not a simple case of equipping two weapons and charging into battle. Here are some strategies to maximize your effectiveness:
Weapon Combinations:
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Fast and Slow: Combine a fast weapon (like a dagger or curved sword) with a slower, heavier weapon (like a greatsword or ultra greatsword). The fast weapon can be used for quick attacks, combos, and keeping enemies at bay while the slow weapon delivers crushing blows.
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Similar Weapon Types: Using two similar weapons can increase your attack speed and damage output. This is especially effective if both weapons have similar movesets and scaling.
Combat Tactics:
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Learn Weapon Arts: Familiarize yourself with the unique weapon arts of both your weapons. Many weapon arts synergize well with dual wielding and can provide crucial advantages in combat.
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Stamina Management: Dual wielding can drain your stamina quickly. Learn to time your attacks and rolls effectively to avoid being left vulnerable.
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Adapting to Different Enemies: Different enemy types require different strategies. Experiment to find the best weapon combinations and combat tactics for various situations.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Techniques
As you gain experience, explore more advanced techniques, such as:
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Powerstancing (Specific Weapon Types): Some weapons allow for a unique "powerstancing" mechanic, significantly altering the attack moveset.
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Parrying with Dual Wielding: Though challenging, mastering parrying while dual wielding can become a powerful defensive and offensive tool.
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Weapon Upgrade Paths: Experimenting with different upgrade paths for your weapons will allow you to tailor your damage output and scaling.
Mastering dual wielding in Elden Ring takes practice and experimentation. By understanding the requirements, mastering the techniques, and adapting to your own playstyle, you can significantly improve your combat effectiveness and conquer the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished!
