Two-Hand vs Power Stance in Dark Souls 2: Choosing the Right Grip for You
Dark Souls 2, like its predecessors, offers a variety of combat styles, and a core element of that is choosing the right stance for your weapon. Two-handing and power stance are two common options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. This article will delve into the nuances of these stances, helping you decide which best suits your playstyle and preferred weapon.
The Problem:
Many players in Dark Souls 2 struggle to understand the difference between two-handing and power stance, especially when it comes to weapon scaling and damage output. This can lead to confusion and potentially ineffective combat strategies.
The Solution:
Two-Handing:
- What it is: Holding a weapon in both hands, sacrificing the ability to use a shield.
- Benefits: Significantly increases weapon damage, allowing for higher attack power and faster weapon art activation.
- Drawbacks: No shield defense, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. Some weapons may have significantly increased stamina consumption when two-handed.
- Example: A player wielding a Greatsword two-handed will deal significantly more damage, but they won't have a shield to block attacks.
Power Stance:
- What it is: Holding two weapons in one hand each, allowing for unique attacks and combos.
- Benefits: Greater flexibility in attack options, with unique moves for each weapon. Can provide some form of defense depending on the weapons chosen (e.g., holding a small shield in one hand).
- Drawbacks: Generally lower damage output compared to two-handing, depending on the weapons chosen. Can be more stamina-intensive due to the use of two weapons.
- Example: A player wielding a Curved Sword and a Straight Sword in power stance can chain various attacks, including a special "Riposte" attack after a successful parry.
Choosing the Right Stance:
The optimal stance depends on your playstyle and weapon selection:
- Aggressive/High Damage: Two-handing a heavy weapon is best for maximizing damage output but requires a more careful approach to enemy attacks.
- Balanced/Defensive: Power stance with a small shield and a fast weapon allows for both offensive and defensive options.
- Fast/Agile: Power stance with two light weapons allows for rapid attacks and increased flexibility in combat, but may sacrifice overall damage potential.
Key Considerations:
- Weapon Scaling: Some weapons benefit more from two-handing due to their scaling, while others excel in power stance. Experiment and observe how the damage output changes with each stance.
- Stamina Management: Be mindful of stamina consumption, as two-handing can be extremely taxing on your stamina pool. Power stance can also be resource-intensive, depending on the weapons used.
- Playstyle: Consider your preferred combat style. If you like to aggressively attack, two-handing might be better. If you favor versatility, power stance offers more options.
Conclusion:
The choice between two-handing and power stance ultimately comes down to your personal preference and the weapon you're using. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each option will help you make informed decisions and optimize your combat performance in Dark Souls 2. Experiment, practice, and find the stance that best complements your skills and strategy!
