The core advantage of two-handing comes from that 1.5x strength multiplier, which really changes things when you're working with heavier equipment. Timing your attacks becomes crucial since you'll want to maximize those openings, especially when enemies are staggered. Position yourself about mid-range from targets, since that's where most two-handed movesets shine with their reach and you'll be ready to punish whiffed attacks.

Watch the enemy's poise meter closely, you can usually tell when they're about to break from the way they start stumbling after heavy hits. The real sweet spot for damage comes right after blocking their combo, since two-handed blocks are surprisingly stable and you won't get that annoying bounce-back effect. Most people don't realize that blocking while two-handed actually gives better guard stats than one-handed, which is pretty useful when you're trying to set up those counter-hits.

Dual-wielding might seem flashier with all those quick hits, but two-handing is more stamina efficient and lets you maintain pressure without running dry. Just remember that when they start charging up those big attacks, you'll want to keep that mid-range distance i mentioned earlier, since that's your sweet spot for both defense and counter-attacking opportunities.