Ashes of War are devastating special moves in Elden Ring that attach to your equipment. Consider them an improved version of Dark Souls 3's Weapon Arts. After equipping them, you can use their secret technique in battle. When used correctly, these are significant damage modifiers that can expand the fighting possibilities of anything to which they can be applied. It's a strong tool in Elden Ring that will allow you to get the most out of weaponry or even adapt them to designs they weren't designed for because nothing can swing the tide of a battle like the best Ashes of War in Elden Ring.
What are Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s Ashes of War are essentially spells. You can, however, remove and reapply them as many times as you wish to any weapon at Sites of Grace. While these Ashes of War can be replaced at will, each Elden Ring weapon can only contain one at a time.
Each Ash of War adds a Weapon Art - a special skill - and an Affinity that modifies the damage scaling metrics. When applied to an appropriate piece of equipment, they do the following:
Change the weapon's Affinity to increase certain stats and scales while decreasing others.
Replace any existing Weapon Skill with a predefined skill.
It's also worth noting that Ashes of War are restricted to specific weapon and equipment categories. The Ash of War: Thunderbolt, for example, can only be used on melee weapons and not on any other equipment. Likewise, the Ash of War: Parry skill is only applicable on shields and certain minor armaments.
How to get Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
There are many Ashes of War in Elden Ring, although they are not all obtained in the same way. Some are only available to particular bosses, and you'll get them when you defeat them. Others are simple drops from opponents or Scarabs that flee when they see you.
There will also be several just lying around, and there is an NPC who will sell you a few special Ashes of War. So keep exploring in order to grow your collection. White Teardrop Scarabs drop various Ashes, so make certain to kill any of these that you come across. They're ubiquitous, and if you're near one, you'll hear a very distinct, high-pitched humming sound. They'll attempt to run away and vanish, so if you can't catch one, you'll have to leave and reload the region.
How to use Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
To attach Ashes of War to your equipment in Elden Ring, simply rest close to a Site of Grace and select the 'Ashes of War' menu option to handle all your owned Ashes. You can remove or apply them here to any suitable hardware you own. This procedure is free and can be carried out whenever you wish. It's also worth noting that any gear you remove the Ashes from will revert to its default condition, so the shield you take Holy Ground off will regain the Parry skill and standard stats.
FAQs
Q. Is it worth using Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
A. When utilized properly, Ashes of War are a valuable item in your Elden Ring arsenal that can be used on both mobs and monsters.
Q. Can you farm Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
A. You can cultivate Ashes of War to imbue numerous armaments with the same effect, and you can replicate your preferred effects.