How to Use Elden Ring’s Ashes of War Effectively

In the treacherous Lands Between, a Tarnished’s survival often hinges on a single, perfectly timed skill. Ashes of War are the cornerstone of build customization in Elden Ring, allowing players to infuse their weapons with devastating new abilities and affinities. From the early-game stomp that breaks poise to the end-game remembrances that unleash god-shattering power, mastering their acquisition is key to conquering the game’s greatest challenges. This guide provides a definitive roadmap to locating these essential skills across the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

Essential Early Game Ashes of War for New Players

For those just beginning their journey in Limgrave and Stormhill, several powerful and easily accessible Ashes of War can provide a significant advantage. The Ash of War: Storm Stomp is arguably the first must-have skill, found in a cellar at the Gatefront Ruins alongside the Whetstone Knife. Its low FP cost and ability to stagger enemies make it invaluable.

Near the Warmaster’s Shack in Stormhill, the vendor Knight Bernahl sells several foundational skills. Ash of War: Endure is a phenomenal defensive tool, granting immense poise to trade blows or survive deadly attacks. For offensive players, Ash of War: Stamp (Upward Cut) and Ash of War: Quickstep offer powerful engagement and mobility options, respectively. Another early standout is Ash of War: Bloody Slash, dropped by a knight at Fort Haight in East Limgrave, which offers massive bleed-inflicting damage at a small health cost.

Locating Mid to Late Game Powerhouse Skills

As players progress into regions like Liurnia, Caelid, and Altus Plateau, the potency and variety of available skills increase dramatically. The Ash of War: Lion’s Claw, dropped by a lion in Fort Gael, Caelid, is a fan-favorite for its high damage and hyper-armor, capable of flattening most foes.

Magic-users should seek out Ash of War: Glintblade Phalanx on Rogier’s Rapier at the Roundtable Hold, a skill that provides excellent passive protection and stance damage. For faith builds, the Ash of War: Sacred Blade, found from a scarab near the Third Church of Marika in Limgrave, adds holy damage and a powerful projectile. One of the most sought-after skills for its unparalleled evasion, Ash of War: Bloodhound’s Step, is acquired by defeating the Night’s Cavalry in Dragonbarrow at night.

Legendary Skills from Remembrances and Key Bosses

The most powerful Ashes of War are often rewards for defeating the game’s most formidable bosses. These skills typically consume a large amount of FP but can decisively end battles. The Ash of War: Waves of Darkness is obtained by exchanging the Remembrance of the Naturalborn, creating a devastating area-of-effect shockwave.

Similarly, the Ash of War: Black Flame Tornado, a reward for besting the Godskin Duo in Crumbling Farum Azula, unleashes a whirlwind of black flame that shreds enemy health bars. Hoarah Loux’s Earthshaker, from the Remembrance of Hoarah Loux, allows players to channel the fury of the first Elden Lord himself, slamming the ground to create a series of explosive fissures.

New Additions in the Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion

The recent expansion has introduced a fresh arsenal of skills for Tarnished to discover in the Land of Shadow. New weapon types come pre-equipped with unique abilities, such as Ash of War: Blind Spot on the Backhand Blades and Ash of War: Overhead Stance on the Great Katana. The expansion also features powerful drops from new bosses, like the Ash of War: Aspects of the Crucible: Wings from the Black Knight Edredd at the Fort of Reprimand.

Many new skills are found on elusive Teardrop Scarabs in the new regions. The Ash of War: Raging Beast is dropped by a scarab in Scadu Altus, while the Ash of War: Piercing Throw can be found near the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past. These additions provide even more tools for players to experiment with and dominate the new challenges that await.

Mastering the vast array of Ashes of War is the true path to becoming Elden Lord. From common skills sold by merchants to legendary powers earned from fallen demigods, each discovery opens new strategic possibilities, ensuring no two journeys through the Lands Between are ever the same. Explore every corner, defeat every boss, and never stop experimenting to find the perfect combination for your playstyle.

Must Know

What is the most overpowered Ash of War in Elden Ring?
“Overpowered” is subjective and often depends on the game’s current patch. However, skills like Bloodhound’s Step for invincibility, Lion’s Claw for pure stance damage, and Seppuku for bleed builds have consistently been ranked as top-tier choices for their incredible utility and damage output.

Can you duplicate Ashes of War?
No, Ashes of War are unique key items. Once you find one, it is permanently added to your inventory and can be applied to any compatible weapon an unlimited number of times at a Site of Grace, though it is removed from the current weapon first.

Where is the best place to get early Ashes of War?
The Warmaster’s Shack in Stormhill is the best early source. Knight Bernahl sells several crucial starter Ashes of War for Runes. Additionally, thoroughly exploring the Gatefront Ruins for Storm Stomp and fighting the scarab in Agheel Lake for Unsheathe are highly recommended early priorities.

How do I use an Ash of War?
First, you must acquire the Whetstone Knife from the cellar at Gatefront Ruins. This item allows you to equip and swap Ashes of War at any Site of Grace. You can also use it to change your weapon’s affinity, which scales with different stats like Strength or Dexterity.

Do all Ashes of War work on all weapons?
No, each Ash of War is restricted to specific weapon types. For example, a skill designed for colossal greatswords will not be compatible with a dagger. The game will show you a list of compatible weapon types when you attempt to equip a skill.

What are the best Ashes of War for intelligence builds?
Magic-focused builds have excellent options like Glintstone Pebble, Carian Greatsword, and Gravitas. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC also added powerful new skills like Carian Sovereignty, further expanding the arsenal for intelligence-based Tarnished.