Top Elden Ring Ashes of War: Usage and Duplication Guide

UPDATE: We’ve added an interactive map to this guide to assist you in tracking down the most effective Ashes of War in Elden Ring.

Understanding the Significance of Ashes of War in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, mastering the best Ashes of War can dramatically alter the outcome of your battles. These powerful techniques, akin to enhanced versions of Weapon Arts from Dark Souls 3, are designed to enhance your arsenal by binding directly to your weapons. Once equipped, you can unleash their devastating effects during combat.

Among the most sought-after Ashes of War are Bloody Slash and Hoarfrost Stomp, which have proven instrumental in overcoming some of the game’s fiercest adversaries. In the rich lore of FromSoftware titles, the idea of dwindling flames and the lingering knowledge of ancient battles is embodied within these techniques, echoing themes prevalent throughout their games.

Explore the Essential Ashes of War

This guide delves into the best Ashes of War in Elden Ring, offering insights on how to effectively utilize them, duplicate their effects, and locate the valuable Whetstone Knife. Below is a straightforward navigation list for easy reference:

Using Ashes of War in Elden Ring
Where to Find the Whetstone Knife
Exploring Ash of War Types and Affinities
Duplicating Ashes of War
Finding Ashes of War Locations
Top Ashes of War you Should Acquire

For visual learners, we’ve provided an interactive map below linking to all Ashes of War locations:

Additionally, for those keen on discovering Ashes of War in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, refer to our dedicated list for the best options available.

How to Utilize Ashes of War in Elden Ring

To activate an Ash of War in Elden Ring, press or hold L2 on PlayStation or LT on Xbox. PC players should hold the Shift key and click the right mouse button. Remember, these powerful moves consume Focus Points (FP), so manage your resources judiciously.

Some Ashes of War provide a prime opportunity for executing powerful follow-up attacks. To capitalize on this, immediately press your heavy attack button (R2/RT) after activating the skill. However, be cautious — timing is crucial as the start-up animations can make you vulnerable to enemy attacks. When executed correctly, Ashes of War can turn the tide in close encounters against both mobs and formidable bosses.

It’s important to note that Ashes of War can only be used with a single weapon equipped, meaning you cannot have a shield in your left hand if you intend to unleash these techniques. If your Ash of War appears inactive or greyed out, simply deselect other items like shields and try again.

If you plan on heavily relying on Ashes of War, it’s wise to practice two-handed techniques to maximize your damage potential. Carefully selecting appropriate weapon types is also essential, as not all Ashes of War are compatible with every weapon. For example, Ash of War: Repeating Thrust requires a weapon capable of thrust attacks, while Ash of War: Determination enhances hammers and axes. To equip an Ash of War, players must use a Site of Grace, where the option is available at the bottom of the menu.

Where to Find the Whetstone Knife

The Whetstone Knife, essential for equipping Ashes of War, can be obtained early in the game. It’s located near the Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave. To reach it, start at the Church of Elleh Site of Grace and travel northeast along the road.

Nearby, you’ll find another Site of Grace at the Gatefront, which you may want to activate before tackling the enemies at the ruins. The knife is contained within a chest in an underground chamber southwest of the camp. You can either clear the area of enemies first or go straight for the chest.

Inside, you’ll find not just the Whetstone Knife, but also Ash of War: Storm Stomp.

Overview of Ash of War Types and Affinities

Elden Ring features a variety of Ashes of War, each with unique affinities that can significantly alter weapon performance. Here are the thirteen types and their effects:

Standard – No special effect; scales with original weapon attributes.
Keen – Enhances Dexterity scaling while reducing Strength scaling and base damage.
Quality – Balances Strength and Dexterity scaling but lowers base damage.
Lightning – Adds lightning damage; boosts Dexterity scaling at the expense of other attributes.
Magic – Infuses magic damage; enhances Intelligence scaling while reducing base damage.
Sacred – Grants Holy damage and Faith scaling at the cost of physical damage.
Heavy – Significantly boosts Strength scaling but reduces other scaling types.
Fire – Infuses fire damage; increases Strength scaling while diminishing others.
Flame Art – Grants flame damage and Faith scaling; decreases default scaling properties.
Occult – Enhances Arcane scaling, while diminishing others.
Poison – Boosts Arcane, Strength, and Dexterity; introduces poison build-up.
Cold – Enhances Intelligence; adds frostbite build-up while decreasing other scalings.
Blood – Increases Arcane and enables bleed build-up attacks while reducing others.

Additionally, certain unique weapons come equipped with their own special Ashes of War, which cannot be transferred or changed. These offer distinct advantages during combat.

How to Duplicate Ashes of War

If you become particularly fond of an Ash of War, you can duplicate it for use on multiple weapons. This service is available from any blacksmith, but you will need Lost Ashes of War, which are essential for the duplication process.

Though they are a rare commodity, players can find or earn Lost Ashes of War while exploring the Lands Between. Some merchants also sell them at a premium:

Liurnia’s Isolated Merchant – Found near the Main Academy Gate, sells Lost Ashes for 4000 Runes.
Weeping Peninsula’s Isolated Merchant – Located at the westernmost shack in the Weeping Peninsula, sells them for 3000 Runes.
Ainsel River’s Nomadic Merchant – Sells Lost Ashes of War for 3000 Runes.

Finding Ashes of War Locations

There is an extensive array of Ashes of War scattered throughout Elden Ring, with various methods of acquisition. Some can only be obtained by defeating unique bosses, while others drop from enemies or from collectibles known as Scarabs. You’ll likely stumble upon a few simply lying around during your travels, and certain NPCs, including Sellen, offer unique Ashes of War for sale. As you explore, you’ll naturally expand your collection. However, the following section notes high-value Ashes of War locations—*light spoilers ahead*.

Top Ashes of War to Acquire

Notable Early Game Ashes of War

To best equip yourself in The Lands Between, hunting down the best Ashes of War early is crucial.

Here are several powerful Ashes of War that you can acquire in Limgrave and neighboring areas early on:

Storm Blade – Available at Warmaster’s Shack, this skill allows you to unleash a whirlwind blast, reminiscent of attacks from Stormveil knights. It’s a versatile move costing approximately 1000 Runes.
Unsheathe – This Ash, associated with the Uchigatana and Nagakiba, serves as an excellent starting move. Easily accessible through the Uchigatana or found at Deathtouched Catacombs, Unsheathe performs a quick and powerful leaping slash.
Wild Strikes – Perfect for aggressive strategies, you can obtain this Ash by defeating the treasure dung beetle leading to Stormveil Castle.
Bloody Slash – Paying homage to techniques in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, this Ash allows you to unleash a devastating strike at the cost of your own HP. Easily acquired after defeating a knight in Fort Haight on the coast.
Lion’s Claw – Located in Fort Gael, this Ash requires you to defeat the Lion Guardian. Count on stunning enemies with its powerful downward strike.
Stormcaller – Acquired before confronting Godrick the Grafted, it creates a damaging wind circle around you, making it great for crowd management.
Glintblade Phalanx – After overcoming Godrick, speak to Sorcerer Rogier at Roundtable Hold to receive this unique Ash, which conjures daggers for protection and offense.
Sacred Blade – Beneficial for battles against corrupted foes, this Ash imbues your weapon with holy damage while launching projectiles. Located southeast of Summonwater Village.
Mighty Shot – Ideal for ranged builds, this Ash empowers your bow shots. Looted from a Teardrop Scarab south of the Bridge of Sacrifice.

Formidable Late Game Ashes of War

For more advanced players, consider these powerful Ashes of War to incorporate into your builds:

Hoarfrost Stomp – Once nerfed, this Ash remains valuable for its area-of-effect damage and freezing capabilities. Obtain it east of Caria Manor.
Prelate’s Charge – In the Forbidden Lands, this Ash ignites your weapon and charges forward, delivering fiery destruction.
Taker’s Flames – Unleashed by Rykard’s Blasphemous Blade, it creates a massive pillar of fire that deals immense damage across a wide area.
Night-and-Flame Stance – This sword delivers dual abilities: a jet of magic with light attacks and a wall of flames with heavy attacks.
Lightning Ram – A quirky skill allowing you to roll into opponents while electrifying them; found near the Stormcaller Church.
Rain of Arrows – Perfect for ranged combat, this Ash releases a swarm of arrows. Found after retrieving the ‘Redmane Painting’ from Sellia, Town of Sorcery.
Seppuku – Essential for bleed builds, this Ash enhances attack power at the expense of health, located near the Freezing Lake Site of Grace.

Embark on your journey through The Lands Between equipped with essential Ashes of War, and may victory await you in each encounter!

For further insights and strategies in Elden Ring, feel free to check our comprehensive guides!

Source & Images