Mastering Ashes of War in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome, Tarnished! Venturing through the mystical yet perilous world of Elden Ring, you'll come across numerous mechanics that significantly influence your gameplay experience. One such vital mechanic is the Ashes of War. These magical enhancements can transform your weapons, giving them new abilities and affinities. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step on how to use Ashes of War, ensuring you have everything you need to conquer the challenges that await.

What Are Ashes of War?

Ashes of War in Elden Ring are special enhancements that you can imbue onto your weapons. Each Ash imparts a unique skill and affinity that can change how you engage in combat. Think of them as customizable boosters for your weapons, reminiscent of Battle Arts from Dark Souls 3. You can find Ashes of War scattered throughout the Land Between, in treasure chests, awarded by bosses, or hunted from Teardrop Scarabs.

Step 1: Acquiring the Whetstone Knife

Before you can use Ashes of War, you need to obtain the Whetstone Knife. This essential tool unlocks the Ashes of War menu, allowing you to upgrade your weapons. You can find the Whetstone Knife in the Gatefront Ruins. It’s housed in a chest within the underground passage. Here’s how to find it:

• Travel to Gatefront Ruins, located in the central area of Limgrave.
• Look for a staircase leading down to an underground room.
• Open the chest inside, and the Whetstone Knife is yours.

Step 2: Accessing the Ashes of War Menu

With the Whetstone Knife in hand, you can now access the Ashes of War menu. This feature is available at any Site of Grace. Follow these steps to open the menu:

• Visit any Site of Grace.
• Select the "Ashes of War" option from the menu.

The menu allows you to view all available Ashes of War and decide which weapon to enhance. Remember, not all weapons may support every Ash of War, so choose wisely.

Step 3: Applying Ashes of War to Your Weapons

Once you have an Ash of War and access to the menu, you’re ready to upgrade your weapon. Here’s how to do it:

• From the Ashes of War menu, select the weapon you want to enhance.
• Choose the Ash of War you wish to apply.
• Confirm your selection to imbue your weapon with the new skill and affinity.

Each Ash of War comes with an affinity, altering the weapon’s stat scaling and attributes. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect fit for your playstyle.

Step 4: Activating Your Weapon’s Special Ability

Now that your weapon is imbued with an Ash of War, it's time to use it in battle. Each special ability can be activated using specific controls:

• Gamepad: Press L2 or LT.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Press Shift + Right Click.

With the correct input, your character will execute the special move associated with the Ash of War. This new ability can turn the tide in challenging battles, so make sure to practice and master its usage.

Step 5: Exploring Different Ashes of War

There is a vast variety of Ashes of War available, each offering unique skills and affinities. Below are some Ashes and where you can find them:

• Assassin's Gambit: Buy from Knight Bernahl at Volcano Manor.
• Barbaric Roar: Found in Western Liurnia of the Lakes.
• Beast's Roar: Rewarded by Gurranq after offering four Deathroots at Bestial Sanctum.
• Bloodhound's Step: Located in Dragonbarrow, Caelid.
• Carian Greatsword: Purchase from Sorcerer Rogier in Stormveil Castle.

Step 6: Duplicating Ashes of War

If you find an Ash of War that perfectly complements your build, you might want to duplicate it for use on another weapon. To do this, you will need Lost Ashes of War. Here’s a brief overview of how to duplicate:

• Collect Lost Ashes of War found in various locations around Elden Ring.
• Visit Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold.
• Select the "Ash of War Duplication" option.

This allows you to duplicate your favorite Ashes of War, giving you more flexibility in your weapon enhancements.

Step 7: Fine-Tuning Your Build

Ashes of War are not just about increasing your weapon's power; they are crucial for fine-tuning your build. Here’s how to optimize your character with them:

• Match Affinities: Choose Ashes that complement your character's stat allocation (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, etc.).
• Experiment: Test different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
• Strategize: Utilize Ashes of War to cover weaknesses or enhance strengths in your build.

Careful planning and experimentation will ensure your build is well-rounded and capable of handling various in-game challenges.

Conclusion

Mastering Ashes of War in Elden Ring is a game-changer. These powerful enhancements can significantly improve your weapon capabilities, making the challenging journey across the Land Between more manageable. By following this guide, you'll have all the knowledge you need to acquire, apply, and optimize Ashes of War to suit your playstyle.

So, Tarnished, embark on your journey with newfound confidence. Explore, experiment, and conquer the lands with the power of Ashes of War at your disposal. Best of luck, and may your path be ever illuminated by the grace of the Erdtree!