Can I Use Ash of War Only Once? A Comprehensive Guide to Elden Ring’s Weapon Skills
The short answer is no, you cannot use an Ash of War only once in Elden Ring. Unlike consumable items from past FromSoftware titles, Ashes of War are reusable and are a core mechanic for customizing your combat style. These powerful weapon skills can drastically alter your playstyle, providing both offensive and defensive options. However, while you can use them repeatedly, there are nuances to how Ashes of War work, which this guide will detail, along with answering some common questions about their use. Let’s delve into the details to ensure you’re making the most of these crucial items.
Understanding Ashes of War Mechanics
Ashes of War are essentially weapon skills that you can apply to most weapons in Elden Ring. Each Ash of War grants a unique skill that can be activated during combat. The key difference from past titles is that these skills are not consumed or used up with each activation. Instead, they are bound to the weapon they’re equipped to and can be used repeatedly without cost. This fundamental change opens up a vast array of tactical possibilities for players.
However, this doesn’t mean you can equip endless Ashes of War and use them simultaneously. A crucial limitation is that only one Ash of War can be equipped to a weapon at any given time. If you dual-wield, the game will generally only allow the usage of the Ash of War from the armament held in your right hand. While this may seem restrictive, it’s important to remember that you can duplicate Ashes of War using Lost Ashes of War, allowing you to apply the same skill to multiple weapons. This duplication is essential for builds that rely on a specific Ash of War while wielding different weapons.
Duplicate Ashes of War & Expanding Your Combat Options
The ability to duplicate Ashes of War mitigates the restriction of one Ash of War per weapon, allowing players to use the same skill across multiple weapon loadouts. This feature is particularly useful when you want to maintain a consistent combat style across different weapon types. Imagine, for instance, using the “Bloody Slash” skill on both a katana and a greatsword; this is possible by duplicating the “Bloody Slash” Ash of War. You can duplicate them using Lost Ashes of War. This item essentially allows you to lift a skill off of one weapon, keep the original copy there, and duplicate the skill for new weapons.
It’s important to note that there is a limited number of Lost Ashes of War that you can acquire each playthrough – only 12. This limit means you need to be selective about which skills you choose to duplicate.
FAQs About Ashes of War
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that delve deeper into the world of Ashes of War in Elden Ring:
1. Can you use multiple Ashes of War at once?
No. While you can have different Ashes of War equipped to different weapons, you can only activate one Ash of War at a time. When dual-wielding, only the Ash of War on the right-hand weapon is usable.
2. Can you change Ashes of War on a weapon?
Yes, you can change the Ash of War on a weapon at any Site of Grace. This is done through the “Ashes of War” option on the menu.
3. Do Ashes of War have a cost?
No. Ashes of War do not have a cost in terms of usage; you can use them as many times as you want, without them being used up. However, using them does deplete FP (Focus Points).
4. How many Lost Ashes of War are in the game?
There are 12 Lost Ashes of War available per playthrough.
5. Where can I find Lost Ashes of War?
Lost Ashes of War can be purchased from certain Merchants. Specifically, the Isolated Merchant in the Weeping Peninsula sells one for 3,000 Runes, and the Isolated Merchant in North Liurnia sells one for 4,000 Runes.
6. Do Ashes of War carry over to New Game Plus?
Yes, all collected Ashes of War are carried over to New Game Plus, along with other items like weapons, armor, and upgrade materials.
7. How do I duplicate an Ash of War?
You duplicate an Ash of War by using a Lost Ashes of War item. When you use one of these, you will be prompted to choose the Ash of War you would like to duplicate. This will not remove the skill from the original weapon you assigned it to.
8. Can all weapons use Ashes of War?
Most weapons can have Ashes of War applied to them, but there are some special or unique weapons that cannot be modified with Ashes of War.
9. Do Ashes of War scale with stats?
Yes, Ash of War scaling can change depending on the skill and the weapon’s Affinity. For example, Magic (blue/purple) infusions scale with Intelligence, Holy (yellow) with Faith, and Blood (red) with Arcane. When changing your Ash of War it will show you any damage number or stat scaling that will change.
10. Can I use Ashes of War while mounted?
No, you cannot use Ashes of War while mounted. You will have to dismount your horse to use your Ash of War weapon skills.
11. Can I buy Ashes of War?
Yes, you can purchase some Ashes of War from Merchants scattered throughout the Lands Between, in addition to finding them dropped by enemies or from exploring the world.
12. Is it worth using Ashes of War?
Yes, absolutely! Ashes of War are vital for customizing your build and playstyle in Elden Ring, allowing you to add new dimensions to your combat strategies and are very useful in many situations.
13. Can I reuse Spirit Ashes?
Spirit Ashes are different from Ashes of War. They can be used once per boss fight attempt, but they are not consumable. They can be used repeatedly within a specified summoning area until you rest or fast travel. However, they also can’t be used in every area of the game.
14. How does upgrading a weapon interact with Ashes of War?
Upgrading a weapon does not affect the Ash of War’s power or its scaling. The Ash of War’s scaling and damage will be affected separately when choosing an affinity.
15. What is the best Ash of War?
There is no single “best” Ash of War, as its effectiveness depends on your build and playstyle. Some of the highly regarded Ashes of War include Bloody Slash, Hoarfrost Stomp, and Golden Vow, as they offer a good balance of utility and damage. Ultimately, experimentation is key to finding what suits you best.
Conclusion
Ashes of War are a cornerstone of Elden Ring’s combat system. The ability to reuse them without cost, coupled with the duplication feature, provides immense customization options. While only one can be active per weapon at a time and the right hand usually dictates usage, learning how to leverage these skills effectively is crucial for success in the Lands Between. By understanding their mechanics and experimenting with various combinations, you can create a combat style that truly reflects your unique approach to the game. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find which skills best suit your playstyle to become a true Elden Lord.