Can You Get An Ash of War Twice in Elden Ring? The Comprehensive Guide

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Yes, you absolutely can get an Ash of War twice in Elden Ring, and in some cases, even more than twice! While each Ash of War can only be found in a specific location or dropped by a specific enemy once per playthrough (unless it’s a Remembrance reward), the Lost Ashes of War item allows you to duplicate existing Ashes of War, effectively obtaining a second copy. This is crucial for players looking to optimize their builds and equip multiple weapons with the same skill. Let’s delve into the intricacies of acquiring and utilizing Ashes of War effectively.

Understanding Ashes of War and Their Mechanics

Ashes of War are special items in Elden Ring that grant weapons unique skills. They are essentially weaponized spells that can significantly alter your combat style. Unlike traditional spells that require Faith or Intelligence, Ashes of War scale with the weapon’s attributes and can often be applied to weapons regardless of your character’s build.

Applying and Removing Ashes of War

One of the most appealing aspects of Ashes of War is their reusability. You can apply and remove Ashes of War at any Site of Grace (bonfire) after obtaining the Whetstone Knife. This allows for incredible flexibility in customizing your arsenal. While each weapon can only have one Ash of War applied at a time, you aren’t permanently stuck with your decision. Experimentation is highly encouraged!

The Role of Lost Ashes of War

The Lost Ashes of War is a consumable item with a singular purpose: to duplicate an Ash of War that you already possess. This doesn’t create a new Ash of War from scratch; instead, it clones one you currently have in your inventory or equipped on a weapon. This is incredibly useful if you want to equip the same Ash of War on multiple weapons without constantly swapping it back and forth.

How to Obtain Lost Ashes of War

There’s a limited number of Lost Ashes of War that can be found in each playthrough, totaling 12. They are typically acquired through exploration, quest completion, or as rewards for defeating specific enemies or bosses. Keep an eye out for items with a unique glow or NPCs offering them as rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ashes of War

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Ashes of War and their mechanics:

1. Do you lose an Ash of War if you replace it?

   No, you do not lose an Ash of War when you replace it on a weapon. The original Ash of War is returned to your inventory, allowing you to use it on another weapon or store it for later use. This makes experimenting with different Ashes of War on different weapons a risk-free endeavor.

2. Can Ashes of War be used more than once?

   Yes, Ashes of War can be used an unlimited number of times. They are not consumed upon use. Instead, their use is limited by your FP (Focus Points) or Stamina, depending on the specific skill.

3. Where can I find the Whetstone Knife?

   The Whetstone Knife is found early in the game at the Gatefront Ruins. It allows you to apply Ashes of War to your weapons at any Site of Grace. Finding this item is crucial for weapon customization.

4. Are there Ashes of War that are considered “must-haves”?

   Certain Ashes of War are highly sought after due to their effectiveness in combat. Examples include Hoarfrost Stomp (for its AoE damage and crowd control), Bloodhound’s Step (for its incredible mobility and invincibility frames), and Parry (for deflecting enemy attacks). However, the best Ash of War depends on your play style and build.

5. Can I apply any Ash of War to any weapon?

   No, Ashes of War have restrictions on the types of weapons they can be applied to. Some are limited to specific weapon types (e.g., swords, axes, shields), while others have more general compatibility. Always check the Ash of War’s description to see which weapon types it can be used on.

6. Do Ashes of War scale with my character’s stats?

   While Ashes of War don’t directly scale with your character’s stats in the same way spells do (Faith and Intelligence), their effectiveness is often influenced by the weapon’s scaling. A weapon with high Strength scaling, for example, will make a Strength-based Ash of War more effective.

7. What is the best way to farm for Lost Ashes of War?

   Unfortunately, you cannot “farm” Lost Ashes of War in the traditional sense, since they don’t respawn. Explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between, complete side quests, and defeat bosses to acquire them. Check online guides for specific locations, also!

8. Can I use Ashes of War in PvP combat?

   Yes, Ashes of War are a crucial part of PvP combat in Elden Ring. They provide unique offensive and defensive options that can turn the tide of battle. Mastering your favorite Ash of War is essential for success in PvP.

9. Do Ashes of War affect a weapon’s scaling?

   Yes, some Ashes of War alter the scaling of your weapon. For example, applying an Ash of War with a “Heavy” infusion will improve the weapon’s Strength scaling while reducing other scaling. Pay attention to these changes when selecting an Ash of War.

10. What are Remembrances and how do they relate to Ashes of War?

    Remembrances are items obtained after defeating major bosses. Some Remembrances can be traded in for specific Ashes of War at the Roundtable Hold, offering access to powerful unique skills.

11. Can I sell Ashes of War?

    Yes, you can sell Ashes of War to merchants for Runes. However, it’s generally not recommended unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll never use them, as some can be quite valuable and difficult to re-acquire.

12. Are there Ashes of War that provide buffs instead of attacks?

    Yes, some Ashes of War provide buffs to your character or weapon. These can include increased attack power, defense, or resistances. These buffs can be invaluable for certain builds and boss fights.

13. How do I know which Ashes of War are best for my build?

    The best way to determine which Ashes of War are best for your build is through experimentation and research. Try out different Ashes of War on different weapons to see what works best for your play style and stat distribution. Online communities and guides can also provide valuable insights.

14. Do Ashes of War have any impact on the weapon’s weight?

    No, Ashes of War do not affect the weight of the weapon they are applied to. Weight is determined solely by the weapon itself.

15. Is there a community dedicated to discussing and sharing information about Ashes of War?

    Absolutely! The Elden Ring community is vast and active. Subreddits like r/Eldenring and forums dedicated to FromSoftware games are excellent resources for discussing Ashes of War, sharing builds, and seeking advice. Also, learning games have become increasingly popular, and the Games Learning Society is a great resource to learn more about them. Be sure to visit GamesLearningSociety.org to get more info.

By understanding the mechanics of Ashes of War and utilizing the Lost Ashes of War item effectively, you can significantly enhance your combat capabilities and customize your weapons to suit your unique play style. Happy hunting, Tarnished!