Ashes of War in Elden Ring: Unlimited Power or a One-Time Wonder?

The Lands Between are rife with challenges, demanding both skill and strategic adaptability. Among the most potent tools at your disposal in Elden Ring are Ashes of War. These mystical enchantments drastically alter your weapon’s capabilities, offering new skills and scaling attributes. The burning question for many Tarnished is: Can you only use an Ash of War once? The answer is a resounding NO. Ashes of War are reusable and not consumed upon use. You can apply and reapply them to different compatible weapons at Sites of Grace as many times as you like. The catch? Only one Ash of War can be equipped on a weapon at any given time. This limitation makes strategic choice paramount, but the freedom to experiment is always there.

Understanding Ashes of War: The Core Mechanics

What are Ashes of War?

Ashes of War function as both weapon skills and infusions. They imbue your armament with a unique Weapon Skill, which can be activated using the L2/LT button (depending on your platform) and modify the weapon’s scaling in stats like Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane. These skills range from offensive maneuvers like spinning attacks and powerful thrusts to defensive stances and even magical projectiles. The infusion component changes how your weapon scales. For example, an ash of war might change the weapon’s scaling to favor Strength over Dexterity, or even imbue it with magical or holy damage.

Applying and Removing Ashes of War

This process is remarkably simple. At any Site of Grace, select the “Ashes of War” option. From there, you can choose a compatible weapon and apply any Ash of War from your inventory to it. Removing an Ash of War is equally straightforward, allowing you to revert to the weapon’s original skill (or apply a different Ash of War). This flexibility is key to adapting to different enemy types and combat situations.

Ash of War Duplication

If you find an Ash of War you absolutely love, the good news is that you don’t have to be confined to using it on only one weapon. You can duplicate most Ashes of War by giving Lost Ashes of War to specific NPCs. This lets you have the same Ash of War on multiple weapons, allowing you to diversify your builds without sacrificing your favorite skills.

Ashes of War: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 essential questions and answers to further illuminate the world of Ashes of War in Elden Ring:

1. How do I acquire Ashes of War?

   Ashes of War can be found scattered throughout the Lands Between. They drop from enemies (especially Teardrop Scarabs), are awarded for defeating bosses, purchased from merchants, or discovered in chests and within various locations. Exploration is crucial to expanding your arsenal of skills.

2. Are all weapons compatible with all Ashes of War?

   No. Each Ash of War has specific weapon type restrictions (e.g., swords, axes, polearms, etc.). Attempting to apply an incompatible Ash of War will result in an error message. Pay close attention to the Ash of War’s description to determine which weapon types it can be used on.

3. Can I apply Ashes of War to unique weapons?

   Some unique weapons (those with unique weapon skills that cannot be changed) cannot have their Ashes of War altered. These weapons are already equipped with specific skills, so you won’t be able to change or customize them. This limitation is indicated in the weapon’s description.

4. What happens if I remove an Ash of War?

   Removing an Ash of War simply returns it to your inventory. The weapon reverts to its default skill (if it has one) or becomes unskillful (meaning it will perform a normal attack with the L2/LT button). You can reapply the Ash of War at any time.

5. How do infusions from Ashes of War work?

   Many Ashes of War come with infusion properties. For example, the “Keen” Ash of War increases Dexterity scaling, while the “Heavy” Ash of War increases Strength scaling. Others add elemental damage like Fire, Lightning, or Holy. Experiment to see what best suits your build.

6. Do Ashes of War consume FP?

   Yes, most Ashes of War consume Focus Points (FP) when used. The amount of FP consumed varies depending on the specific skill. Some Ashes of War, however, have no FP cost, allowing for frequent use.

7. Can I change the Ash of War scaling?

   No, the scaling provided by an Ash of War is fixed. You can’t directly adjust the scaling of an Ash of War. Instead, choose an Ash of War that scales with the stats you’re already investing in.

8. Are there any Ashes of War that don’t deal damage?

   Yes, some Ashes of War focus on utility or defense. For example, some provide buffs, temporary invincibility, or enhance your character’s movement.

9. What is the “No Skill” Ash of War?

   The “No Skill” Ash of War removes the weapon skill from a weapon. This is particularly useful for shields, as it allows you to use the weapon skill of your right-hand weapon even while the shield is equipped.

10. Where can I find more Lost Ashes of War to duplicate my favorite skills?

    Lost Ashes of War are found in limited numbers throughout the game. They can be purchased from specific merchants, like the Isolated Merchant in the Weeping Peninsula, or found in chests and dungeons. Finding them all requires exploring the world thoroughly.

11. Does leveling up an Ash of War increase its power?

    No, Ashes of War cannot be leveled up. Their power comes from their base stats and how well they synergize with your character’s stats and weapon upgrade level.

12. What is the best Ash of War for Strength builds?

    The Storm Blade Ash of War is excellent for Strength builds, offering a ranged attack option without requiring high FP investment. Also, anything that adds “Heavy” scaling.

13. What is the best Ash of War for Dexterity builds?

    The Bloody Slash Ash of War is great for damage and bleed buildup, and anything that adds “Keen” scaling.

14. Can Ashes of War be used in PvP combat?

    Yes, Ashes of War are fully usable in both PvE and PvP combat. They can be essential tools for outmaneuvering opponents and unleashing powerful attacks.

15. How do Spirit Ashes relate to Ashes of War?

    Spirit Ashes are completely different from Ashes of War. Spirit Ashes are used to summon AI-controlled allies to assist you in combat, while Ashes of War modify your weapon’s abilities. Some of the best Spirit Ashes include the Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, and Lhutel the Headless. Remember that the Games Learning Society highlights the cognitive benefits of strategic decision-making present in games like Elden Ring. Explore more about the educational aspects of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Mastering Ashes of War: A Path to Victory

Ashes of War are a fundamental part of Elden Ring’s gameplay. By understanding their mechanics, experimenting with different combinations, and mastering their execution, you can unlock devastating new combat strategies and overcome even the most formidable foes. Don’t be afraid to swap them out to fine tune your character’s abilities.