Do Ashes of War make your weapon do less damage?

The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no, as Ashes of War can both increase and decrease the damage output of a weapon, depending on the specific Ash of War and the weapon’s scaling. Ashes of War can lower the base damage of a weapon, but improve the scaling in certain stats, which can ultimately result in increased damage output, or they can increase the base damage, split it between two damage types, and change the scaling to a different attribute, making them a complex and strategic aspect of Elden Ring gameplay.

Understanding Ashes of War

To fully understand how Ashes of War affect the damage output of a weapon, it’s essential to consider the various types of Ashes of War and their unique effects on weapon scaling and damage types. Ashes of War can be applied to a wide range of weapons, each with its own scaling and damage type, making the interaction between Ashes of War and weapons a crucial aspect of Elden Ring strategy.

How Ashes of War Affect Damage

The effect of an Ash of War on a weapon’s damage depends on the Ash of War’s native infusion and the weapon’s scaling. For example, an Ash of War that scales with strength will increase the damage output of a weapon that also scales with strength, but may decrease the damage output of a weapon that scales with dexterity or intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs provide additional information on how Ashes of War interact with weapons and affect damage output:

1. What is the most powerful Ash of War?: The most powerful Ash of War depends on the player’s build and playstyle, but some of the most popular Ashes of War include Gravitas and Waves of Darkness.
2. Do Ashes of War replace weapon skills?: Yes, Ashes of War can replace a weapon’s default skill, allowing players to customize their weapons with unique abilities and effects.
3. How do I increase my damage with Ashes of War?: To increase damage with Ashes of War, players should choose an Ash of War that scales with their weapon’s scaling and playstyle, and use it in combination with other skills and abilities that enhance damage output.
4. Can I use Ashes of War with any weapon?: Most weapons can be infused with Ashes of War, but some special weapons may not be compatible with certain Ashes of War.
5. What is the difference between Ashes of War and infusions?: Ashes of War and infusions are two separate systems in Elden Ring, with Ashes of War providing unique skills and abilities, and infusions changing a weapon’s scaling and damage type.
6. Do Ashes of War affect weapon scaling?: Yes, Ashes of War can affect weapon scaling, either by improving scaling in certain stats or changing the scaling to a different attribute.
7. Can I duplicate Ashes of War?: Yes, Lost Ashes of War can be used to duplicate an Ash of War and apply it to multiple weapons.
8. What is the best Ash of War for damage?: The best Ash of War for damage depends on the player’s build and playstyle, but some of the most popular Ashes of War for damage include Waves of Darkness and Gravitas.
9. Do Ashes of War reduce stats?: Some Ashes of War can reduce stats such as strength, dexterity, or intelligence, but this depends on the specific Ash of War and its effects on weapon scaling.
10. Can I use Ashes of War with shields?: Yes, Ashes of War can be used with shields, providing unique skills and abilities that enhance defensive capabilities.
11. What is the best early Ash of War in Elden Ring?: The Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War is one of the most powerful early Ashes of War in Elden Ring, providing a powerful AoE attack that can be used to clear groups of enemies.
12. How many Ashes of War can a weapon have?: A weapon can only have one Ash of War equipped at a time, but players can switch between different Ashes of War to suit their playstyle and build.
13. Can I infuse a weapon without changing its Ash of War?: Yes, players can infuse a weapon with a different infusion without changing its Ash of War, allowing for greater customization and flexibility.
14. What talisman increases Ash of War damage?: The Godfrey Icon Talisman increases Ash of War damage by 15%, making it a popular choice among players who use Ashes of War in their builds.
15. Is Ash of War seppuku good?: Ash of War Seppuku is a powerful skill that increases the power of a player’s attack and enhances their ability to inflict blood loss and cause the Hemorrhage status effect, making it a popular choice among players who use bleed builds.