Do Ashes of War Reduce Stats in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Ashes of War can indeed reduce specific stats on your weapon, though “reduce” might be a bit of a loaded term. It’s more accurate to say they reallocate or shift the stat scaling. When you apply an Ash of War and choose an affinity (like Fire, Sacred, or Keen), you’re essentially trading some scaling in one stat for better scaling in another, or adding entirely new elemental damage types with associated scaling.
Think of it like this: a weapon might have great Strength scaling initially. Applying an Ash of War with a “Keen” affinity will decrease the Strength scaling while increasing the Dexterity scaling. You’re not necessarily making the weapon weaker, but rather optimizing it for a different build or playstyle. A “Sacred” affinity would reduce physical damage scaling, while adding Faith scaling and Holy damage. If you’re a Faith build, this trade-off can be extremely beneficial, significantly increasing your overall damage output.
The key is understanding how each affinity affects the weapon’s scaling and choosing the right Ash of War for your character’s build. Experimentation is crucial in Elden Ring. Understanding which stat boosts and damage types your specific Ashes of War adds will greatly help you on your journey. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations to find what works best for you!
Understanding Affinity and Scaling
Before diving deeper, let’s quickly recap affinity and scaling in Elden Ring.
- Affinity: The elemental or stat-based attribute added to a weapon via Ashes of War (e.g., Fire, Sacred, Keen, Heavy).
- Scaling: How much a weapon’s damage increases based on your character’s stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane). Scaling is indicated by letters (S, A, B, C, D, E) next to each stat on the weapon’s stat sheet, with S being the best scaling and E being the worst. A dash (-) indicates no scaling.
When you apply an Ash of War, the affinity you choose directly influences the weapon’s scaling. For example, a “Heavy” affinity typically enhances Strength scaling while reducing Dexterity scaling. A “Keen” affinity does the opposite. Elemental affinities like “Fire,” “Lightning,” or “Magic” add elemental damage to the weapon and scale primarily with Intelligence or Faith, often at the expense of some physical scaling. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for optimizing your damage output.
Ashes of War: More Than Just Weapon Skills
While the Weapon Art (the special attack granted by the Ash of War) is a significant part of its appeal, the affinity it applies is equally important. Some Ashes of War are particularly potent because they not only offer a useful skill but also synergize perfectly with specific builds. For example, the Sacred Blade Ash of War not only provides a ranged Holy attack but also imbues the weapon with the “Sacred” affinity, increasing Faith scaling. This combination makes it ideal for Faith-based characters who want both ranged options and improved melee damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ashes of War and Stats
Here are some common questions players have about Ashes of War and their impact on stats in Elden Ring:
Can I remove an Ash of War and revert my weapon to its original stats?
Yes! You can visit a blacksmith (like Hewg at the Roundtable Hold) to remove an Ash of War. This will return the weapon to its original scaling and damage values, removing the added affinity and its effects on your stats.
Does the level of my weapon affect the scaling provided by Ashes of War?
Yes, the level of your weapon absolutely impacts the scaling provided by Ashes of War. As you upgrade your weapon at a blacksmith using Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones, the scaling bonuses for your attributes will increase alongside your base attack power. Therefore, a fully upgraded weapon with a scaling affinity from an Ash of War will provide significantly higher damage than the same weapon at its base level.
How do I know which affinity is best for my build?
Consider your highest stat(s). If you have high Strength, a “Heavy” affinity might be ideal. If you favor Dexterity, “Keen” is a good choice. For magic users, “Magic,” “Fire,” “Lightning,” or “Sacred” affinities are often best, depending on your dominant stat (Intelligence or Faith).
What happens if I don’t meet the stat requirements for an Ash of War’s affinity?
You can still use the Weapon Art, but the weapon’s damage output will be significantly reduced because you won’t be benefiting from the scaling bonuses. The damage will be less than if you had the stats to properly scale.
Do all Ashes of War change the stat scaling of a weapon?
No. Some Ashes of War only add a Weapon Art without changing the weapon’s affinity or scaling. These are often utility-focused skills or those that add a special effect to your attacks.
If I dual-wield weapons with different affinities, how does scaling work?
Each weapon’s scaling is calculated independently based on its own affinity and your character’s stats. There’s no combined scaling effect. Optimize each weapon individually for maximum damage.
Can I apply any Ash of War to any weapon?
No. Ashes of War have weapon type restrictions. For example, you can’t apply an Ash of War designed for swords to a hammer or staff. The game will prevent you from doing so. Make sure to read the descriptions.
Does the weight of a weapon affect the effectiveness of Ashes of War?
No, the weight of the weapon itself doesn’t directly affect the effectiveness of the Ash of War’s Weapon Art or its scaling. Weight primarily impacts your equip load, which affects your movement speed and roll distance.
What are “Unique” weapons and how do they interact with Ashes of War?
Unique weapons (those upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones) generally cannot have their Weapon Skills changed with Ashes of War. They come with a pre-determined skill and scaling that cannot be altered. This is a key trade-off for their often-powerful unique abilities.
Does my character’s level affect the damage scaling of Ashes of War?
Indirectly, yes. Your character’s level allows you to increase your stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane), which directly impacts the damage scaling of your weapon. A higher level character with optimized stats will benefit more from the scaling provided by Ashes of War.
How does weapon level affect ash of war scaling?
The scaling provided by the Ash of War changes depending on the level of the weapon.
Can I duplicate Ashes of War?
Yes, you can duplicate Ashes of War using Lost Ashes of War. This allows you to apply the same Ash of War to multiple weapons without having to constantly move it between them.
What is the best way to test the effectiveness of different Ashes of War?
Experiment! The best way to determine which Ash of War is right for you is to try them out on different enemies. Pay attention to the damage output, the skill’s range and speed, and how well it synergizes with your playstyle. Practice the timing to get the most out of them.
Are there any Ashes of War that are particularly good for specific bosses?
Yes. Some Ashes of War are extremely effective against certain bosses due to their elemental weaknesses or attack patterns. For example, a Fire-based Ash of War might be highly effective against a boss weak to fire damage. Researching boss weaknesses and experimenting with different Ashes of War is crucial for tackling challenging encounters.
Where can I find more information about optimizing my Elden Ring build?
There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Additionally, consider exploring resources provided by academic communities like the Games Learning Society through GamesLearningSociety.org, which analyze game mechanics and design from an educational perspective.
Final Thoughts
Ashes of War are a powerful tool in Elden Ring, allowing you to customize your weapons and tailor them to your specific build and playstyle. While they can “reduce” some stats by reallocating scaling, this is often a worthwhile trade-off for increased damage and utility. Experiment, research, and don’t be afraid to try new things. With the right Ash of War, you can transform your weapon into a formidable tool in the Lands Between.