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Unleashing Fists of Fury: The Best Ash of War for Fist Weapons in Elden Ring

For players venturing into the Lands Between with a predilection for the brutal art of unarmed combat, the right Ash of War can elevate their fist weapons from mere tools to instruments of terrifying power. While several options exist, determining the absolute “best” is subjective, contingent upon playstyle and build. However, based on versatility, impact, and sheer utility, Lifesteal Fist emerges as a strong contender for the most effective Ash of War for fist weapons in Elden Ring.

Lifesteal Fist: A Powerhouse of Offense and Recovery

The Lifesteal Fist Ash of War grants your armament the Occult affinity, coupled with the unique skill of the same name: “Lifesteal Fist: Skill that demonstrates mastery of the art of controlling vital energies. A slow, controlled punch with an energy-infused fist that renders foes unconscious and steals their HP.”

This is no ordinary attack. It’s a deliberate, charged punch that, upon impact, not only deals significant damage but also siphons health directly from the enemy. This dual effect makes it exceptionally valuable. The HP steal significantly boosts your survivability, allowing you to trade blows more aggressively and remain in the fray longer. The slower, controlled nature of the punch can seem like a drawback but when you use it at the right time, it is devastating. The Occult affinity adds another layer of strategy by increasing the damage scaling of your weapon based on your Arcane stat, which can help you build a powerful character.

Why Lifesteal Fist Stands Out

Sustained Aggression: The built-in HP steal gives you the ability to be more aggressive without constant fear of running out of healing flasks. This allows you to keep the pressure on enemies and can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
High Damage Output: When fully charged and used with high Arcane, Lifesteal Fist deals a substantial amount of damage. The heavy punch can stagger foes allowing for follow-up attacks.
Versatility: While its primary use is as an offensive tool, the health recovery component makes it excellent for solo adventuring and can be a valuable asset in coop combat.
Build Synergies: The Occult affinity opens doors to builds that focus on Arcane, which can synergize with other spells and weapons that scale with the stat.
Unique Stun Effect: The ability to render foes unconscious, in addition to stealing their life force, allows you to create opportunities for follow-up attacks, making it an incredibly effective skill.

While other options are available, such as Endure for damage reduction and Quickstep for mobility, Lifesteal Fist offers a unique combination of offense and self-sustainment that makes it particularly well-suited for the often risky, close-quarters combat of fist weapons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fist Weapon Ashes of War

1. Can Roar-Type Ashes of War Be Effective on Fist Weapons?

Yes, in general, Roar-type Ashes of War do pair well with most of the Fist Weapons in Elden Ring. Furthermore, equipping the Roar Medallion can further boost their effectiveness. The combination can create a unique and powerful build.

2. What Are Some of the Strongest Fist Weapons in Elden Ring?

The Star Fist is generally considered one of the strongest fist weapons due to its combination of damage and the ability to inflict status effects. The Veteran’s Prosthesis is also a formidable option with higher AR but no status buildup. The Grafted Dragon, while only obtainable once per game cycle, possesses the highest AR of all fist weapons.

3. Is there a Lifesteal Ash of War that isn’t just the fist?

Yes, the Lifesteal Fist is the name of the skill tied to a specific Ash of War. It can only be used when equipped on an armament and it will change the weapon to Occult affinity, which is different from other Ash of War.

4. Where Can I Find the Lifesteal Fist Ash of War?

The Lifesteal Fist Ash of War is not a common drop. It is typically found on a specific NPC or obtained by defeating a particular boss. In Elden Ring, it is obtainable from defeating the Black Knife Assassin at the Sage’s Cave.

5. How Does the Occult Affinity Impact My Fist Weapon?

The Occult affinity scales damage based on the Arcane stat. This means that the higher your Arcane stat, the more damage your weapon will deal when imbued with the Occult affinity, making it a powerful choice for builds that focus on that stat.

6. What is the Best Ash of War for Strength-Focused Builds That Focus on Melee?

While Lifesteal Fist is very effective, Storm Blade is another very popular choice for strength-focused melee builds because it allows for devastating ranged attacks at a very low FP cost.

7. What Does the Bloody Slash Ash of War Do and is it Good?

Bloody Slash coats your blade in blood and then executes a wide, arcing slash. It’s an excellent early-game skill that can deal massive damage against bosses and one-shot regular enemies. It can also scale with Arcane which increases its damage.

8. How Do I Increase the Damage of my Ash of War Abilities?

The damage of many Ashes of War scales with the weapon’s upgrade level, as well as specific stats depending on the Ash. For example, Bloody Slash scales with the Arcane stat.

9. What Ash of War Should I Use on My Shield?

If your aim is to improve your shield’s effectiveness, Barricade Shield is the perfect Ash of War. It increases the shield’s stability, allowing you to block more effectively.

10. Are Fists Viable Weapons for a Full Playthrough of Elden Ring?

Yes, with proper stat allocation, upgrades, and the right Ash of War, fists can be a very viable and satisfying option for a full playthrough. The challenge, and the reward for overcoming it, will be different from playing with traditional weapon types.

11. What is the Earliest Fist Weapon I Can Find in Elden Ring?

The earliest obtainable fist weapon is the Caestus, which can be found on Gatekeeper Gostoc in Stormveil Castle. There are also the Iron Ball, the Katar, the Spiked Caestus and the Grafted Dragon that are found early in the game.

12. Can I Beat the Game Using Only Bare Fists?

Yes, it is possible, albeit very challenging, to beat Elden Ring using only bare fists. This feat requires extreme skill and mastery of the game’s mechanics.

13. How Does Endure Affect Fists?

The Endure skill is good on any weapon that is focused on a lot of close range combat because it offers some damage protection, making it a good choice for Fist Weapons.

14. What is the Gravitas Ash of War?

Gravitas is a powerful Ash of War that creates a gravity-based pull effect, drawing enemies in close. It’s excellent for crowd control but does not synergize well with the melee playstyle of fist weapons.

15. What’s the Best Strategy for a Fist-Based Playthrough?

For a fist-based playthrough, prioritize Strength, Dexterity, and Arcane as needed, depending on your choice of weapon and Ash of War. Use hit-and-run tactics, and utilize the mobility that fist weapons offer. Also, experiment with different Ashes of War to find combinations that suit your playstyle and maximize your effectiveness. Consider using lighter armor and specific talismans that increase attack and survivability at close range.

By understanding the nuances of Ashes of War and their synergy with fist weapons, players can transform what might seem like a simple choice into a powerful build that dominates the challenges of Elden Ring. The Lifesteal Fist is a standout contender, but experimentation and personal preferences will always play a key role in creating the ultimate fist-wielding Tarnished.

What is the best Ash of War for fist weapons?