What Weapons Can Be Infused With Ash of War in Elden Ring?
In the vast and challenging world of Elden Ring, Ashes of War stand out as a core mechanic allowing for deep customization of combat styles. These special abilities, reminiscent of Weapon Arts from Dark Souls 3, can dramatically alter a weapon’s functionality, granting access to unique attacks, defensive maneuvers, and even spell-like effects. The primary question many players have is: what weapons can actually be infused with these powerful Ashes of War?
The short answer is that most weapons in Elden Ring can be infused with Ashes of War, opening up a myriad of possibilities for builds and playstyles. However, there are key exceptions to this rule, primarily concerning unique or special weapons.
Generally speaking, standard weapons obtained from enemy drops, shops, or exploration are almost always compatible with Ashes of War. This compatibility allows players to fine-tune their offensive capabilities by choosing an Ash of War that best suits their needs, from a flurry of rapid attacks to a single powerful strike. You’re essentially able to mix and match skills and affinities for whatever the needs of your character may be.
Exceptions to the Rule
Not all weapons are created equal in the Lands Between. Certain unique or boss weapons are specifically designed with a fixed Ash of War which cannot be replaced or removed. These weapons, often acquired by trading Remembrance at Finger Reader Enia or found in specific locations, typically have inherent traits that tie into their lore or role within the game, with some having special abilities tied to their weapon level.
This limitation is primarily found on weapons obtained from boss encounters and other special sources, where the innate Ash of War is a core part of the weapon’s identity and function. For example, The Sword of Night and Flame, although scaling best with Intelligence, has a very powerful fixed ability that cannot be changed. This also extends to specific unique weapons such as Godslayer’s Greatsword, the Hand of Malenia, and the Sacred Relic Sword. The ash of war is so powerful that these weapons scale with the level, making the upgrade important.
The Role of Weapon Type
The type of weapon also plays a role in which Ashes of War can be applied. While you can use many Ashes of War on melee weapons, specific Ashes of War such as Parry can only be applied to shields and some smaller armaments. Similarly, an Ash of War like Thunderbolt is exclusively for melee weapons, not for shields or other equipment. Therefore, it’s not only the weapon that matters but also the chosen Ash of War, as compatibility depends on the weapon type. There is also the versatility of the Estoc, that is compatible with the majority of ashes of war.
Staves and Ashes of War
Staves, which serve as catalysts for sorceries and incantations, typically have a different relationship with Ashes of War. Most staves cannot be infused with Ashes of War, however, some Glintstone staves can be infused with a single Spinning Weapon Ash of War. For example, the Carian Regal Scepter has a unique spinning weapon skill. Generally, staves don’t need ashes of war, as their core function is to allow the caster to perform powerful magic. If you want to use one for damage, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff is one of the most powerful in the game, albeit costing a lot of FP.
Colossal Weapons and Ashes of War
For players who prefer heavy hitting, Colossal Weapons are compatible with a range of different Ashes of War, allowing you to mix and match to adapt to different challenges and gameplay situations.
How Ashes of War Scale with Weapons
When choosing an Ash of War, keep in mind that if you are not using it on a weapon with that affinity, it is going to do flat damage as well as scaling with weapon upgrades. So, while it is possible to mix and match, it is recommended to pair ashes of war to your weapon’s affinity for maximum damage output.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the vast majority of standard weapons in Elden Ring can be customized with Ashes of War, allowing for unprecedented flexibility and depth in character building. The exceptions are primarily special or boss weapons with unique, fixed abilities, which are designed to retain their unique characteristics. By understanding these rules and exceptions, you can utilize the Ash of War system to your advantage, crafting powerful and personalized builds to conquer the challenges of the Lands Between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ashes of War in Elden Ring
1. What exactly are Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
Ashes of War are special skills that can be applied to most weapons and some shields in Elden Ring. They act as weapon arts, granting access to unique moves, spells, or tactical options, changing the way a weapon is used.
2. Can all weapons be infused with any Ash of War?
No, while many weapons can be infused with most Ashes of War, there are some restrictions. Unique weapons, such as those obtained from boss encounters, often have fixed Ashes of War that cannot be changed.
3. What kind of weapons cannot use Ashes of War?
Primarily, boss weapons and unique weapons cannot have their original Ash of War replaced. These weapons are designed with specific abilities in mind.
4. Can Ashes of War be applied to shields?
Yes, certain Ashes of War, like Parry, can be applied to shields, and to some smaller weapons. Not all ashes of war work on shields.
5. Can I put Ashes of War on staffs?
Only certain Glintstone Staves can be infused with a single Spinning Weapon Ash of War. Most other staves cannot be infused with Ashes of War.
6. Do Ashes of War scale with my stats?
Ashes of War scale with weapon upgrades, and some scale with a specific stat, but when you use it on a weapon with a different affinity, expect it to do flat damage and scale with the weapon level only.
7. Do Ashes of War consume FP?
Yes, most Ashes of War consume FP (Focus Points) when used. The amount of FP required varies depending on the specific Ash of War.
8. Can I remove an Ash of War from a weapon?
Yes, you can remove an Ash of War from a weapon, but they are not used on the weapon. They must be used at a blacksmith and the Ash of War is then returned to your inventory to be used on another weapon.
9. Where do I find Ashes of War?
Ashes of War are found throughout the game world, dropped by enemies, bought from vendors, and found in specific locations. There are many different ways to obtain them.
10. Are there any Ashes of War that are better than others?
Yes, certain Ashes of War are more effective in specific situations or for specific builds. Some examples are Bloody Slash, Taker’s Flame and Storm Blade but what is “best” often comes down to personal preference and play style.
11. Does upgrading my weapon affect the damage of my Ash of War?
Yes, upgrading your weapon level improves the effectiveness of Ashes of War. The specific scaling will vary, but it is generally beneficial to upgrade your weapon to get the most out of the ash of war.
12. Can I dual wield weapons with Ashes of War?
Ashes of War can only be used on a single weapon, meaning if you use one in your right hand, you need to have nothing equipped in your left hand.
13. Is there a limit to how many Ashes of War I can carry?
Yes, there is a limit to the number of Ashes of War you can hold at one time. It is not a high limit, so it is best to keep the ones you will use in your inventory.
14. What is the best Ash of War for a strength build?
The Storm Blade Ash of War is a popular option for strength builds, as it provides a devastating ranged attack for low FP costs. However, many Ashes of War will work well with a strength build.
15. What is the strongest Ash of War available?
Taker’s Flames Ash of War is considered among the strongest, with a powerful flame attack that steals HP from enemies. It has incredible damage and range.
By understanding how Ashes of War work and which weapons can utilize them, you can significantly enhance your combat abilities and create a character that is uniquely suited to your play style in Elden Ring.