Ashes of War are a cornerstone of character customization in Elden Ring, and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces a plethora of new and potent options to enhance your weaponry. These powerful skills can be applied to compatible armaments, drastically altering their combat capabilities.
Early Game Ashes of War
Upon entering the Land of Shadow, you'll quickly encounter several new Ashes of War. These are often found in relatively accessible locations, sometimes dropped by specific enemies or found on corpses near early Sites of Grace. For instance, an Ash of War that grants a swift, multi-hit flurry attack might be found in the Gravesite Plain, allowing you to imbue your weapon with a rapid offensive option early on. Another common early find could be an Ash of War that enhances your weapon's elemental damage, such as adding fire or lightning.
Mid-Game Discoveries
Venturing further into the DLC's expansive world, you'll uncover Ashes of War with more specialized and powerful effects. These might be located within the challenging confines of minor Legacy Dungeons like Castle Ensis or guarded by formidable foes. Expect to find Ashes of War that offer unique defensive maneuvers, such as a parry that also unleashes a retaliatory strike, or offensive skills that boast impressive range and area-of-effect potential. Some Ashes of War might even alter the weapon's scaling properties or add unique status effect buildup.
Late Game and Boss-Exclusive Ashes of War
The most potent Ashes of War are often tied to defeating significant bosses or exploring the most perilous areas of the Shadow Realm. These can include skills that mimic powerful sorceries or incantations, grant temporary invincibility frames, or unleash devastating, screen-clearing attacks. For example, a boss might drop an Ash of War that allows your weapon to channel a spectral beam, or a hidden area could contain an Ash of War that summons phantom blades to attack your foes.
Applying and Finding Ashes of War
Remember that Ashes of War can only be applied to weapons that accept them, typically indicated by an empty Ash of War slot. You will need a Whetstone Knife or a similar tool to apply them at a Site of Grace. Keep an eye out for:
- Corpses in obscure locations.
- Enemies wielding unique weapon skills.
- Treasure chests within dungeons and ruins.
- Rewards for completing specific NPC quests.
Exploring thoroughly and engaging with all threats will be key to discovering the full spectrum of Ashes of War available in the Land of Shadow.