Ashes of War

Ashes of War

Ashes of War are powerful weapon skills in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree that can be applied to compatible armaments, fundamentally changing their combat capabilities. These skills offer unique attacks, buffs, or utility effects, allowing for deep customization of your playstyle.

Ashes of War are a cornerstone of character customization in Elden Ring, and Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a host of new and exciting options. These items allow you to imbue your weapons with special abilities, ranging from devastating offensive maneuvers to potent defensive buffs and utility skills. The choice of Ash of War can dramatically alter how a weapon performs, enabling you to adapt your loadout to specific enemy types or your preferred combat style. Whether you're a melee fighter looking for a new combo or a spellcaster seeking to enhance your weapon's arcane properties, Ashes of War offer unparalleled flexibility.

How to Use Ashes of War:

• Find an Ash of War: Ashes of War are found throughout the Land of Shadow as drops from enemies, rewards for completing quests, or hidden in chests and secret areas.
• Apply at a Site of Grace: To apply an Ash of War, you must visit a Site of Grace and select the 'Ashes of War' option.
• Weapon Compatibility: Not all Ashes of War can be applied to every weapon. Some are specific to certain weapon classes (e.g., swords, axes, spears), while others are more versatile.
• Affinity Changes: Applying an Ash of War often allows you to change the weapon's affinity (e.g., Heavy, Keen, Magic, Fire). This alters the weapon's scaling and damage type.

Types of Ashes of War:

1. Offensive Skills: These grant new attack moves, such as powerful slams, sweeping attacks, or projectile launches. Examples include 'Lion's Claw' or 'Spinning Strikes'.
2. Defensive Skills: These provide buffs or defensive capabilities, like temporary damage reduction, increased poise, or parrying abilities. The 'Barricade Shield' or 'Parry' are classic examples.
3. Utility Skills: These offer unique effects that aid in combat or exploration, such as increasing movement speed or applying status effects to your weapon.
4. Weapon Art Skills: Some Ashes of War grant unique weapon arts that are tied to specific legendary weapons or have particularly powerful effects.

New Ashes of War in Shadow of the Erdtree:

Shadow of the Erdtree is expected to introduce several new Ashes of War that synergize with the DLC's new weapons, mechanics, and enemy types. Keep an eye out for skills that complement the new weapon classes or offer unique ways to deal with the challenges presented in the Land of Shadow. Experimentation is key; try out different Ashes of War on various weapons to discover potent combinations that suit your playstyle.