Ashes of War are one of the most exciting mechanics in Elden Ring’s combat system. They introduce an array of unique abilities tied to your weapons, enhancing gameplay with minimal fuss. Mastering Ashes of War can empower you to conquer even the toughest bosses in the game. So, what exactly are Ashes of War, and how do you effectively utilize them? This comprehensive guide breaks it down for you, including a complete list of where to find every Ash of War.
As an experienced player, I can attest that the right use of Ashes of War significantly impacts your combat experience in Elden Ring.
How To Use Ashes of War in Elden Ring
To activate an Ash of War, simply press L2 (for consoles) or Shift + Right-Click (for PC) while wielding the weapon. This will trigger the specific Ashes of War assigned to that weapon.
Ashes of War can also alter the affinities of your weapon. For instance, the Golden Vow ability applies the Sacred affinity by default. Continue reading to learn how to apply Ashes of War to your chosen weapon.

How to Activate Ashes of War in Elden Ring
To activate an Ash of War on your weapon, first obtain the Whetstone Knife. You can find it in the Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave, a key location on your path to Stormveil Castle. Head north from the Church of Elleh until you reach the ruins. Look for underground stairs leading to a metal door, where you’ll find the Whetstone Knife along with the Ash of War: Storm Stomp.

Once you’ve secured the Whetstone Knife, sit at any Site of Grace to access the Ashes of War menu. From there, choose the specific Ash of War and the weapon you want to enhance. You can also consult Blacksmiths like Smithing Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold for assistance.
What Are Ashes of War in Elden Ring?
Ashes of War are unique combat abilities assigned to your weapons. This system expands on the Weapon Art feature from Dark Souls 3, allowing players to equip a variety of skills according to their preferences. Most weapons come with default Ashes of War, but many can be swapped at Sites of Grace, except for Somber weapons, which are limited to their original skills.
While you will naturally collect various Ashes of War as you explore the game, their selection is finite, so strategic usage can help streamline your journey.
Where to Find Ashes of War in Elden Ring
To use an Ash of War, you first need to find them. Below is a comprehensive list of various Ashes of War and their locations:
Ashes of War | Location |
---|---|
Ash of War: Stamp (Upward Cut) | Bought from Bernahl at Warmaster’s Shack or Volcano Manor for 1,500 Runes. |
Ash of War: Stamp (Sweep) | Drops from an invisible Scarab on Limgrave’s western shore. |
Ash of War: Wild Strikes | Drops from a Scarab near Castleward Tunnel Site of Grace. |
Ash of War: Lion’s Claw | Dropped by the Elder Lion in Fort Gael. |
Ash of War: Cragblade | Located in Caelid. |
Ash of War: Ground Slam | Drops from a Scarab southwest of the Minor Erdtree of Mistwood. |
Ash of War: Earthshaker | Found south of the Altus Highway Junction Site of Grace. |
Ash of War: Glintstone Pebble | Available from Sorcerer Rogier in Stormveil Castle for 1,500 Runes. |
Ash of War: Holy Ground | Obtained from teleporting Chariots in the Capital Outskirts Hero’s Grave. |
Ash of War: Blood Tax | Dropped in a cave in Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum. |
With this list, you are equipped to explore and acquire Ashes of War efficiently. If you’re wondering how to maximize your combat effectiveness with Ashes of War or which are best suited for your playstyle, feel free to ask!
Why are Ashes of War so significant in Elden Ring? They add depth to combat, allowing customization that suits various strategies and play styles. Learners often find that the right selection can make challenging battles feel manageable.
Are any Ashes of War better than others? Some abilities, like the Lion’s Claw, are particularly favored for their effectiveness against tougher enemies due to their high damage outputs or unique effects.
How many Ashes of War can you have at once? While they are limited in number, the versatility of swapping Ashes at Sites of Grace means you can adapt your gameplay style to match your current challenges.
If you are looking for more gaming insights and strategies, be sure to continue exploring helpful resources related to Elden Ring and other titles at Moyens I/O (https://www.moyens.net).