How to Use Ashes of War in Elden Ring
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Elden Ring
How to Use Ashes of War in Elden Ring
Best Ashes of War for Each Build
Ashes of War are one of Elden Ring’s most flexible systems — they let you completely reshape how a weapon feels and scales without having to find or farm a new one. The combination of skill + affinity means the same physical weapon can serve a Strength build, a Dexterity build, or a Faith build depending on what you apply. Always check Ashes of War options when you pick up a new weapon before deciding whether it fits your build — the right Ash can turn an average weapon into a core piece of your kit. For a full weapons overview, see our weapon upgrading guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
⚡ Quick Answer
How to Apply and Use Ashes of War
Apply Ashes of War at any Site of Grace — open the menu, select Ashes of War, choose a weapon, then pick which Ash to apply. This replaces the weapon’s skill and can also change its damage type and stat scaling. You can swap Ashes freely and repeatedly at no cost. Most Ashes are found in the world or dropped by enemies and bosses.
1
Sit at any Site of Grace and select Ashes of War from the menu. This opens the weapon customisation screen — pick the weapon you want to modify from your inventory.
2
Choose an Ash of War from your collection. Each Ash shows its skill name, FP cost, and affinity options. The affinity changes the weapon’s damage type and scaling — for example, applying Keen affinity increases Dexterity scaling and reduces Strength scaling on most weapons.
3
Select your preferred affinity alongside the Ash — options include Standard, Heavy (Str scaling), Keen (Dex scaling), Quality (Str+Dex), Magic (Int), Sacred (Fai), Flame (Fai), Lightning (Dex), Cold (Int+Frostbite), Poison, Blood (Bleed), and Occult (Arc). Choose the one that matches your build stats.
4
Confirm the application — the Ash is now on the weapon. In combat, hold L2/LT (or your skill button) to use the weapon skill. Some skills are quick attacks, some charge up, and others have stance phases. Check the skill description for FP cost and usage.
5
You can switch Ashes freely at any Site of Grace — there’s no cost and no limit. Experimenting with different Ashes on the same weapon is encouraged. Applying a new Ash replaces the old one but doesn’t consume or destroy either.
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Strength builds: Stamp (Upward Cut) or Lion’s Claw on a Greatsword with Heavy affinity. Lion’s Claw is found on a Fort Faroth enemy in Caelid and deals tremendous poise damage, staggering most enemies on hit. Pairs perfectly with the Strength build.
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Dexterity builds: Bloodhound’s Step (purchased from Knight Bernahl at Volcano Manor) on any fast weapon with Keen affinity. Makes you briefly invincible during the dodge, bypassing boss tracking entirely. Essential for the Dex build.
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Intelligence builds: Carian Grandeur on a Greatsword or Carian Slicer on a straight sword, both with Magic affinity. Carian Slicer is arguably the best damage-per-FP skill in the game for INT builds — fast, high damage, and low FP cost.
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Bleed/Arcane builds: Corpse Piler comes pre-equipped on Rivers of Blood and cannot be replaced. For other weapons, use Bloody Slash (dropped by a Godrick Knight at Limgrave, east of Gatefront Ruins) with Blood affinity for fast bleed buildup.
Can I use Ashes of War on any weapon?
Most standard weapons accept Ashes of War, but unique/special weapons (those upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones) cannot. Unique weapons have fixed skills that cannot be changed. If the Ashes of War option is greyed out for a weapon, it’s a unique weapon with a locked skill.
Does applying an Ash of War destroy the old one?
No — replacing an Ash of War on a weapon simply removes it from that weapon and returns it to your inventory. You can reapply it to the same weapon or use it on a different one at any time. Ashes of War are never consumed or lost through normal use.
What is the best Ash of War for beginners?
Storm Stomp (found in a chest in Stormveil Castle) is excellent early — it knocks enemies off their feet, giving you free hits and a panic button in tight spots. Square Off (dropped by a Godrick Soldier in Limgrave) is great for pure damage on a straight sword or thrusting sword with any affinity.
How do I find more Ashes of War?
Ashes of War are found throughout the world — in treasure chests, dropped by mini-bosses, purchased from NPCs, and occasionally dropped by regular enemies. Teardrop Scarabs (small glowing beetles that run away when you approach) always drop an Ash of War when killed. Seek them out in every area you explore.