6 Tips to Collect and Use Rare Ashes of War in Elden Ring
Ashes of War are among the most versatile and powerful tools in Elden Ring, allowing players to customize their weapons with unique skills and affinities. For players looking to maximize their build, especially in PvP or endgame PvE, collecting and using rare Ashes of War effectively can make a major difference. Based on firsthand experience with over 300 hours in Elden Ring, this guide will walk you through practical tips to help you find and use these rare enhancements wisely.
Whether you’re a Tarnished just beginning your journey or deep into New Game Plus, these six tips will ensure you collect the most valuable Ashes of War and use them to their fullest potential.
1. Explore Optional Bosses and Hidden Areas Thoroughly
Some of the rarest Ashes of War are locked behind optional bosses or hidden in out-of-the-way locations. For example, defeating the Night’s Cavalry that roams at night in different regions can yield valuable Ashes like Bloodhound’s Step. Likewise, hidden catacombs and overlooked caves often contain treasure chests holding rare Elden Ring items, including powerful Ashes.
Always explore every path, especially when dungeons appear small. Many rare Ashes are placed in chests that only spawn after solving a hidden puzzle or defeating a secret mini-boss.
2. Take Advantage of Bell Bearings and NPCs
As you progress, some merchants will sell Ashes of War after you give them the proper Bell Bearings. These can be acquired by defeating specific enemies or exploring certain regions. Be sure to revisit vendors like the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold after every major milestone.
Additionally, some NPC questlines lead to rare rewards. Completing Knight Bernahl’s storyline, for instance, grants access to multiple high-quality Ashes, making these questlines valuable for farming safe Elden Ring items.
3. Save Rare Ashes for Late-Game Weapons
While it’s tempting to equip the newest Ash of War right away, some are best saved for powerful weapons you obtain later. For example, pairing a rare Ash like Flaming Strike or Lion’s Claw with a high-scaling greatsword can turn an already strong weapon into a boss-shredding machine.
To ensure you’re making the most of your rare Elden Ring items, experiment with different weapon and Ash combinations at the blacksmith before locking in your setup.
4. Duplicate Ashes Using Lost Ashes of War
If you’ve found an Ash you love and want to use it on multiple weapons, look for Lost Ashes of War—a consumable item that lets you duplicate any Ash of War. These are sometimes sold by merchants or found in treasure chests, especially in mid- to late-game areas.
This is one of the safest methods to ensure you don’t lose access to a favorite skill and can spread your build across multiple weapons or loadouts.
5. Check Patch Notes and Community Updates
FromSoftware frequently adjusts balance and reworks certain Ashes of War through game patches. Staying updated on the latest changes will help you avoid wasting rare Ashes on underperforming weapons or skills. Websites and forums often highlight tier lists and community-tested combos for both PvP and PvE.
This is also a reliable way to spot which new safe Elden Ring items have been introduced or rebalanced, helping you focus your farming efforts.
6. Use Online Tools and Maps for Efficient Farming
Several community-driven databases and interactive maps list the exact location of every Ash of War in Elden Ring. If you’re aiming for 100% completion or looking for specific affinity types like Heavy, Keen, or Frost, these resources can save you dozens of hours of aimless exploration.
Not only does this help you find rare Elden Ring items faster, but it also ensures you’re collecting them safely—without running into over-leveled enemies unprepared.
Collecting rare Ashes of War is more than just a checklist activity—it’s an essential part of building your character and mastering combat in Elden Ring. With the right approach, you can turn these powerful enhancements into game-changing tools. By following the tips above, you’ll not only secure rare and safe Elden Ring items but also ensure you’re using them effectively for any playstyle.
