Ashes, which are referred to as "Ashes of War" in Elden Ring, are items that players can use to change the special ability for a specific weapon. Ashes of War are not unlocked as the player levels up but instead are discovered in fixed areas throughout the world, such as in the treasure chests of underground crypts. Once players find Ashes of War, they can equip it by visiting any Bonfire-like Site of Grace, the fast travel points across the map.
The best way to illustrate how to use Ashes of War in Elden Ring would be to provide an example of one of the easiest Ashes in the game to obtain — Storm Stomp. Storm Stomp is an Ashes of War ability that can be found in a hidden chest within the Gatefront Ruins. This location sits to the north of the Church of Elleh and is heavily guarded with Noble Stormveil Soldiers, Wolves, and an Elite Soldier, Godrick Knight. Each enemy is relatively weak and won't prove to be much of a threat. Yet, if the entire brigade has been "aggroed," the hostile mobs may easily overwhelm the player.
Therefore, an optimal way to acquire Storm Stomp would be by using stealth and sneakily taking down the enemies one by one or using a powerful ranged class such as the Astrologer in Elden Ring. However, those well-versed with the Dark Souls combat shouldn't have too much trouble. The Ashes of War is located in the vault near the back tent with the banner facing the Stormgate. Open the chest below to receive a Whetstone Knife and Storm Stomp.
Ashes of War Guide For Elden Ring
The Whetstone Knife is a passive item needed to unlock the option to equip and switch Ashes of War at a Site of Grace. Players do not actively need to use it, as it will be utilized automatically. Return to any Site of Grace and select the new tab, "Ashes of War." The Equipment screen will then open, allowing players to choose a weapon to use the Ashes with. In the case of Storm Stomp, the Ashes will grant a new Weapon Skill yet weaken the selected weapon's stats in Elden Ring.
An Affinity window will appear when players choose the weapon with which they want the Ashes of War to be used. Here, players can pick Storm Stomp's Standard Affinity of no change or Quality Affinity, decreasing the weapon's base power but increasing the scaling based on the player's Str and Dex. Later on, other Ashes of War obtained will provide many more options. Once the Ashes of War selection is complete, exit the Site of Grace to use the special ability. Players should remember that some weapons may need to be held with two hands if the Ashes of War Weapon Skill in Elden Ring is activated.
Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.