Elden Ring is a game that excels in providing a rich array of weapons and abilities, allowing players to craft their unique playstyles. For those who favor strength-based builds, certain Ashes of War can significantly enhance their combat effectiveness. This guide will delve into the most impactful Ashes of War for strength builds, explaining how they can transform a melee-focused character into Elden Ring Runes a formidable force and detailing their locations.

Ash of War: Storm Blade

Overview: Ash of War: Storm Blade is a critical tool for strength-focused players who want to incorporate ranged attacks into their melee builds. This ability allows you to perform powerful ranged strikes with a low FP cost, making it a versatile choice for many combat scenarios.

Benefits:

• Versatile Ranged Attack: Provides access to a quick, long-range assault that can surprise enemies and deal significant damage.
• Low FP Cost: Allows players to use it frequently without exhausting their FP, making it ideal for extended battles.
• Scalability: Performs well with builds that emphasize both strength and Dexterity, benefiting from its default quality affinity.

Location: To acquire Ash of War: Storm Blade, head to the Warmaster’s Shack in Stormhill, Limgrave. This area is accessible via the path leading to Stormveil Castle. As you approach Stormveil’s entrance, head east into the forest and follow the route until you encounter Margit’s boss room. Within the Warmaster’s Shack, or alternatively at Volcano Manor, Knight Bernahl offers Storm Blade for 1800 Runes.

Ash of War: Potent Shot

Overview: Ash of War: Potent Shot is the default ability for the Longbow in Elden Ring but can also be applied to other bows. It significantly enhances the power of your ranged attacks, making it invaluable for players who rely on archery.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Arrow Damage: Delivers a much stronger shot compared to regular arrows, increasing your ability to deal damage from a distance.
• Stealth and Strategy: Useful for taking down enemies from afar or engaging bosses without getting close.

Location: To find Ash of War: Potent Shot, locate a Scarab in the Weeping Peninsula. From the Castle Morne Ramparts site of Grace, travel northwest with Torrent until you spot the Scarab. While Potent Shot is the default ability for most bows, it cannot be transferred without acquiring the Ash of War item first.

Ash of War: Sacred Blade

Overview: Ash of War: Sacred Blade is a versatile ability that fires a golden blade projectile, dealing significant Holy damage. It’s particularly beneficial for players with Strength/Faith builds due to its additional Faith scaling.

Benefits:

• Holy Damage: Adds Holy damage to your weapon, useful for dealing with enemies weak to this type of damage.
• Faith Scaling: Enhances the weapon’s effectiveness for Strength/Faith builds, providing a strategic advantage in battles.
• Damage Buff: Adds 85 Holy damage for 20 seconds, making it a powerful opening move in combat.

Location: To obtain Ash of War: Sacred Blade, head to the Third Church of Marika. Mount Torrent and travel northwest from this Grace site, crossing a small pond. Defeat the Scarab that appears near the pond to acquire Sacred Blade.

Ash of War: Lion’s Claw

Overview: Ash of War: Lion’s Claw is renowned for its ability to slam foes into the ground, causing substantial damage and momentarily stunning them. Although it was initially criticized for its slow speed, Patch 1.04 significantly improved its effectiveness.

Benefits:

• High Damage: Deals considerable damage and can quickly reduce the health of enemies.
• Stunning Effect: Temporarily stuns foes, providing an opportunity for follow-up attacks.
• Improved Speed: Enhanced speed in the latest patch makes it a more viable option in combat.

Location: To acquire Ash of War: Lion’s Claw, defeat the Lion Guardian located within Castle Gael. This boss is situated in the center of the castle, perched atop the western cliffs of Caelid.

Ash of War: Hoarfrost Stomp

Overview: Ash of War: Hoarfrost Stomp is a powerful early-game ability that 
Elden Ring Items deals significant Area of Effect (AoE) damage and inflicts Frostbite on enemies. Its low FP cost makes it a valuable asset for any strength-based build.

Benefits:

• AoE Damage: Creates a trail of freezing mist that causes extensive damage to enemies within its range.
• Frostbite Effect: Inflicts Frostbite, which can weaken enemies and make them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.
• Low FP Cost: Allows for frequent use without depleting your FP reserves.

Location: To obtain Ash of War: Hoarfrost Stomp, players must venture to the Consecrated Snowfield. It’s often found in hidden areas or specific dungeons, so be prepared for a challenging exploration to locate it.

Conclusion

In Elden Ring, selecting the right Ashes of War can significantly enhance a strength-based build, adding versatility and power to your combat style. Whether you are looking to incorporate ranged attacks with Storm Blade, boost your archery with Potent Shot, or unleash devastating Holy damage with Sacred Blade, each Ash of War provides unique advantages. Additionally, powerful options like Lion’s Claw and Hoarfrost Stomp offer substantial damage and utility, making them essential for players who want to dominate their foes.

By mastering these Ashes of War and understanding their locations, players can unlock new strategies and elevate their strength-based builds, leading to a more engaging and effective adventure in The Lands Between.