Unearthing Ashes of War: A Guide to Discovering New Enhancements in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Within the boundless world of Elden Ring, the introduction of Ashes of War provides players with an exciting way to enhance weapons and armaments, offering a vast array of skills and affinities to explore. With the recent release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, a total of 16 new Ashes of War have emerged, waiting to be discovered throughout the captivating but perilous Shadow Realm. Whether you're an avid explorer or a strategic tactician, knowing where to find these enhancements can significantly influence your gameplay experience. Here, we explore an extensive manual crafted specifically to to help you locate all Ashes of War in the Shadow of the Erdtree, as well as some detailed insights into how to effectively hunt down the elusive scarabs associated with them.

Understanding Ashes of War in Shadow of the Erdtree

Ashes of War are special items that grant unique abilities to your weapons, making combat more dynamic and personalized. In the realm of Shadow of the Erdtree, these special skills come into play, allowing players to modify their strategies and adapt to diverse challenges. As you embark on your adventure, locating these Ashes becomes crucial, ensuring that your armaments are not just mere tools but extensions of your battlefield prowess.

Overview of Ash of War Locations

Here’s a closer look at all 16 Ashes of War available in the Shadow of the Erdtree, detailing their respective locations, applicable weapon types, and the skills they bestow:

The Poison Flower Blooms Twice

Positioned to the north of the 'Temple Town ...the Site of Grace located at the Ruins, you will have to navigate the western side of the ravine in the Rauh Base. Look for a crumbled building sitting on a hill adjacent to a brown liquid pool. The scarab starts rolling its ball up the hill, so prepare to intercept it quickly.

Carian Sovereignty

Hidden within a secluded cave positioned beneath the striking Cathedral of Manus Metyr, this scarab is situated directly at the center of the ceiling in an otherwise empty nook. Be prepared to venture into this unexpected location to claim your reward.

Piercing Throw

On your way to the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past in Scadut Altus, tread cautiously among the pillars guarded by a handful of intimidating gargoyle foes. The scarab here is easily overlooked, especially considering the explosive nature of its ball upon defeat, necessitating a strategic retreat to avoid damage.

Raging Beast

Your quest starts at the 'Bridge Leading to the Village' Site of Grace. From there, veer northeast towards the cliff's edge. The scarab occupies the first raised rock surface, but be wary, as it tends to teleport away as you approach. Utilize ranged weapons for an advantage here!

Scattershot Throw

Head north from the 'Ancient Ruins Base' Site of Grace towards Taylew’s Ruined Forge. On this path, you will encounter two scarabs; the first grants a Somber Smithing Stone (7), while the second, positioned precariously atop a broken pillar, harbors the Scattershot Throw Ash. Eliminate the guarding gargoyle first to ensure a safe claim of the Ash.

Rolling Sparks

This elusive scarab hovers above the eastern hill, just south of Shadow Keep’s main entrance. It becomes visible as it emerges from the keep, but note that engaging the local perfumers beforehand is wise. Approach with caution and strike from a close distance to ensure you capture it before it can vanish.

Strategies for Gathering Ashes of War

Hunting down all the Ashes of War is no easy task, especially with the unique conditions surrounding each scarab. Here are effective strategies to enhance your chances of success:

Patience is Key

Many scarabs will flee or disappear if not approached quickly. Consider marking their locations and preparing accordingly to save time ensuing your next attempts.

Optimal Weapon Choices

Long-range weapons are highly recommended to capture certain scarabs. This approach minimizes the risk of getting too close, which might provoke a teleport or unnecessary battle with surrounding enemies.

The Element of Surprise

Springing unexpected attacks can catch these elusive foes off guard. Planning your assault comprehensively, while ensuring enemy threats are neutralized beforehand, can afford you the upper hand.

Utilizing Sites of Grace

Don't hesitate to return to a nearby Site of Grace if you miss a scarab. This allows you to respawn and attempt the capture anew without exhausting your resources.

Other Enhancements Across the Realm

Aside from the Ash of War features, players can delve deeper into the Shadow of the Erdtree by seeking Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ash locations. Each element contributes uniquely to augmenting your character’s skill set and enhancing your overall gameplay experience.

Confronting Erdtree Bosses

As you prepare to engage with more of the challenging aspects of the Shadow of the Erdtree, a quest to identify any remaining Erdtree bosses you may have overlooked is crucial. Tracking these fierce enemies will not only heighten your adventure but also lead to the acquisition of valuable weaponry and items to assist in your battles.

Consulting additional guides on how to implement Ashes of War for optimal weapon combinations can vastly improve your effectiveness in combat. Explore the multitude of builds available to maximize your gameplay across the treacherous landscapes of the Elden Ring.

With patience, strategic planning, and a keen eye, every player can uncover the secrets hidden within the Shadow of the Erdtree, ensuring that they are adequately prepared to confront the daunting challenges that await them. Happy hunting!