Elden Ring, the expansive action RPG, introduced a revolutionary customization system through Ashes of War. These special items allow players to infuse their weapons, altering not only their scaling affinity but also granting them a unique, powerful skill to wield in battle. This system fundamentally changes how players approach combat, encouraging experimentation and strategic adaptation. But what makes one particular Ash of War, the Vacuum Slice, stand out in 2026's vibrant Tarnished community? Its ability to turn standard swords and axes into tools for unleashing devastating, wide-reaching slashes of energy makes it a perennial favorite for dealing with groups and agile foes.
🗺️ Where to Find the Vacuum Slice Ash of War
Acquiring the Vacuum Slice Ash of War requires a journey into one of the Lands Between's most enigmatic regions: the Deeproot Depths. This underground area, shrouded in the roots of the Erdtree, holds many secrets, and Vacuum Slice is one of its valuable treasures.
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Starting Point: Begin your search from the Deeproot Depths Site of Grace. This serves as your anchor in this sprawling, flooded landscape.
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Navigate the Town: From the Grace, head into the nearby ruined settlement. Follow the clearly defined, waterlogged path that leads through the ancient structures.
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Exercise Caution: As you approach the town's central area, be prepared for hostility. A vigilant, ranged enemy perched near the central structure will begin attacking from a distance. It's advisable to deal with this threat quickly or use the environment for cover.
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Locate the Cathedral: Once at the central structure, turn your gaze to the left. You will see a larger, cathedral-like building with its doors invitingly open. This is your destination.
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Claim Your Prize: Enter the cathedral. Inside, you'll encounter another ranged enemy, with several deceased counterparts lining the walls. Proceed to the very back of the chamber. At the feet of the living enemy, gleaming on the ground, will be the item you seek: the Vacuum Slice Ash of War. Secure it, and the powerful skill is yours to command.
⚔️ Mastering the Vacuum Slice Ash of War
Now that you possess this Ash of War, how can you best utilize its potential? Its application is specific but incredibly effective for the right armaments.
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Compatible Weapons: Vacuum Slice can be affixed to Swords and Axes, with the sole exception of Colossal Axes. This includes a wide variety of popular weapons, from the humble Longsword to the formidable Greataxe.
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Inherent Affinity: Applying this Ash automatically grants the weapon the Quality affinity. What does this mean for your build? A Quality affinity causes the weapon's damage to scale equally from both your Strength and Dexterity attributes. This makes it an excellent choice for balanced, hybrid builds or for early-game characters who haven't yet specialized in a single stat path. The weapon's base damage type (Standard, Pierce, Slash) remains unchanged.
💥 The Power of the Vacuum Slice Skill
The true value of this Ash lies in its namesake skill. When activated, your character performs a mighty swing that projects a wide, slicing wave of force. Veterans of FromSoftware's titles might recognize a familiar and beloved power—doesn't it evoke the storm-summoning weapon art used against a certain giant lord in a previous cycle of fire?
Let's break down why this skill remains a top-tier choice in 2026:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Area of Effect (AoE) | The vacuum wave cuts through a wide arc in front of you, making it perfect for hitting multiple enemies lined up or grouped together. |
| Versatile Hitbox | It can strike enemies both on the ground and those that are airborne, providing excellent utility against flying or jumping foes. |
| Penetrating Power | The wave passes through the first target, potentially damaging enemies standing directly behind them. |
| Low FP Cost | Compared to many other powerful Ashes of War, Vacuum Slice has a relatively low Focus Point cost, allowing for frequent use in extended engagements. |
| Significant Damage | It deals hefty damage, often capable of staggering or outright defeating standard enemies in one or two uses. |
🛡️ Strategic Applications and Build Synergy
How can a Tarnished integrate Vacuum Slice into their overall strategy? Its primary strength is crowd control. When facing packs of weaker enemies, a single well-placed Vacuum Slice can clear a path. It's also exceptionally useful in corridors or narrow ledges where enemies are forced to approach in a line.
For build synergy, the Quality affinity it provides offers flexibility:
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For New Players: It allows you to level both Strength and Dexterity without gimping your weapon's damage, letting you experiment with a vast arsenal before committing to a specialized build.
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For Veterans: On a dedicated Quality build (where Strength and Dexterity are leveled nearly equally), a weapon with Vacuum Slice can become a devastating tool, leveraging high base damage and the skill's potency.
Furthermore, its low FP cost means it pairs well with builds that don't heavily invest in Mind. You can use it as a reliable, spammable skill without quickly draining your blue bar, reserving your Flask of Cerulean Tears for more expensive spells or abilities.
In conclusion, the Vacuum Slice Ash of War is more than just a collectible; it's a transformative tool that exemplifies Elden Ring's brilliant combat customization. By venturing into the haunting beauty of the Deeproot Depths and claiming this power, you add a versatile and potent skill to your repertoire—one that can slice through enemy ranks and provide a reliable answer to many of the challenges that await in the Lands Between. Whether you're a newcomer finding your footing or a seasoned veteran optimizing your loadout, the sweeping force of Vacuum Slice remains a compelling choice for any armory.