Think you've mastered every combat style in the brutal world of Elden Ring? Think again. While many Tarnished rely on colossal swords and devastating sorceries, there's a hidden gem that turns the humble bow into an area-denial powerhouse. Remember that awe-inspiring moment when Starscourge Radahn unleashed a literal storm of arrows upon you? What if you could do the same? That's exactly what the Rain of Arrows Ash of War offers. In the ever-evolving meta of 2026, where players have dissected every corner of the Lands Between, this skill remains a versatile and often overlooked tool for both PvE and PvP encounters. It transforms your bow from a simple ranged plinker into a tactical instrument for controlling the battlefield. So, why settle for one arrow when you can rain down dozens? Let's dive into how you can claim this power for yourself and use it to dominate your foes.
🌧️ Where To Find The Rain Of Arrows Ash of War (2026 Edition)
Obtaining this Ash of War isn't as straightforward as looting a chest. It requires a bit of an artistic treasure hunt, following the clues left by the game's mysterious painters. The process has remained unchanged since its discovery, a testament to its clever design.
Step 1: The Painter's Clue in Sellia
First, you need to trigger the quest. Travel to Sellia, Town of Sorcery in Caelid. From the Under-Stairs Site of Grace, head up the stairs and take the path to the right. Keep your eyes peeled on the left side among the ruined buildings. Hidden in the rubble, you'll find a distinctive red painting. This isn't just set dressing—it's a clue!
Interact with the painting. This action doesn't give you an item, but it summons the spirit of the painter to the next location. It's like accepting a quest without a marker!
Step 2: The Journey to Fort Faroth
Now, fast travel to the Fort Faroth Site of Grace in Dragonbarrow, still within Caelid. Your goal is the plateau north of the grace, near the Minor Erdtree. Getting down there is the tricky part. You have two primary methods, even in 2026:
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The Spiritspring Method: Use the nearby Spiritspring jump to launch Torrent into the air, aiming to land on the lower plateau. It requires precise timing and can be frustrating.
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The Root Path Method (Recommended): Look for a winding path of giant roots and ruins leading down the cliffside. This route involves careful platforming, alternating between riding Torrent for jumps and proceeding on foot for tighter spots. It's more reliable for most players.
Step 3: Claim Your Reward
Once you successfully navigate to the plateau, head towards its edge. As you approach, you'll see the ghostly spirit of the painter briefly appear and then vanish. Don't worry, they've left something behind. Simply walk over to where they were, and you'll automatically pick up the Rain of Arrows Ash of War. No boss fight required!
🏹 Using The Rain Of Arrows Ash Of War: A 2026 Strategy Guide
So, you've got the skill. Now, how do you make it work in the current year's challenges? This Ash of War can be applied to any Bow or Greatbow, replacing its default skill.
Key Mechanics & Stats:
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Skill Cost: 20 FP per cast. It's relatively cheap, allowing for multiple uses even with modest Mind investment.
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Affinity Change: Applying this Ash sets the weapon's affinity to Standard. While this might seem boring, it's actually a strength! The damage type and scaling of your shots are primarily determined by the arrows you use. This means you can keep the Standard affinity on your bow for consistent physical damage and then switch arrows to exploit elemental weaknesses.
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Skill Effect: You fire a single arrow high into the air. Moments later, a shower of arrows rains down on the targeted area. The initial shot has decent range, but the rain itself affects a moderate circular area.
🎯 Tactical Applications in Modern Play
Why is this skill still relevant in 2026? Let's break down its best uses:
| Scenario | How Rain of Arrows Helps | Best Arrow Type |
|---|---|---|
| Against Groups | Creates an area-of-effect (AoE) denial zone. Perfect for clustered enemies or summoner-type foes. | Firebone Arrows (Fire AoE) or Bone Arrows (Cheap) |
| Vs. Shield Users | Arrows rain from above, bypassing shields held up for frontal attacks. A knight's worst nightmare! | Magicbone Arrows or any elemental type |
| Large/Slow Bosses | Covers a huge hitbox, ensuring multiple arrows connect for massive damage. Think dragons or ulcerated tree spirits. | Rotbone Arrows (for Scarlet Rot) or Serpent Arrows (Poison) |
| PvP Area Control | Deny healing zones, force players out of cover, or punish aggressive rushers. | Bloodbone Arrows (Bleed) or Sleepbone Arrows |
| Combo Extender | Fire the rain, then immediately switch to manual shots. The enemy is distracted or pressured, letting you land free hits. | Any high-damage arrow like Lightningbone or Holybone |
Pro-Tips for 2026:
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Pair with Greatbows: Using Rain of Arrows on a Golem Greatbow or Lion Greatbow increases the impact damage and stagger potential of the initial shot, though the FP cost remains the same.
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The Arrow is Key: Remember, the arrows define your damage type. Want to frostbite a boss? Use Coldbone Arrows. The skill simply delivers them in a rain.
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Use it as a "Trap": In invasions, fire the rain at a choke point or a popular healing spot. The visual effect is somewhat subtle, and many players in 2026 still run right into it.
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Mobility is Your Friend: The casting animation locks you in place briefly. Use it from a safe distance or from an elevated position where you can't be easily charged.
🧠 Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
Absolutely. While it may not have the raw single-target DPS of some Ashes like Mighty Shot or Through and Through, Rain of Arrows provides something unique: tactical versatility. In a game where situational awareness and exploiting weaknesses are key, having a skill that can adapt to crowds, shields, and environmental control is invaluable. It encourages a more thoughtful, strategic approach to archery rather than just spamming shots. The journey to get it is a fun mini-adventure that showcases Elden Ring's excellent environmental storytelling. So, for any Tarnished looking to spice up their ranged gameplay or find a new solution to old problems, seeking out the Rain of Arrows Ash of War remains a brilliantly rewarding endeavor. Now go forth, and let it rain! ☔🏹