Let me tell you, fellow Tarnished, Elden Ring isn't just about memorizing boss patterns and dodging roll-catches anymore. It's 2026, and the DLC has been out for a while, turning the Lands Between into an even wilder playground. When I first started, those new mechanics, especially the Ashes of War, felt like a godsend. They're not just skills; they're game-changers, little gifts that truly keep on giving. Seriously, some of them are so good they feel like cheating! I've spent countless hours testing them out, and I want to share my personal picks, from the ones that carried me through the early game to the absolute beasts you can find in the DLC.

20. Gravitas: Your Early-Game Crowd Control

This one was my first "aha!" moment. You can grab it super early near the Seaside Ruins in Limgrave. Just look for a lonely Slender Wayfarer wandering the coast—defeat him, and it's yours. The name says it all: it creates a gravity well that sucks enemies in before exploding. Perfect for when you're surrounded by those pesky weak enemies and just need some breathing room. It's simple, effective, and taught me the value of area control.

19. Flame of the Redmanes: The Stun Machine

Oh, this one. This Ash of War is an absolute workhorse, especially before you get your build fully online. Found in early Caelid (chase that invisible Teardrop Scarab near Fort Gael North!), it unleashes a burst of flame that almost guarantees a stance break on most enemies. That stun leads to a critical hit, and let me tell you, there's nothing more satisfying. It's offensive utility at its finest.

18. Wild Strikes: Unleash the Beast

Sometimes, you just need to swing and not care about getting hit. Wild Strikes gives you that "hyper armor" to trade blows, and it's fantastic on piercing weapons. I found it on a Teardrop Scarab right before Stormveil Castle. It's aggressive, it's straightforward, and it makes you feel powerful even when you're still figuring things out.

17. Unsheathe: The Samurai's Secret Weapon

Don't let its early availability fool you. My Samurai character never unequipped this. You can find the Ash of War itself at Agheel Lake in Limgrave, but the starting class gets it too. The stance into a lightning-fast slash is deceptively powerful. The damage is solid, and the stagger potential on katanas is... surprising, to say the least. A true classic.

16. Cragblade: For When You Just Need to Hit Harder

Valid strategy? More like core philosophy. Cragblade makes your weapon hit like a truck covered in rocks. It boosts physical damage and poise damage, making enemies stagger left and right. You can beeline for it in Caelid near the Impassable Greatbridge early on. It turns any strength weapon into a miniature wrecking ball.

15. Carian Sovereignty (DLC): The New King of Sorcery Ashes

Now, let's talk about the DLC. This place is brutal. You'll need every edge you can get, and Carian Sovereignty is a standout. Think of Carian Grandeur from the base game, but... bigger. Way bigger. You summon a giant magical sword and unleash multiple devastating strikes in a huge area. Finding it is a puzzle—it's dangling from a cave ceiling southwest of the Cathedral of Manus Metyr. You'll need a ranged attack to knock it down, but oh boy, is it worth the trouble. It shreds through enemy stances like paper.

14. Bloody Slash: The Legend Itself

We all know this one. It's infamous. Probably the most overpowered Ash of War ever in the early game, found in Fort Haight in Limgrave. A single slash sends a wave of crimson that deals massive bleed damage. It feels almost unfair, and I love it. It's a crutch, a weapon, and a statement all in one.

13. Raptor of the Mists: The Evasive Art

This is for the dancers out there. It's not about raw damage; it's about style and survival. Similar to Bloodhound's Step but more about evasion, it lets you phase through attacks. You get it from Yura's questline at Raya Lucaria. In boss fights where one hit can mean disaster, this skill is a lifesaver. It lets you stay in the fight longer, learning patterns without constant trips to the Sites of Grace.

12. Black Flame Tornado: The Endgame Nuke

Remember Sister Friede from Dark Souls 3? This feels like her move, and it's glorious. It turns your weapon into a vortex of black flame, dealing insane melee and area damage. It's a special skill on the Godskin Peeler, but getting the Ash of War itself is a late-game goal from Crumbling Farum Azula. You have to beat the Godskin Duo, which is... an experience. But the reward? An absolute boss-melter.

11. Ice Spear: The Practical Powerhouse

Let's end with another incredibly practical choice. Ice Spear is just... good. You twirl your weapon, coat it in frost, and launch a spear of ice at your target. It's fast, it deals good damage, and it applies frostbite. I got it from the Night's Cavalry in Liurnia, and it never left my rotation for my intelligence-focused builds. It's reliable, effective, and looks cool doing it.

So there you have it, my personal journey through some of the best tools in my arsenal. From the humble Gravitas to the DLC's majestic Carian Sovereignty, these Ashes of War are more than skills—they're what make each playthrough unique. They let you solve problems your way. Whether you're a new player looking for a leg up or a veteran tackling the DLC's nightmares, there's an Ash of War out there with your name on it. Now go out there and find them. The Lands Between won't conquer itself... well, maybe it will, but not on your watch! 😉