InElden Ring, Ashes of War offer a dynamic layer of customization that can dramatically shift the effectiveness of your weapons. These special skills allow players to infuse weapons with unique abilities and affinities, often granting powerful techniques or stat scaling benefits. While many players are familiar with using Ashes of War on main-hand weapons, the concept of using them on offhand weapons brings a deeper level of strategy. Understanding how to use Offhand Ash of War effectively can unlock advanced combat options, dual-wield synergies, and more tactical freedom across a wide range of builds.
What Is an Offhand Ash of War?
Basic Definition
An Offhand Ash of War refers to any skill that is equipped on a weapon in your left hand (the offhand). InElden Ring, most Ashes of War are associated with the weapon they’re attached to, and they can typically be activated using a specific input. However, when dual-wielding or using a shield, activating the Ash of War from the offhand can behave differently depending on the weapon type, whether a shield is equipped, and the input used.
Why Use Offhand Ashes?
Using Ashes of War from your offhand allows you to surprise opponents with alternate movesets, add extra utility (such as buffs or ranged options), or even support a dual-wield style where both hands carry offensive weapons. In PvP and PvE alike, understanding how offhand weapon skills work gives your build more flexibility and adaptability.
How to Equip an Ash of War to the Offhand Weapon
Using the Whetstone Knife
To apply any Ash of War, including one for your offhand weapon, you’ll need theWhetstone Knife. This item is found early in the game in the Gatefront Ruins. With it, rest at any Site of Grace and select Ashes of War from the menu to infuse a weapon in your inventory with an Ash of War of your choice.
Selecting the Right Weapon
Keep in mind that not all weapons accept all Ashes of War. For example, you cannot apply a heavy melee skill to a catalyst or bow. When using Offhand Ashes of War, ensure your left-hand weapon supports skills, and choose the appropriate Ash for its type for example, a dagger, curved sword, or greatshield.
How to Activate Offhand Ash of War
Standard Input Controls
In most cases, Ashes of War are activated by pressing the skill button: L2 (on PlayStation), LT (on Xbox), or the corresponding button on keyboard and mouse. However, the Ash that activates depends on your weapon setup.
Key Interaction Rules
- If your left-hand weapon is a shield with no skill (e.g., it has the No Skill Ash equipped), pressing L2/LT will activate the skill on your right-hand weapon instead.
- If both hands carry weapons with Ashes of War, the offhand Ash can only be used under specific conditions like two-handing the offhand weapon or temporarily switching to use it directly.
- When dual-wielding two weapons, the game prioritizes the main-hand (right) skill unless you switch to two-hand the offhand weapon.
How to Use Offhand Ash Specifically
To reliably use your Offhand Ash of War, follow these approaches:
- Two-hand the offhand weapon: Press the appropriate input to two-hand your left-hand weapon (on controller, press Triangle/Y + L1/LB). While two-handing the offhand, L2/LT will activate its Ash of War.
- Use weapons with passive or automatic Ashes: Some Ashes (like passive buffs or weapon enchantments) don’t require manual input, making them ideal for offhand usage.
- Avoid conflicts: Equip a No Skill Ash on your shield if you want the left-hand weapon skill to activate easily when blocking or parrying is not required.
Best Offhand Ashes of War to Consider
Supportive and Buff-Based Skills
Some Ashes of War provide buffs or utility that can be useful from the offhand, especially if you’re playing a hybrid or support build.
- Flaming Strike: Applies fire damage to the weapon and increases attack power temporarily.
- Golden Vow: Buffs both attack and defense for you and nearby allies.
- Cragblade: Boosts poise damage, useful when applying from an offhand weapon before a combo.
Defensive or Utility Options
In the left hand, shields can use Ashes of War focused on defense or parrying. These are ideal for those who want to combine blocking with quick counterplay.
- No Skill: Allows use of right-hand skill while still benefiting from left-hand blocking.
- Carian Retaliation: A magical parry skill that can be deadly in PvP if timed right.
- Barricade Shield: Temporarily enhances the guarding ability of your shield, reducing stamina drain.
Dexterity-Based Builds
For dual-wielding light weapons, Ashes like Quickstep or Bloodblade Slash can enhance evasiveness and bleed build-up.
- Quickstep: A fast dash that can be chained for repositioning, especially effective in the left hand.
- Bloodhound’s Step: An advanced evasive skill with greater distance and speed, excellent for offhand daggers or curved swords.
Offhand Strategy and Build Integration
Dual-Wield Builds
Many dual-wield builds benefit from applying two Ashes of War and using them interchangeably. This can be especially useful in bleed, poison, or frost builds where each hand contributes to status buildup. Using an offhand Ash for positioning or buffing while the main hand finishes with damage-dealing skills is a strong combo.
Faith or Magic Users
Casters can carry a seal or staff in the right hand while keeping a weapon with a utility Ash in the left hand. For example, using Golden Vow or Flaming Strike from the left-hand weapon, then casting spells from the right-hand catalyst, allows for seamless transitions between magic and melee.
PvP Tactics
In player-versus-player scenarios, switching to the offhand Ash mid-fight can catch opponents off guard. Many players expect standard main-hand attacks, so activating a buff, parry, or step-based movement from the offhand adds unpredictability. Practice is needed to time switches, but the reward is tactical superiority.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Skill Not Activating
If pressing L2/LT always activates your main-hand skill, it could be due to your shield having a skill or your offhand weapon being inactive. Equip a No Skill shield or try two-handing the offhand to fix the issue.
Weapon Type Limitations
Some Ashes only activate on specific weapon types. Always check compatibility when equipping. If the skill doesn’t show up properly, it’s likely the weapon doesn’t support it.
FP Management
Don’t forget that using Ashes of War consumes FP. Investing in Mind stat or wearing FP-regenerating talismans can help you use both main and offhand Ashes more freely, especially if you’re using skills as a core part of your combat loop.
Mastering how to use Offhand Ash of War inElden Ringadds another layer of strategy to your build. Whether you’re enhancing a dual-wield setup, supporting a hybrid caster, or improving defense with a shield-based parry, offhand Ashes provide tactical flexibility. With careful planning, the right weapon pairing, and precise activation, these skills can greatly expand your combat potential and make you a more unpredictable and formidable opponent. Take the time to experiment with different combinations, learn the activation mechanics, and adapt your playstyle to fully harness this powerful feature.