Elden Ring: How to Get Ash of War

This article is part of a directory: Elden Ring Guide Hub: Weapons, Items, Tips, Tricks, Bosses, & Builds

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In Elden Ring, the main character is tasked with the goal of becoming the Elden Lord. To attain this objective, players must explore the Lands Between and confront powerful gods and demigods scattered deep inside various legacy dungeons. As a Soulsborne title by FromSoft, Elden Ring's major boss battles are not only trials of skill but also inherently challenging experiences. Navigating the treacherous path to these bosses adds an extra layer of difficulty.

For instance, players must confront a number of guards on the way to the stronghold of the first Shardbearer, Godrick the Grafted. Overcoming these enemies can be tricky for newcomers, but fortunately, FromSoft has included several ways to become stealthy and avoid the enemy's gaze. One of the easiest stealth options is the Unseen Form spell, which turns the user partially invisible. However, some enemies can still detect you if you get too close or make loud footsteps.

For those inclined toward a stealthier gameplay experience in Elden Ring, the Ash of War: Assassin’s Gambit stands out as a superior choice. This skill not only muffles your footsteps but also renders you completely invisible to ordinary foes, provided you remain outside their line of sight. It is a convenient skill that proves helpful for moments when you prefer not to engage enemies and simply want to reach the boss hassle-free. Here's a detailed guide on how to obtain the Assassin's Gambit skill in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring: How To Use Ashes Of War

In this guide, players will learn how to use Ashes of War in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring: Assassin’s Gambit Skill Location

Assassin’s Gambit is an Ash of War skill sold by Recusant Bernahl, located in Volcano Manor. Players can also find this NPC as Knight Bernhal in the Warmaster’s Shack, located east of Stormveil Castle. However, he will sell the Assassin’s Gambit skill only after you pledge your allegiance to Volcano Manor. After joining Volcano Manor, go to the drawing room to find Recusant Bernahl sitting on a chair. After completing the first assassination request, talk to Bernahl and purchase the Ash of War: Assassin’s Gambit for 6,500 runes.

After defeating Rykard, Bernahl, along with all other members of Volcano Manor, leaves this place behind. Players can still find Bernahl’s sword lying in his usual spot in Volcano Manor and interact with it to purchase weapon skills, including Assassin’s Gambit. For those who defeated Bernahl in Warmaster’s Shack, they can give his Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold and then join Volcano Manor to purchase the Assassin’s Gambit skill from Bernahl’s Bell Bearing shop.

To get the Assassin’s Gambit skill, players need to become a member of Volcano Manor and complete the first assassination request to unlock Bernahl’s shop. Volcano Manor is situated in Mt. Gelmir, located far west of Altus Plateau. Luckily, there’s a shortcut to reach Volcano Manor by helping Rya in Liurnia of the Lakes.

Elden Ring Volcano Manor invitation given by Rya

To find Rya, head to the rotunda north of the Laskyar Ruins in southern Liurnia. She will ask the Tarnished to get her necklace back from Blackguard Boggart, located just northwest of where Rya is. Players can defeat Boggart to get the necklace back or purchase it for 1,000 runes. Upon returning her necklace, Rya will hand out the invitation to join Volcano Manor. Players will then have to get to Altus Plateau to find Rya again and talk to her to teleport to Volcano Manor. Depending on how one enters Altus Plateau, Rya’s location can change. Players using the Grand Lift of Dectus will find Rya just outside of the lift, while those who dare to defeat Magma Wyrm Makar will find her next to the Lux Ruins.

After reaching Volcano Manor, talk to Lady Tanith and pledge allegiance to her to obtain the drawing room key. Now, go to the hallway on the west and open the second door to find Recusant Bernahl. Inside, you will discover the first assassination letter on the table. To complete the task, you will need to defeat Old Knight Istvan, located north of Warmaster’s Shack. Once the first assassination request is completed, return to Bernahl in Volcano Manor. He will now sell you the Assassin’s Gambit skill in exchange for 6,500 runes. Bernahl also offers a variety of other powerful and impressive Ashes of Wars, such as Storm Blade, Eruption, Spinning Slash, and more.

How to Use Ash of War: Assassin’s Gambit

After getting Assassin’s Gambit from Bernahl, players can go to Smithing Master Hewg or rest at a grace site to use the Whetblade and add the skill to a weapon. Assassin’s Gambit works with Daggers, Straight Swords, Katanas, Thrusting Swords, and Twinblades. Using this skill costs 5 FP and also takes away 35 HP points.

Players can apply Assassin’s Gambit to a small dagger and use it for sneaking without increasing their equip load by much. When activated, the Tarnished cuts their hand, making them invisible for the next 30 seconds. Afterward, players can switch to a different weapon and keep exploring without worrying about enemies. However, note that this skill may not always be effective against bosses and larger enemies. For a complete stealth setup, players can also think about getting the Black Knife set from Ordina, Liturgical Town and the Concealing Veil talisman from Sage’s Cave.