Elden Ring offers players a wide assortment of gear for their characters to utilize on their quest to become Elden Lord. However, a character's weapon is the most valuable piece of equipment in their possession. It is the tool that will allow them to fend against and defeat the numerous enemies of the Lands Between. The importance of weapons is even more apparent with the inclusion of Weapon Skills, unique abilities possessed by nearly every armament in Elden Ring.
Weapon Skills can grant players numerous powers that they can use during combat. Typically, these abilities provide players with the capacity to better their offensive, defensive, or support capabilities, among other things. Even the simplest of Weapon Skills have a significant impact on the outcome of battles, making them an invaluable asset. Being such a beneficial aid in fights, players must understand these abilities and their use. Before doing so, however, players must know how to use Weapon Skills in Elden Ring​​​​​​.
How To Use Weapon Skills
Using Weapon Skills is straightforward and uncomplicated. For those playing on the controller, pressing the left trigger or L2 button will activate their Weapon Skill, while those who play on the keyboard must press Shift and click the Right Mouse Button simultaneously. However, only the Weapon Skill of a weapon wielded in the left hand will activate unless it is two-handed by players.
Most Weapon Skills will also require players to use Focus Points or FP, with exceptions being abilities like a shield's Parry. Players need to expend a particular amount of FP dependent on the Weapon Skill they use. As such, players need to conserve their FP to use their Weapon Skills. Being so beneficial in combat, players should consider allocating points when they level up to their Mind stat, allowing for more uses of Weapon Skills.
How To Change Weapon Skills
Although most weapons come with a Weapon Skill, players may desire to change it. There are many reasons for doing so, which often involve the build or playstyle of players. Changing a Weapon Skill requires players to acquire Ashes of War, items that grant new abilities to weapons. However, particular weapons cannot have their Weapon Skills replaced.
Before players can change their Weapon Skills, they must acquire an item known as the Whetstone Knife. This item grants players the ability to add Ashes of War to weapons. Once players obtain the Whetstone Knife, they must visit a Site of Grace. In the Site of Grace menu, players will find an 'Ashes of War' option available. This section is where players can add Ashes of War to weapons and change their Weapon Skills.
Elden Ring is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.