Elden Ring’s combat is defined by flexibility, creativity, and the strategic use of Ashes of War—special weapon skills that can dramatically alter how a weapon performs. Some Ashes of War can be swapped out, but others are uniquely bound to specific weapons, making them one-of-a-kind. As someone who’s invested over 250 hours into the game with multiple builds and NG+ runs, I’ve explored countless weapon options, and I’ve come to really appreciate the Elden Ring Items that come with powerful, unique Ashes of War built-in.
Here are five standout items that are not only powerful but also come with exclusive Ashes of War you can’t find elsewhere. These weapons aren’t just tools—they’re game-changers.
One of the most infamous weapons in Elden Ring, the Rivers of Blood katana comes with the unique Ash of War: Corpse Piler. This skill unleashes a flurry of bloody slashes that deal both fire and bleed damage. It's fast, stylish, and extremely effective, especially in PvP or when facing bleed-vulnerable enemies. I used this katana extensively in both my first and third playthroughs, and the power of Corpse Piler never got old. It's one of the few skills that can delete both bosses and players in seconds.
This greatsword comes with Eochaid’s Dancing Blade—a spinning, soaring attack that throws the sword forward in a spiraling motion. It's flashy, high-damage, and incredibly fun to use. I found it especially useful in tight spaces and boss arenas where keeping pressure on the enemy was key. It pairs beautifully with Arcane and Strength builds, and I used it during an NG+ challenge run where it carried me through several field bosses effortlessly.
Tied directly to Malenia, this katana features the Waterfowl Dance skill—one of the most iconic and deadly boss skills in the entire game. Once you obtain it, you gain access to this ferocious multi-hit flurry that can annihilate enemies if timed right. It does take practice, but I found that mastering the timing and spacing made it one of the most rewarding skills in my entire Elden Ring journey. For players who want to experience the power of Malenia without grinding endlessly, Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting is a solid way to unlock this weapon and get straight to refining your technique.
The Sword of Night and Flame is perfect for hybrid builds and comes with a unique stance that lets you cast either a sweeping flame or a beam of magic light, depending on your input. This versatility makes it one of the best early- to mid-game weapons. I personally used it during my Faith/Intelligence build and was impressed by how well it handled both mobs and bosses. The two-for-one value of its unique Ash of War makes it worth seeking out—or buying. Fortunately, there are Elden Ring Items for sale that can give you quick access to this legendary blade.
A tribute to Bloodborne, Ghiza’s Wheel is a colossal weapon that comes with the Spinning Wheel skill. When activated, the weapon's blade rotates like a buzzsaw, dealing continuous damage to any enemy caught in its path. I used it in a Strength-heavy run and found it hilarious (and shockingly effective) against large enemies. The spinning damage output combined with heavy stagger potential makes it far more viable than it looks at first glance.
Each of these Elden Ring Items brings something unique to the table thanks to their built-in Ashes of War. They are more than just weapons—they’re central to the playstyles and strategies they support. Whether you're drawn to the elegant slashes of the Rivers of Blood or the devastating spin of Ghiza’s Wheel, these weapons are proof of FromSoftware’s commitment to gameplay variety and depth.
For players who want to experiment without spending hours farming, there are reliable options to access Elden Ring Items for sale or take advantage of Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting to quickly get their hands on these iconic weapons. From personal experience, testing different builds with these items early in a new playthrough can completely change how you approach the game.
These unique Ashes of War are not just tied to iconic weapons—they are tied to unforgettable gameplay moments. Try them, master them, and let them carry you through the toughest challenges the Lands Between can offer.