The Spinning Slash Ash of War remains one of the most versatile and reliable weapon skills available to melee combatants in Elden Ring. By allowing players to execute rapid 360-degree rotational strikes, it provides exceptional area control against surrounding enemy groups. Understanding how to integrate this weapon art into your arsenal can significantly enhance both player-versus-environment encounters and competitive player-versus-player duels.
Mechanics and Combat Execution of Spinning Slash
Spinning Slash initiates a sweeping, full-circle attack that catches nearby opponents off guard while dealing solid physical damage. A follow-up input extends the combination, adding an additional spin followed by a heavy slice depending on the equipped weapon type. The skill costs a minimal amount of Focus Points, making it an efficient choice for sustained combat scenarios throughout long dungeon runs.
One of the primary strengths of this skill lies in its speed and posture damage when paired with lighter weapon classes like katanas or straight swords. Against aggressive foes, activating the skill can disrupt incoming attacks and create crucial space to regain momentum. Additionally, the multi-hit sequence works exceptionally well for inflicting status conditions like Frostbite or Bleed rapidly.
2>Best Weapon Options for Spinning SlashSpinning Slash can be applied to a wide array of armaments, including swords, axes, twinblades, and polearms, while excluding colossal weapons. Smaller weapons like katanas, curved swords, and daggers perform a faster variant of the attack, making them ideal for agile builds. Longer weapons like halberds and spears benefit greatly from the increased reach, extending the danger zone around the wielder.
For players using weapons with innate status effects, applying this Ash of War allows each spin to apply status buildup across multiple targets simultaneously. Weapons such as the Nagakiba or Great Katanas gain tremendous spacing advantages due to their sheer weapon length during the rotation. Experimenting with different weapon categories helps players find the ideal balance between hit speed and reach.
Acquisition Locations and Affinity Details
Acquiring the Ash of War: Spinning Slash is straightforward for adventurers exploring the Lands Between during early-game progression. It can be purchased directly from Knight Bernahl at the Warmaster's Shack in Limgrave for a modest sum of Runes. If Bernahl is no longer available at that location, players can hand over his Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold to purchase it.
By default, this Ash of War grants the Keen affinity, which boosts Dexterity scaling while slightly reducing Strength and base damage attributes. However, players can utilize various Whetblades at Sites of Grace to modify the affinity to match their preferred character stats, such as Heavy or Quality scaling. This flexibility ensures that the skill fits seamlessly into almost any character build.
Strategic Tips for PvE and PvP Scenarios
In PvE scenarios, Spinning Slash serves as a powerful tool for clearing out swarms of smaller enemies that attempt to surround the player. It is also effective against fast-moving bosses, offering quick damage output during brief vulnerability windows. Time your activations carefully to avoid being caught mid-animation by heavy boss hyper-armor attacks.
For PvP enthusiasts, the skill offers valuable hyper-armor and roll-catch potential when opponents attempt to dodge away laterally. Delaying the follow-up attack input can catch rolling enemies off guard, punishing predictable defensive maneuvers. Mastering the timing and range of your specific weapon choice makes Spinning Slash a formidable tool in any duelist's hands.