Hey, Tarnished! Ready to dive deep into the mystical world of Elden Ring and unlock some seriously powerful abilities? Today, we're going to explore the Holy Ground Ash of War. This incredible skill can turn the tide of battle, and we'll break down everything you need to know: where to find it, how to use it, and which builds it works best with. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that will transform your gameplay! Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Holy Ground Ash of War

Alright, first things first: What exactly is the Holy Ground Ash of War? Think of it as a special move you can equip to your weapons. When activated, it creates a circular area on the ground that provides a variety of buffs to the user and their allies. These buffs are game-changers, especially in tough boss fights or when dealing with hordes of enemies. But it's not just about offense; it's also a defensive tool, making it a versatile addition to your arsenal. This is because the Holy Ground Ash of War scales with Faith. The higher your faith stat, the better the buffs will be. This makes it a perfect fit for faith-based builds, such as Paladins, Clerics, and other holy warriors. It is more than just a damage buff; it's a strategic tool, allowing you to control the battlefield. Using it at the right time can significantly increase your chances of surviving encounters.

The Mechanics and Effects

So, how does it actually work? When you use the Holy Ground Ash of War, your character will perform a specific animation, typically involving a prayer or gesture. This animation creates a consecrated ground area around you. Within this area, several buffs are applied. The primary effect is the restoration of HP over time, acting as a minor healing effect for those within its radius, and this can be crucial during long battles. This ground also boosts both physical and magic defenses. The exact numbers will depend on your faith stat and the weapon you've applied the Ash of War to. The duration of the effect also varies, so understanding how long it lasts is crucial for proper timing. Moreover, it is also important to note that the Holy Ground Ash of War has a moderate FP cost. Be mindful of your FP bar and only use it when you're confident that you have enough to sustain the buff and still have enough to attack. Mastering the timing of this is essential to maximizing its effectiveness. Using it before a challenging encounter can provide you with an edge, but knowing when to reapply it is just as crucial.

Furthermore, the Ash of War's impact extends beyond personal benefits; it can be incredibly useful in co-op. When playing with friends, this Ash of War can provide crucial support, keeping allies alive and boosting their defenses. It also allows you to make strategic plays, by creating an area that is safe and advantageous for your team. The combination of healing and defensive buffs makes it a cornerstone for support builds. This kind of versatility can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Holy Ground Ash of War's value lies not only in its immediate effects but also in the strategic depth it adds to your gameplay. So, keep this Ash of War in mind, especially if you're a support player who wants to keep their team alive, and help them dominate the battlefield.

Finding the Holy Ground Ash of War Location

Now comes the exciting part: How do you get your hands on this game-changing Ash of War? The good news is, it's not locked behind an overly difficult boss or a hidden quest. This Ash of War can be found in a specific location within the Lands Between. The Holy Ground Ash of War can be obtained from a Teardrop Scarab. Finding the scarabs is quite simple. These scarabs appear as glowing, beetle-like creatures that flee when approached. The scarabs drop the Ash of War when defeated. The location is the Liurnia of the Lakes region. This vast area is home to numerous secrets. Navigating it can be tricky. However, it's worth the effort. The exact location is slightly west of the Foot of the Four Belfries site of grace. You'll want to head north from the Road to the Manor site of grace. As you make your way toward the location, look for a large open area with several ruins scattered throughout. The scarab will be present in this area. It often patrols a specific route. Pay attention to its movements so that you can anticipate its path. Once you spot it, be ready to give chase. The scarab is fast, and you'll need to be quick to catch it. You can use your mount, Torrent, to pursue it. Torrent is the best way to catch up to the scarab. Keep your eyes peeled for the telltale glow that indicates its presence. It usually appears near a small group of ruins and broken pillars. Once you've located the scarab, chase it down and land a hit. If the scarab successfully escapes, it may despawn, or you may need to reload the area. So be prepared to hunt it down again. Defeating the scarab will reward you with the Holy Ground Ash of War. After obtaining this, you can now equip it on your weapons.

Detailed Location Breakdown

Let's break down the location even further to ensure you find it without any hassle. Start at the Foot of the Four Belfries site of grace. From there, head west, following the path. Keep an eye out for a large, open area dotted with ruins. The scarab will be patrolling this area. The best way to find it is to move slowly. This will allow you to scan the surroundings. Use your camera to scan for the telltale glow. Once you've spotted the scarab, begin your pursuit. Be ready to chase it down. Use Torrent to increase your speed. When close to the scarab, attack it with a weapon or spell. If you're having trouble catching the scarab, try using a weapon with a wide attack range, as this can increase your chances of landing a hit. Keep in mind that the scarab will likely flee in a random direction, so be prepared to change your strategy. The scarab might take a winding path through the ruins. This will test your navigation skills. If you lose sight of the scarab, don't panic. Take a moment to survey the surroundings. Then, use Torrent to move to where it was last seen. By staying focused and patient, you'll be able to locate and defeat the scarab. Once defeated, the Holy Ground Ash of War is yours! Remember to approach the search systematically. Be patient and persistent. Good luck, Tarnished; the rewards are well worth the effort!

Best Builds for Holy Ground

Okay, so you've got the Holy Ground Ash of War – now what? The beauty of this Ash of War is its versatility, but it shines brightest with certain builds. Let's look at a few that will really make this ability sing. Are you ready?

Faith-Based Builds

As we touched on earlier, Faith-based builds are the natural home for the Holy Ground Ash of War. Classes like the Prophet or Cleric, and even Paladin builds benefit massively from this. The Holy Ground Ash of War provides a strong support element, enhancing both healing and defense. For a faith-based build, you'll want to prioritize increasing your Faith stat. This will boost the power of the buffs. Additionally, consider investing in Mind to increase your FP. Because you will be casting this Ash of War frequently. This will ensure you have enough to use it when needed. Select weapons that can be infused with the Ash of War. A straight sword or a greatsword could be good choices. Equip a talisman or sacred seal to boost your incantations. This will enhance the overall power of your build. Some great Talismans for this build include the Godfrey Icon which increases the power of charged spells and skills. Consider the Faith Knot Crystal Tear. Mixing this into your flask will temporarily boost Faith. Always consider armor sets that complement your playstyle. Holy-themed armor sets often fit well with the theme. Remember to balance offensive and defensive capabilities. With your faith-based build, you'll be a force on the battlefield!

Strength and Faith Hybrids

If you prefer a blend of brute force and holy power, a Strength/Faith hybrid build is your jam. Imagine wielding a colossal weapon while also providing support to your allies. This build offers a unique style. First, you'll need to balance your Strength and Faith stats. Make sure you can wield heavier weapons. Then, allocate enough points into Faith to make the Holy Ground Ash of War effective. When selecting a weapon, look for one with high Strength scaling and can be infused with Ashes of War. Consider an Onyx Lord's Sword or a Greatsword. Enhance your attack by infusing the weapon with a faith-based Ash of War. Next, invest in armor that balances protection and mobility. Use a heavier armor set if you're comfortable with a slower playstyle. Consider equipping talismans and crystal tears that complement your build. The Green Turtle Talisman can help with stamina regeneration. The Crimson Amber Medallion will boost HP. Remember that, as with any build, it's about finding the right balance. You want to be able to deal significant damage. Also, provide meaningful support to your allies.

Support Builds

Last but not least, let's talk about dedicated Support Builds. These builds revolve around keeping your team alive and empowered. The Holy Ground Ash of War becomes a cornerstone of your strategy here. Start by investing heavily in Faith and Mind. You want to maximize the effectiveness of the buffs and ensure you have enough FP for frequent use. Select weapons that complement a support role. You may want a weapon with a low stat requirement. This can leave points for Faith and Mind. Focus on equipping armor that boosts your focus and immunity stats. Choose talismans that enhance your support capabilities. The Ritual Sword Talisman will boost your attack power. Consider the Crimson Amber Medallion to increase your HP. Mastering this is key to being an invaluable teammate. Also, keep in mind that coordination is very important. Communicate with your teammates, and let them know when Holy Ground is active. By mastering these builds, you'll be a force on the battlefield.

Tips and Tricks for Using Holy Ground

Alright, you've got the Ash of War, you've got the builds – now, let's look at some pro tips to maximize its effectiveness. These are some extra insights to help you get the most out of your newfound power.

Strategic Placement

One of the most important aspects is the proper placement of the Holy Ground. Take a moment to assess the battlefield before casting it. Consider enemy positions, chokepoints, and any environmental hazards. Placing the Holy Ground near a boss arena entrance will allow you to buff and heal before a fight. Position it in a safe location where you and your allies can benefit. In co-op, you may want to place the Holy Ground strategically. This gives your teammates a safe haven to retreat to. It will also allow you to heal and rebuff. When dealing with ranged enemies, consider using it near cover. This can provide extra protection for your team. Additionally, if the area is limited, you may want to cast the Ash of War in the center of the zone. This ensures that every ally gets the maximum benefit. Remember, a well-placed Holy Ground can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Timing is Everything

Timing is another important consideration. The Holy Ground has a duration. Make sure you use it at the right moment. The optimal time to use the Holy Ground is just before an engagement. Pre-buffing yourself and your allies will give you an edge. During boss battles, consider casting the Holy Ground when the boss is temporarily vulnerable. This will allow you to regain HP. Try to predict enemy attacks. Cast the Holy Ground just before they launch their attack. This can provide you with an added layer of defense. In co-op, communicate with your teammates. Inform them when you plan to cast the Ash of War. This will allow them to prepare accordingly. Also, remember to watch your FP and stamina. The Holy Ground has a cost and casting it at the wrong time may put you in a disadvantageous position.

Weapon Infusion Considerations

The weapon infusion is very important for the performance of the Ash of War. The infusion type will impact the overall effectiveness of your build. For Faith-based builds, consider infusing your weapon with the Sacred affinity. This will enhance the Faith scaling. Also, it will improve the damage output. Use the Quality affinity if you are using Strength and Dexterity builds. This will give you a balanced build with solid performance. Don't be afraid to experiment with different infusions. Test each one on different weapons. This will help you identify the build that suits your playstyle best. Also, always review the stat requirements of your weapon. This will ensure that you have enough points to meet the minimum stat. By combining these tips and tricks with your knowledge of the game, you'll become a master of the Holy Ground Ash of War.

Conclusion: Mastering the Holy Ground Ash of War

And there you have it, fellow Tarnished! You now have a comprehensive guide to the Holy Ground Ash of War in Elden Ring. From its effects and location to the best builds and advanced strategies, you're well-equipped to use this powerful ability. Go forth, experiment with different builds, and find what works best for your playstyle. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use the Holy Ground Ash of War, the better you'll become at using it effectively. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Lands Between, the Holy Ground Ash of War can be a game-changer. So, go out there, embrace the power of the Holy Ground, and become an unstoppable force in the world of Elden Ring. Good luck, and happy gaming, guys!