Explore the mysterious depths of Ainsel River in Elden Ring, where ancient ruins and treacherous foes await. This expansive underground region not only serves as a pivotal location in Ranni’s quest but also houses a plethora of Spirit Ashes and Ashes of War that enhance your combat prowess. From the elusive Clayman Ashes to the powerful Frozen Lightning Spear, our comprehensive guide will navigate you through every hidden corner of Ainsel River, ensuring you uncover all its secrets and treasures. Prepare to delve into the shadows of this haunting landscape, where every encounter could turn the tide in your favor.
Key points of Elden Ring – Ainsel River – Ashes
Spirit Ashes
On this page of our Elden Ring guide, you can view the locations of Ashes of War and Spirit Ashes encountered in Ainsel River, a location accessible after activating the elevator and using Ainsel River Well.
Ashes of War are special items that allow you to change the active skill of your weapon. Thanks to them, you can exchange your weapon skill for a completely new one. You activate them by pressing the button responsible for using skills. Spirit Ashes, on the other hand, are items that, when activated, summon spirit companions that will help you in combat.
There are 3 Spirit Ashes in Ainsel River underground region. There are no Ashes of War here.
Spirit Ashes – Clayman Ashes
Clayman Ashes is a type of Spirit Ash in Elden Ring that allows players to summon two clayman spirits to aid them in combat. These spirits, characterized by their sluggish movements and high poise, are the remnants of priests who sought enlightenment in service of an ancient dynasty. While they may not be the most agile or powerful allies, their ability to absorb damage makes them valuable in certain scenarios. Clayman Ashes can be found in the Ainsel River area, specifically on a corpse near a waterfall, making them accessible during Ranni’s questline. Players should note that summoning these spirits costs 77 FP, and they can be particularly effective when combined with specific strategies that leverage their unique bubble sorcery attacks.
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This ash is obtained while in the course of the Ranni quest. As you reach Renna’s Rise, you’ll encounter a portal. Use it.
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It will take you to the Ainsel River Main . Once you’re there, go south along the tunnel and enter the next room with enemies. Go southwest, sticking to the edge, until you find a few clay enemies walking by. After getting rid of them, look for the corpse at the top of the waterfall.
Spirit Ashes – Archer Ashes
Archer Ashes in Elden Ring serve as a potent Spirit Summon, allowing players to call forth three spectral archers who unleash a barrage of arrows simultaneously. These archers, remnants of the Fallen Hawks, are equipped with bows that fire arrows imbued with cold ghostflame, inflicting both Magic and Frostbite damage on enemies. While they excel in ranged support, their effectiveness can vary depending on the player’s build and the specific combat scenario. The Archer Ashes are particularly useful for applying frostbite debuffs, making them a strategic choice for players looking to enhance their melee attacks while keeping enemies at bay. To summon these spirits, players must locate them in Nokstella, Eternal City, and ensure they are near a Rebirth Monument.
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The ashes are in Nokstella, Eternal City , behind the building shown on the map.
Spirit Ashes – Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets
The Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets are a unique Spirit Ash summon in Elden Ring, crafted from ancient puppetry techniques in the Eternal City. This summon features two distinct spirits: the Nightmaiden, who utilizes mist-based attacks, and the Swordstress, armed with a long-reaching weapon. Together, they provide both melee and ranged combat capabilities, making them versatile allies in battle. Their agility and strategic attack patterns allow them to effectively distract enemies while dealing significant damage, making them a valuable asset for any Tarnished seeking assistance against formidable foes. These puppets can be found in a chest located in Nokstella, guarded by Nox Monks, and require a notable FP cost of 97 to summon.
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What are the best strategies for defeating the Nightmaidens in Ainsel River
To effectively defeat the Nightmaidens in Ainsel River, consider employing the following strategies:
1. Understand Their Attack Patterns
Nightmaidens utilize a mix of melee and magical attacks, including a dangerous acid spray. Familiarizing yourself with their movements will help you dodge effectively.
2. Use Ranged Attacks
Engaging them from a distance can minimize risk. Utilize bows, spells, or throwing knives to whittle down their health before they can close the gap. This is particularly effective as they can be ambushed from afar without triggering their aggressive behavior.
3. Lure and Isolate
If facing multiple Nightmaidens, try to lure them one at a time. Use the environment to your advantage by drawing them into confined spaces where they cannot surround you, allowing for easier targeting and dodging.
4. Utilize AoE Spells
Area-of-effect spells can be particularly effective against groups of Nightmaidens, allowing you to deal significant damage while keeping your distance. Spells like Flame of the Redmanes can clear out clusters quickly.
5. Keep Moving
Staying mobile is crucial; avoid standing still to reduce the chance of being hit by their powerful attacks. Use rolls and sprinting to reposition frequently during the fight.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively take down the Nightmaidens in Ainsel River while minimizing damage taken during encounters.
What are the weaknesses of the Nightmaidens
The Nightmaidens in Ainsel River have several weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage in combat:
1. Low Health
Nightmaidens are relatively squishy, meaning they can be defeated quickly if you manage to land hits before they can retaliate. This makes them vulnerable to aggressive strategies that focus on dealing damage rapidly.
2. Stun Lock Vulnerability
They can be easily stunned, especially when attacked in quick succession. Utilizing fast melee attacks or combining your strikes with those of summoned allies can keep them staggered and prevent them from executing their own attacks.
3. Weakness to Ranged Attacks
Engaging Nightmaidens from a distance is effective, as they lack the mobility to dodge ranged attacks consistently. Using bows, spells, or throwing weapons can help you chip away at their health without exposing yourself to their melee capabilities.
4. Predictable Spellcasting
Nightmaidens often use spells like Night Maiden’s Mist, which can be dodged with proper timing. Observing their casting animations allows you to evade their attacks and counterattack while they are vulnerable.
5. AI Limitations
The AI controlling Nightmaidens can sometimes act unpredictably or passively, leading to openings where they fail to respond effectively to your actions. Taking advantage of this erratic behavior can create opportunities for you to strike without facing immediate retaliation.
By leveraging these weaknesses, players can more effectively defeat Nightmaidens in Ainsel River and minimize the risk of taking damage during encounters.
