Several new spells and weapons were introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring. While the brand-new additions are quite powerful in their own right, sometimes the older ones hold their own. One of the classic examples of this is the Blood Tax Ash of War.
Where to find Ash of War: Blood Tax in Elden Ring
Blood Tax can be found upon reaching a certain area in Elden Ring. The first step to finding the Ash of War is to find and make your way to Mohgwyn Palace, a hidden area that also serves as the entry point to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Getting here is no easy feat, however, and there are different methods to do so.
First method: Find the teleporter
The primary way of finding Mohgwyn Palace is through a teleporter found in the overworld. However, this happens only towards the endgame because you will have to access the optional area, Consecrated Snowfield, to find it. Once you get to the Yelough Anix Ruins, defeat the invading Sanguine Noble, and the nearby teleporter will activate.
Simply go through the portal, and you should arrive close to the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace near the lake of blood.
Second method: Progress Varre’s quest
If you want to access Mohgwyn Palace faster, you can do so by progressing through White Mask Varre’s questline until you reach the Rose Church in Liurnia of the Lakes. He will then give you the Festering Bloody Finger and ask you to invade other players. Once you defeat three players, Varre grants you the Lord of Blood’s Favor and asks you to soak it in the blood of a maiden.
You can do so by interacting with a Finger Maiden’s corpse. Bring it back to Varre and he will then grant you the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, which can be used to teleport to Mohgwyn Palace.
Acquiring the Ash of War: Blood Tax
Now that you’re at Mohgwyn Palace, make your way to the northern section of the lake of blood, right down the path from the Palace Approach-Ledge Site of Grace. You will find a cave here inhabited by enemies and a certain Teardrop Scarab. You’ll know you’ve found the right place if you find a group of patrolling Albinaurics nearby.
Enter the cave and defeat the enemies, including Albinaurics that will attack you from behind, then take out the Teardrop Scarab to find the Ash of War: Blood Tax.
