How to Change Affinity in Elden Ring (Explained)

In this guide we will tell you how to change affinity in Elden Ring.


Wondering how to change your weapon affinities in Elden Ring? If yes, then you have just arrived at the right place. For those who don't know, affinities are the special elemental power your weapon possesses. Affinity determines several factors of armament such as attribute scaling, attack power, cover boost, cover damage negation, and passives. Fortunately, we can increase these factors by changing an armament's affinity. But how to do this job? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Read this guide to learn how to change affinities in Elden Ring.

How to change a weapon's affinity in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, you unlock the ability to change affinity after obtaining a Whetstone Knife. This knife allows the player to improve affinity by applying Ashes of War to it. Different Ashes of War give different affinity to the armament. In addition, there are 5 different types of Whetstone Knives with a corresponding affinity set. Here's everything you should know about them:

• Whetblade knife

1. Unlocks - Ability to upgrade Affinity
2. Location – In an underground chest in the south-east area of the Gatefront Ruins.

• Iron sharpening blade

1. Unlocks – Ability to upgrade to Heavy, Keen, and Quality Affinities in Elden Ring.
2. Location – Loot a corpse in the massive armory in Castle Stormveil.

• Glintstone sharpening blade

1. Unlocks - Ability to change affinity for magic and cold.
2. Location - Loot a corpse hanging on the fence of an office balcony in Raya Lucaria Academy.

• Red-hot sharpening blade

1. Unlocks - Ability to change affinity for fire and flame arts.
2. Location - Go to the chamber outside the Plaza Site of Grace while the Radahn Festival is not active. From there, turn right at 3 flamethrowers and enter the tower behind them. Avoid the attacking Iron Maiden boss and enter the tower to get Red-Hot Whetblade.

• Sanctified Sharpening Blade

1. Unlocks - Ability to change affinity for Lightning and Sacred in Elden Ring.
2. Location - Teleport to the West Capital Rampart in Leyndell. Now exit the chamber and take the stairs leading down. Finish by turning left followed by that, you have to jump down. Keep turning left and climb the wooden structure on your right. Enter the door behind the broken wall and then turn left. Walk a bit until you find the Sacred Whetblade along this path.

• Black sharpening blade

1. Unlocks - Ability to change affinity for poison, blood and the occult.
2. Location - Go to the Sacred Ground of Night and acquire it next to a corpse in front of an altar.