UPDATE: We have incorporated two interactive maps into our guide on the best Elden Ring spirit ashes, which will assist you in tracking down these valuable items.
Understanding Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, Spirit Ashes serve a crucial role that can significantly influence the outcome of battles across The Lands Between. By summoning the spirits of skilled warriors and mythical creatures, players can inflict various statuses, deal considerable damage, and divert the focus of their most formidable foes.
While the game maintains the classic ability to summon other players or NPCs for assistance, it introduces a novel form of summoning: Spirit Ashes. This guide explores the best Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring and provides insights into utilizing this powerful feature effectively during your journey.
Acquiring the Summoning Bell
Your journey begins with obtaining the Spirit Calling Bell. After conversing with Melina—your maiden, who grants you the ability to summon Torrent—visit the Church of Elleh Site of Grace, where you first encountered the merchant Kale.
The Spirit Calling Bell allows you to summon various Spirit Ashes. You can also acquire it from the Twin Maiden Husks located at the Roundtable Hold once you progress there.
Your first Spirit Ashes—known as Lone Wolf Ashes—are provided by Renna. This summon calls forth three large spectral wolves, adept at distracting enemies and drawing aggro, thus creating opportunities for you to deal damage.
Using Spirit Ashes Effectively
With the Spirit Calling Bell and your initial Spirit Ashes in hand, the next step is to bind your chosen Spirit Ash (not the bell) to your pouch or belt for seamless access. Activating it will summon the Spirit, though it requires a few seconds and consumes FP (the blue meter), with costs varying based on the strength of the summon.
Spirit Ashes can only be summoned near a Rebirth Monument, identifiable by ghostly obelisks scattered throughout the game. You’ll recognize your proximity to a monument via a glowing gravestone icon on the bottom left of your HUD.
Keep in mind that only one Spirit Ash can be active at a time and that summoning them is disabled in multiplayer modes. For long-time Souls players, Spirit Ash mechanics may seem unconventional, but they offer a refreshing and strategic addition to gameplay.
Collecting More Spirit Ashes
As you traverse The Lands Between, you’ll encounter various Spirit Ashes; these invaluable allies come from chests, loot drops, and exploration rewards. The deeper you delve into the game, the more you’ll accumulate.
Upgrading Spirit Ashes: Grave and Ghost Gloveworts
Eventually, players gain the ability to upgrade their Spirit Ashes by utilizing Grave Gloveworts for standard Spirit Ashes and Ghost Gloveworts for named ones. These Gloveworts can be found in various Catacombs and as loot throughout the open world.
However, you’ll first need to complete a segment of Roderika’s quest. Initially found at the Stormhill Shack, Roderika later moves to the Roundtable Hold to assist with Spirit Ash upgrades. Engaging with the blacksmith, Master Hewg, will unlock her ability to refine your Spirit Ashes.
Gathering all Bell Bearings for Grave and Ghost Gloveworts will enable purchasing unlimited quantities from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. Find out where to locate all these essential materials through our extensive guide.
General Tips for Optimizing Spirit Ashes
In Elden Ring, Spirit Ashes act as individual NPCs, which means they benefit from buffs and healing spells. This factor can be pivotal in increasing their longevity in battle.
Be aware that some Spirit Ashes summon a singular ally, while others create a group of fighters. Consult the Spirit Ash descriptions to determine their effectiveness relative to their FP cost. Additionally, consider summoning options that focus on elemental damage, as they can exploit enemy weaknesses without relying solely on raw power.
Top Spirit Ashes for Early Game Play
In the early stages of Elden Ring, when FP management is essential, several powerful Spirit Ashes can significantly alter the course of encounters.
Tracking down these vital assets is easier with our interactive map highlighting their locations throughout The Lands Between:
Captured Imp
Available early in the game, the Fanged Imp Ashes offer agile support with their ability to inflict bleed damage. These mischievous creatures make an excellent starting companion.
They are obtainable by selecting the Fanged Imp Ashes as your Keepsake during character creation, ensuring you’re set for your journey right from the start.
Spirit Jellyfish
Another valuable ally you may have encountered is the Spirit Jellyfish, known for its exceptional distraction abilities. Although it does not engage in melee, it attacks enemies from a range with poisonous acid.
This summon proves especially useful against bosses, such as Margit the Fell Omen, who is vulnerable to poison. Acquire the Spirit Jellyfish at the Stormhill Shack after conversing with Roderika.
Skeletal Militiamen
The Skeletal Militiamen summon consists of two skeletons capable of absorbing damage and reviving each other, making them reliable allies in early-game scenarios.
Defeat the Tibia Mariner boss at Summonwater Village, located east of Stormveil Castle, to obtain this summon.
Radahn’s Soldiers
Discovered in the War-Dead Catacombs, the Radahn’s Soldiers summon consists of two aggressive combatants characterized by a relentless fighting style. They excel at targeting both bosses and clusters of enemies.
Timely exploration of this area can reward you with one of the better early-game spirits.
Lhutel the Headless
For a striking ranged option, consider summoning Lhutel the Headless. With abilities allowing for both ranged and melee attacks, Lhutel adds versatility to your strategy.
Locate Lhutel by completing the Tombsward Catacombs on the Weeping Peninsula, situated south of the starting region.
Bloodhound Knight Floh
Mid-game players can benefit from summoning Bloodhound Knight Floh, known for its swift, relentless attacks. If you’ve battled one before, you’re aware of the challenge it presents.
To acquire the Bloodhound Knight Floh Spirit Ash, visit Gelmir Hero’s Grave located near the Volcano Manor area and defeat the boss there.
Best Spirit Ashes for Late Game Play
As you progress deeper into Elden Ring, a variety of powerful Spirit Ashes await discovery, including several drawn from previous boss encounters.
Mimic Tear
The Mimic Tear stands out as one of the most effective Spirit Ashes once accessible. Despite being nerfed, it remains incredibly useful, summoning an exact replica of your character, armed and equipped as you are.
To find the Mimic Tear, access the Stonesword Key gate in Night’s Sacred Ground, part of your journey with Ranni the Witch.
Greatshield Soldiers
If your strategy focuses on drawing enemy aggro, the Greatshield Soldiers are unparalleled. Summoning five soldiers at once maximizes your chances of keeping them in battle to distract powerful opponents.
Their location mirrors that of the Mimic Tear, residing in Nokron, Eternal City, specifically in the top right of the courtyard before the Site of Grace.
Crystalian
The Crystalian summon proves resilient against physical attacks, making it an excellent companion in late-game scenarios. However, keep in mind that it may falter against consistent Strike damage.
Discover this powerful summon by venturing into Selia Hideaway in northeast Caelid, where you’ll find it behind a secret wall.
Dung Eater Puppet
The infamous Dung Eater offers a unique Spirit Ash option, blending melee and ranged attacks effectively. Obtaining this summon can be challenging due to intricate quest requirements.
Progress through Ranni’s storyline to unlock the ability to purchase Dung Eater Puppet Spirit Ashes from Seluvis after completing the necessary quests.
Rotten Stray
Rotten Stray combines the annoyance of canine foes with the power of Scarlet Rot, making it an excellent low-FP summon that inflicts sustained damage.
Retrieve this summon from a corpse in a ruined building, guarded by the corresponding dog enemy, in the heart of Caelid.
Black Knife Tiche
Considered one of the most potent Spirit Ashes, Black Knife Tiche can even outshine your character in combat. To add this formidable ally to your roster, defeat Alecto, Black Knife Ringleader at Ringleader’s Evergaol in northern Liurnia.
Redmane Knight Ogha
The Redmane Knight Ogha Spirit Ashes drop from the boss at War-Dead Catacombs after defeating Starscourge Radahn. This ranged summon excels at dealing damage while distracting enemies.
Omenkiller Rollo
Obtained from the Fell Twins duo boss fight, Omenkiller Rollo is an amusing Spirit Ash that capitalizes on its attacking capabilities to deplete enemy health quickly. Defeating the twin foes will grant you this lively companion.
New Spirit Ashes in Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
The latest DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, introduces exciting new Spirit Ashes. Track their locations using the following interactive map:
Demi-Human Swordsman Age
One of the fresh inclusions is Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh, acquired from Belurat Gaol. This agile spirit is adept at delivering damage and can be a valuable ally in tougher encounters.
Fire Knight Queelign
After concluding his quest, team up with Fire Knight Queelign, who boasts a unique fighting style and Ash of War abilities, though he requires a significant FP cost to summon.
Swordhand of Knight Jolan
The Swordhand of Knight Jolan can also be acquired at the Cathedral as part of Jolan’s quest, serving as a powerful ally in combat.
Horned Warrior
Encounter the intimidating Horned Warrior in the final area of the DLC. Despite being late-game material, this summon is an excellent choice for difficult battles.
Taylew, Golem Smith
Located at Taylew’s Ruined Forge, Taylew is a strong summon with impressive damage resistance, allowing him to endure while you attack from a distance.
Inquisitors
For those who prefer support over tanking, the Inquisitors Ash summon provides powerful spells while healing, balancing offense and defense effectively.
Florissax
If you want immense power on your side, the Ancient Dragon Florissax can be summoned after completing specific quests, making her a formidable companion in combat.
Locations of Legendary Spirit Ashes
There are fewer Legendary Spirit Ashes compared to Legendary Armaments in Elden Ring, yet acquiring them all is necessary to unlock specific achievements:
- Lhutel the Headless – Dropped by the Tombsward Catacombs boss on the Weeping Peninsula
- Black Knife Tiche – Defeat Alecto in the Ringleader’s Evergaol
- Mimic Tear – Found in a chest within Night’s Sacred Ground (Eternal City)
- Redmane Knight Ogha – Defeat the Putrid Tree Spirit in War-Dead Catacombs
