Elden Ring Gameplay Guide: How to Use Spirit Ashes
Elden Ring offers players a vast arsenal of tools to conquer its brutal world, and Elden Ring Runes one of the most significant additions to the Soulsborne formula is Spirit Ashes. These spectral companions can drastically change the tide of battle by providing support, distraction, or even direct damage. Whether you're new to the Lands Between or a seasoned Tarnished, this guide will show you how to unlock, summon, and master Spirit Ashes for every situation.
What Are Spirit Ashes?
Spirit Ashes are summonable companions that aid you in combat. They range from wolves and knights to giant spectral monsters, each with unique behavior, strengths, and weaknesses. Unlike traditional multiplayer summoning, Spirit Ashes do not require another player and are ideal for solo play.
Key Traits:
Can only be summoned in designated areas (near rebirth monuments)
Consume FP (Focus Points) when summoned
Each Spirit Ash has unique stats, such as health, damage, and special abilities
Only one Spirit Ash can be active at a time
How to Unlock Spirit Ash Summoning
You can start using Spirit Ashes early in the game by following these steps:
Obtain the Spirit Calling Bell
After unlocking Torrent (your mount), return to the Church of Elleh at night.
A witch-like character named Renna will appear.
She gives you the Spirit Calling Bell and the Lone Wolf Ashes.
Equip Spirit Ashes
Go to the Equipment menu and assign Spirit Ashes to your Quick Item Bar or Pouch.
Summoning Requirements
Must be near a Rebirth Monument (small stone obelisks found near boss arenas or key locations)
Requires sufficient FP to summon
Only summonable in specific areas (a Spirit icon will appear on your HUD)
Best Early-Game Spirit Ashes
Here are some beginner-friendly ashes that are easy to obtain and strong in early zones:
1. Lone Wolf Ashes
Type: Three wolves
Strength: Agile, good distraction for bosses
Location: Given by Renna with the Spirit Calling Bell
2. Skeletal Militiamen
Type: Two skeleton warriors
Strength: Revive after death unless killed during their downed state
Location: Summonwater Village
3. Wandering Noble Ashes
Type: Group of weak soldiers
Strength: Overwhelms enemies with numbers
Location: Stormfoot Catacombs
Mid to Late-Game Top Tier Spirit Ashes
As you progress, you’ll find powerful Spirit Ashes that scale well with upgrades:
1. Mimic Tear Ashes
Type: Clone of yourself
Strength: Copies your gear and abilities
Location: Night’s Sacred Ground (requires a Larval Tear and no FP to summon)
2. Black Knife Tiche
Type: Assassin
Strength: High damage, applies HP-reducing debuff
Location: Evergaol in Ringleader’s Evergaol (after defeating Alecto)
3. Lhutel the Headless
Type: Tanky knight
Strength: Teleports, high defense, ranged attacks
Location: Tombsward Catacombs
How to Upgrade Spirit Ashes
Upgrading Spirit Ashes significantly improves their damage, health, and survivability.
Step-by-Step:
Find Roderika at Stormhill Shack
Complete her questline:
Speak to her
Defeat the boss in Stormveil Castle
Meet her in Roundtable Hold
She becomes a Spirit Tuner, allowing you to upgrade ashes
Upgrade Materials:
Grave Gloveworts: Used for regular Spirit Ashes
Ghost Gloveworts: Used for special named ashes
Found in catacombs and underground areas
Upgrade all the way to +10 to maximize potential.
Strategic Use of Spirit Ashes
1. Distraction Tool
Use aggressive ashes like Lone Wolves or Greatshield Soldiers to pull aggro from bosses while you flank or heal.
2. Burst Damage
Summon Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear for extra DPS. These can help you melt difficult bosses quickly.
3. Zone Control
Summons like Mad Pumpkin Head or Lhutel the Headless can hold ground and buy Elden Ring Items control smaller mobs in wave encounters.
4. Synergize with Your Build
Magic Builds: Pair with tanky or melee ashes
Melee Builds: Choose ranged or caster ashes to support you
Summoning Etiquette and Limitations
You cannot summon Spirit Ashes while in multiplayer
Once the spirit dies, it cannot be resummoned in that encounter
Cannot summon multiple different ashes simultaneously
Summons disappear when leaving the summoning zone
Use them wisely—especially in boss fights, as timing your summon can make or break the attempt.
Tips for Mastery
Summon Before Engaging
Always summon before alerting a boss to draw attention away from yourself
Time Your Summon Strategically
Summon mid-fight to avoid early death if you expect an aggressive boss opener
Watch Your FP
Keep your FP high with Cerulean Flasks or FP-boosting talismans
Experiment
Not all Spirit Ashes work well against all enemies. Test different ones to match the fight
Upgrade Regularly
Don’t neglect upgrading—a +0 summon in late-game content won’t survive more than seconds
Recommended Spirit Ashes by Build Type
Build Type Recommended Ash Role
Strength/Tank Lhutel the Headless Tank & Distraction
Dexterity Lone Wolf or Tiche Distraction/Damage
Intelligence Greatshield Soldiers Melee Wall
Faith Ancestral Follower Balanced Support
Bleed Mimic Tear Match playstyle
Final Thoughts
Spirit Ashes are one of the most transformative additions in Elden Ring, giving solo players powerful allies to level the playing field. With smart summoning, regular upgrades, and proper build synergy, Spirit Ashes can carry you through even the most daunting boss fights. Whether you're struggling in a legacy dungeon or trying to maintain pressure in a chaotic field battle, your spectral allies are always ready to lend a hand—just don’t forget to bring enough FP.