The Ultimate Guide to Elden Ring’s Spirit Ashes: What to Use and When

Spirit Ashes are one of the most impactful elden ring items available to players, offering critical support in battles across the Lands Between. Whether you’re facing a brutal boss or navigating an overwhelming group of enemies, these summonable allies can turn the tide of a fight—if you know how and when to use them. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of the best Spirit Ashes, their strengths, and tips on using them effectively, so you can enhance your gameplay in a safe and strategic way.

What Are Spirit Ashes?

Spirit Ashes are consumable elden ring items that allow players to summon spirit companions in battle. These spirits can range from skeletal warriors to legendary knights, each with unique abilities and combat roles. Once acquired, Spirit Ashes can be equipped and used similarly to spells, provided the player has the Spirit Calling Bell and sufficient FP (Focus Points).

How to Unlock Spirit Ashes

To use Spirit Ashes, you must first obtain the Spirit Calling Bell. After speaking to Renna at the Church of Elleh at night (after acquiring Torrent), she will provide this essential item. From then on, you can equip and summon spirits in designated areas—usually near Rebirth Monuments, which are marked with a small icon on your HUD.

Best Spirit Ashes and When to Use Them

1. Mimic Tear Ashes
When to Use: Late-game boss fights
This Spirit Ash creates a clone of your character, including all your equipped gear and stats. It’s incredibly powerful in one-on-one situations, especially for players who have optimized their build. However, it consumes HP instead of FP, so be sure you’re prepared to take a health hit when summoning.

2. Lhutel the Headless
When to Use: High-damage enemies and ranged attackers
Lhutel is a tanky summon with teleportation abilities and a magic spear. Her mobility and high resilience make her ideal for distracting bosses or ranged foes while you focus on damage output.

3. Black Knife Tiche
When to Use: Agile, high-stakes battles
Tiche is a deadly summon known for her speed and ability to apply the Death Blight effect. She’s effective against enemies with slow attack animations or those vulnerable to status effects.

4. Lone Wolf Ashes
When to Use: Early-game crowd control
Summoning a pack of three wolves, this Spirit Ash is great for the early game. The wolves’ speed and numbers allow them to stagger and interrupt weaker enemies, giving you a clear window to attack or heal.

5. Banished Knight Oleg
When to Use: Aggressive melee support
Oleg is one of the most aggressive Spirit Ashes, charging headfirst into battle with devastating combos. He’s especially useful in dungeons or against bosses that are easily staggered.

Tips for Using Spirit Ashes Effectively

  • Summon Positioning Matters: Try to summon your spirits before aggroing enemies. This gives them a chance to set up and draw attention away from you.
  • Upgrade Your Ashes: Roderika at Roundtable Hold can upgrade Spirit Ashes using Grave or Ghost Gloveworts. Upgraded spirits survive longer and deal more damage.
  • Manage Your FP: Always ensure you have enough FP to summon and still use critical skills or spells.
  • Adapt Your Choice: Don’t rely on one Spirit Ash for every fight. Evaluate the enemy type, environment, and your build to choose the most effective summon.

Are Spirit Ashes Safe Elden Ring Items?

Yes, Spirit Ashes are considered safe Elden Ring items to use. They are a core feature of the game and are encouraged for both solo players and those seeking help with particularly difficult encounters. Unlike cheat items or modded gear, Spirit Ashes are legitimate, lore-friendly tools that support fair gameplay. By upgrading and using them wisely, you can overcome challenges without compromising your game’s integrity.

Mastering Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring adds an entirely new layer of strategy and depth to the game. These companions provide crucial backup and can be the difference between victory and defeat. By understanding which elden ring items to summon and when, you’ll enhance your experience while keeping your gameplay balanced and engaging. With careful planning and the right upgrades, Spirit Ashes can become your most trusted allies in the treacherous world of the Lands Between.