Normally, players have to soldier on alone in games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but Elden Ring’s Spirit Ashes let them summon computer-controlled allies to aid in combat. Intelligent use of Spirit Ashes can mean the difference between victory and defeat, but players can’t use them right out of the gate. Here’s what you need to know about Elden Ring‘s Spirit Ashes:
What You Need to Get Started
Elden Ring has a wide variety of Spirit Ashes to collect and upgrade, and each provides a different spectral NPC. However, the ashes are inanimate items on their own and require a spark to bring them to life. These are most gamers’ first Spirit Ashes, although you can get a jump on other Spirit Ash collectors if you pick the Fanged Imp Ashes keepsake at the beginning of the game. If you don’t talk to Renna, you can always purchase a Spirit Calling Bell from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold. With the Spirit Calling Bell in hand, you are finally ready to summon ghostly allies.
When Can You Summon Spirit Ashes
The ability to call forth NPCs who aid you in battle sounds like an overpowered ability in a game like Elden Ring, but the developers built in limitations to prevent Spirit Ashes from breaking the intended difficulty curve. Summoning Spirit Ash allies costs a set amount of FP, which unlike Stamina doesn’t naturally regenerate over time. The more Spirit Ashes you use, the fewer spells you can cast and vice versa. Moreover, you can’t summon Spirit Ash NPCs anywhere you want, as they also require a nearby Rebirth Monument. These monuments, which look like knee-high stone obelisks, are scattered throughout the world and are also prevalent in boss arenas. You can usually tell one is close when their icons pop up on the left side of the game HUD. Each Rebirth Monument has one charge, and summoning a Spirit Ash ally consumes it. These charges don’t replenish unless you rest at a Site of Grace, so you only get one shot per monument. In other words, you can only summon one Spirit Ash ally per boss battle. Make it count.
