Spirit Ashes can help turn the tides of battle. Spirit summoning might not be enough to keep up with the increasingly challenging gameplay of Elden Ring. You’ll need to start your journey to upgrading Spirit Ashes as soon as possible so you can avoid losing out on key abilities that will be the difference between a win and a loss.
In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading and using your Spirit Ashes. You’ll know exactly what materials are needed, who you have to talk to, and all other NPCs that are involved in the process. Let’s dive right in so you can start upgrading and harnessing your full potential.
What are Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring?
Spirit Ashes are a component in Elden Ring that allow you to summon ally spirits that can give you an advantage in combat. These spirits or ghosts that fight alongside you can provide support during battles with each one offering something different.
You can call off warrior, archer, or mage companions depending on the type of ash you use. Some of their abilities include enemy distraction, assistance in inflicting damage, and other types of support. Some are combat-focused and some offer utility, but all of them can provide an advantage in a particularly difficult situation.
You won’t have endless amounts of spirits at your disposal, the number of times you can summon a spirit is limited by “FP” or focus points. As you progress through the game you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your ashes to improve their abilities and effectiveness.
Why should I upgrade Spirit Ashes?
The simple reason for upgrading spirit ashes is that it will increase their overall power and ability. As you progress through the game, the battles and foes get more intense and warrant stronger and more refined abilities to get past each new tier of challenges. One of the best benefits is that you’ll have better survivability. Spirit Ashest often have higher health or defense making them more durable.
How to upgrade Spirit Ashes
1. Collecting upgrade materials
Before you upgrade your Spirit Ashes, you’ll need to find some specific items needed for the upgrade process. Many of these items can be found naturally throughout the game and are often dropped by enemies or found in chests.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the materials you will need:
| Material Name | Beskrivelse | Where To Find |
|---|---|---|
| Grave Glovewort | Common upgrade material for basic Spirit Ashes (used for early upgrades). | Found in catacombs, dungeons, and grave-like areas. Often near graves or inside tombs. Can also be purchased from certain NPCs. |
| Ghost Glovewort | Upgrade material for legendary or special Spirit Ashes (used for advanced upgrades). | Found in higher-level catacombs and dungeons. Typically more rare than Grave Glovewort. Found in tougher areas of the game. |
| Grave Violet | A crafting material used in some Spirit Ash recipes or item crafting. | Found in graveyards, dark areas, and ruins throughout the game world, particularly in early-to-mid-game areas. |
| Somber Smithing Stones | Upgrade material is typically used for special weapons or rare items but is sometimes used in Spirit Ash upgrades. | Found in caves, mines, and underground areas. Dropped by specific enemies and sold by select merchants. |
2. Finding the upgrade NPC
The NPC who upgrades Spirit Ashes is known as Roderika. Roderika is a key NPC in the game and can be found in Stormhill Shack. You’ll want to visit her and talk to her until you have explored all the dialogue options. Once you’ve talked to her at length, you’ll need to find the Chrysalids’ Memento in the Stormveil Castle and give it to her.
After you’ve delivered the memento, she will start talking about heading to the Roundtable Hold. She’ll relocate there and you’ll again have to talk to her until all dialog options are through. You’ll also find Master Hewg, a blacksmith, at the roundtable who you should speak with, you’ll discuss Roderika and this will eventually unlock her ability to upgrade Spirit Ashes. It might take a few talks with Master Hewg to get him to agree to mentor Roderika but once he does, talk to Roderika once more to let her know that he has agreed to coach her.
3. Upgrading process
After unlocking Roderika's ability to upgrade Spirit Ashes, you’ll notice you have a new dialog option to “Strengthen Spirit Ashes”. Choose the Spirit Ash you want to upgrade from your inventory and provide the necessary materials like Grave Glovewort or Ghost Glovewort.
Upgrade Ashes, upgrade effectiveness
Upgrading your Spirit Ashes is a must and will change the course of the game for you by giving you the ability to take on more challenging foes. If you’re looking for more firepower, distraction, or support in fights, you’ll need to unlock the path to upgrading so you can survive and conquer. Investing in Spirit upgrades is certainly worth your time as it will help you have a much smoother journey through the Lands Between.