How to Upgrade Your Summons with Roderika in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to bolster your Tarnished’s journey through the Lands Between with some seriously powerful Spirit Ashes, eh? Excellent choice! Upgrading your Spirit Ashes is a game-changer, transforming them from fragile distractions into formidable allies. But how exactly do you do it with the ever-so-helpful Roderika?

The process boils down to this: you need to unlock Roderika’s ability to act as a Spirit Tuner. This involves a small questline centered around her and the blacksmith, Master Hewg, at the Roundtable Hold. Once she’s settled in as a Spirit Tuner, you can upgrade your summons by speaking to her. She’ll require Grave Glovewort for standard summons and Ghost Glovewort for elite or unique summons, along with a hefty sum of Runes. That’s the core of it, but let’s dive into the nitty-gritty to ensure you’re maximizing your spectral companions’ potential.

Unlocking Roderika’s Spirit Tuning Abilities

This is the crucial first step. Roderika doesn’t automatically upgrade your ashes; you need to guide her towards discovering her true calling.

1. Find Roderika at Stormhill Shack: She’s located just off the main road leading to Stormveil Castle. Talk to her and exhaust her dialogue. She’ll give you the Jellyfish Ashes.

2. Head to the Roundtable Hold: This is your hub area, accessible after dying at least once and interacting with Melina.

3. Locate Roderika and Master Hewg: Roderika will likely be near the fireplace. Hewg is the blacksmith, imprisoned in the Hold.

4. Engage in Dialogue (The Key to Everything): This is where the back-and-forth begins. Talk to Roderika, then talk to Hewg, then talk to Roderika again. Each time, choose the new dialogue options that appear. You need to “pass on” their thoughts and feelings to each other. Tell Roderika what Hewg says about her talent, and tell Hewg that Roderika wants to learn more about spirit tuning.

5. Persistence Pays Off: Keep cycling between them, exhausting all available dialogue, until Hewg reluctantly agrees to mentor Roderika. This might take a few repetitions, so be patient.

6. Roderika’s Transformation: Once Hewg agrees, reload the Roundtable Hold area (either by fast traveling away and back or by resting at the grace). Roderika should now be sitting next to Hewg, officially a Spirit Tuner.

Upgrading Your Spirit Ashes

With Roderika now a Spirit Tuner, you can finally upgrade your summons.

1. Talk to Roderika: Interact with her, and you’ll see the option to “Upgrade Spirit Ashes.”

2. Choose Your Summon: Select the Spirit Ash you want to enhance.

3. Pay the Price: Upgrading requires Runes (your in-game currency) and the correct type of Glovewort. Grave Glovewort is for common summons, while Ghost Glovewort is for elite or unique ones. The higher the upgrade level, the more Glovewort and Runes you’ll need.

4. Find Glovewort: These plants are typically found in catacombs and graveyards. Grave Glovewort tends to be in more common areas, while Ghost Glovewort is usually deeper within dungeons. The best place to find the Ghost Gloveworts is in Nokron, Eternal City.

5. Max Upgrade: You can upgrade each Spirit Ash to a maximum of +10. This dramatically increases their stats, survivability, and damage output.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Upgrading Spirit Ashes with Roderika

1. What happens if Roderika isn’t at Stormhill Shack?

If you can’t find Roderika at the Stormhill Shack, don’t panic. She might have already moved to the Roundtable Hold. Check near the fireplace; she’s often found there. If she’s there, follow the dialogue steps with Hewg to start her questline.

2. Where can I find Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort?

Grave Glovewort grows in graveyards, catacombs, and other areas associated with death. Ghost Glovewort is rarer and found primarily in underground areas, particularly the Siofra River, Ainsel River, and Nokron, Eternal City. Explore thoroughly, and keep an eye out for their distinctive glowing appearance.

3. What is the best Spirit Ash to upgrade?

The “best” Spirit Ash depends on your build and playstyle. However, the Mimic Tear is widely considered the most powerful due to its ability to mimic your character, weapons, and armor. Other excellent choices include Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless (for tanking), and Cleanrot Knight Finlay.

4. Can I upgrade all Spirit Ashes to +10?

Yes, all Spirit Ashes, both standard and elite, can be upgraded to a maximum of +10.

5. Why can’t Roderika upgrade my Spirit Ashes even after I’ve found her at the Roundtable Hold?

Make sure you’ve completed the initial dialogue chain between Roderika and Master Hewg. She won’t become a Spirit Tuner until Hewg agrees to mentor her. Go back and forth, exhausting all dialogue options, until she moves next to him.

6. What do Glovewort Picker’s Bell Bearings do?

Glovewort Picker’s Bell Bearings allow you to purchase Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. This eliminates the need to constantly farm for them, saving you a lot of time. These are found in specific locations throughout the game.

7. Does upgrading my Spirit Ashes affect their FP cost?

No, upgrading your Spirit Ashes does not increase their FP cost. This makes upgrading them even more beneficial, as you get increased power without any additional drawbacks.

8. Is there a limit to how many times I can summon a Spirit Ash per area?

You can only summon a Spirit Ash once per area after resting at a Site of Grace. You also cannot summon a Spirit Ash in multiplayer while another player’s summoned Spirit Ash is active.

9. How do I know if I can summon a Spirit Ash in a particular location?

Look for a small, tombstone-shaped icon on the left side of your screen. If it’s present, you can summon a Spirit Ash. Some areas and boss fights restrict summoning, so keep an eye out for that icon.

10. What are some underrated Spirit Ashes that are worth upgrading?

While the popular ones are powerful, don’t overlook the potential of some underrated Spirit Ashes like the Greatshield Soldier Ashes, Fanged Imp Ashes, or Warhawk Ashes. Experiment and find what works best for your build.

11. Does the level of my weapon affect the Mimic Tear’s weapon?

Yes, the Mimic Tear will copy your current weapon and its upgrade level when summoned. So, make sure you have your best weapon equipped when you summon it.

12. Can I respec my stats after upgrading Spirit Ashes?

Yes, you can respec your stats using Larval Tears after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, at the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This allows you to adjust your build to better complement your upgraded Spirit Ashes.

13. What are the benefits of upgrading Spirit Ashes?

Upgrading your Spirit Ashes significantly increases their health, damage, and resistance. This makes them more effective at drawing enemy aggro, dealing damage, and surviving tough encounters. It can turn the tide in challenging boss fights.

14. Where can I learn more about Elden Ring and game-based learning?

For those interested in the intersection of gaming and education, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website. You can visit them at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for educators and gamers.

15. Does upgrading my Spirit Ashes affect the performance of other players in co-op?

No, upgrading your Spirit Ashes only affects your own game. It does not influence the performance or experience of other players in cooperative multiplayer.

By following this guide and understanding the nuances of Spirit Ash upgrades, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges that Elden Ring throws your way. Now, go forth and forge powerful bonds with your spectral allies! Good luck, Tarnished!