Are Jellyfish Ashes Good in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Spirit Jellyfish Ashes are a good summon in Elden Ring, particularly during the early to mid-game. While they may not be the absolute best spirit summon available, they offer a unique combination of ranged attacks, decent damage, and surprisingly good tanking capabilities, making them a valuable asset for many players. They are also incredibly easy to obtain very early in the game, which is a massive bonus for new players. They are also one of the few spirit ashes that actually have some backstory associated with them adding some depth to the game.
Why the Spirit Jellyfish is a Solid Early Game Choice
Unique Combat Style
The Spirit Jellyfish distinguishes itself from many other early summons by primarily focusing on ranged attacks. Unlike the Lone Wolf Spirits which charge into the fray, the jellyfish floats at a distance and spits poison at enemies, making it a safer option for players who prefer a more cautious approach. This also means it is less likely to get immediately hit by melee attacks. Although, the jellyfish can perform a melee attack as well.
Early Accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of the Spirit Jellyfish is how quickly you can acquire it. You’ll find them near Stormveil Keep, which is an area accessible early in your Elden Ring journey. This means you can gain access to a potent ally without having to explore dangerous, high level areas.
Surprisingly Tanky
While the jellyfish appears fragile, it can absorb a surprising amount of damage. This durability, combined with its ability to stay at a distance, makes it a capable “tank” especially in the beginning of the game. This survivability buys players time to heal or deal damage while the jellyfish absorbs the enemies attention.
Not Overpowered, but Very Helpful
The Spirit Jellyfish is by no means overpowered; it is not in the same league as end-game summons like the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche. However, its usefulness in the early game is undeniable. It provides a significant advantage during challenging boss fights, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics while having a reliable ally.
Thematic and Backstory Elements
The Spirit Jellyfish Ashes isn’t just a generic summon. It’s presented as the lingering spirit of a young girl eternally seeking her sister, making it a unique and somewhat melancholic addition to your summon roster. This narrative element adds another layer of engagement for the player and makes the jellyfish a memorable companion.
When to Use the Spirit Jellyfish
The Spirit Jellyfish is most effective in the following situations:
- Early Game Boss Fights: Its ability to survive and deal poison damage is extremely helpful when fighting bosses at lower levels. It is one of the best summons to get you through the beginning of the game.
- Dealing with Multiple Enemies: The poison attacks can quickly weaken groups of foes, making it easier for you to pick them off individually. While it can also deal melee damage the poison is the more reliable option.
- Ranged Support: If you’re a melee-focused player, the Spirit Jellyfish can provide valuable ranged support. This can help soften up enemies or allow you to stay out of dangerous areas.
Limitations of the Spirit Jellyfish
While useful, the Spirit Jellyfish has its limitations:
- Slow Attack Animation: The jellyfish’s attacks are slow and can be easily interrupted, leaving it vulnerable.
- Not Effective Against All Enemies: Enemies resistant to poison or with high health pools might prove difficult for the jellyfish to handle on its own.
- Outclassed by Later Summons: As you progress through Elden Ring, you will gain access to much stronger summons, which can ultimately outclass the Spirit Jellyfish. However, early on it will do wonders.
Upgrading the Spirit Jellyfish
You can upgrade your Spirit Ashes at the Roundtable Hold. By talking to Roderika and going through all of her dialogue options, you will unlock the option to upgrade Spirit Ashes. This makes them far more effective in battles and increases their lifespan. It is highly recommended that you upgrade any Spirit Ashes that you plan on using regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring?
Spirit Ashes are summonable companions in Elden Ring that you can use to aid you during battles. They come in different forms, from lone wolves to powerful knights.
2. How do I obtain the Spirit Jellyfish Ashes?
The Spirit Jellyfish Ashes are found near Stormveil Keep, specifically in a hidden area that involves interacting with a woman who offers the summon.
3. What type of damage does the Spirit Jellyfish do?
The Spirit Jellyfish primarily deals Poison damage at range, along with some melee attacks.
4. Is the Spirit Jellyfish better than the Lone Wolf Spirits?
The Lone Wolf Spirits are aggressive melee fighters. The Spirit Jellyfish keeps its distance and acts as a ranged attacker. It depends on your play style, but the jellyfish often offers better survivability, especially early on.
5. Can I upgrade the Spirit Jellyfish Ashes?
Yes, you can upgrade your Spirit Ashes with Roderika at the Roundtable Hold, making them more powerful.
6. Is the Spirit Jellyfish a good “tank” in Elden Ring?
Yes, the Spirit Jellyfish is a decent tank early on. It can absorb a surprising amount of damage, particularly from melee attacks.
7. What is the cost to summon the Spirit Jellyfish?
The Spirit Jellyfish Ashes cost 31 FP to summon.
8. Can the Spirit Jellyfish heal itself?
No, the Spirit Jellyfish cannot heal itself. Once its health is depleted, it disappears.
9. Are Spirit Jellyfish Ashes reusable?
Yes, Spirit Ashes are reusable, but you can only summon one type of Spirit Ash at a time. You can only re-summon them after resting at a Site of Grace.
10. Does the Jellyfish have any lore implications?
Yes, the jellyfish is implied to be the spirit of a young girl searching for her sister, who also wanted to see the stars, which is an interesting piece of lore.
11. Is the Spirit Jellyfish weak to any particular damage type?
Yes, the Spirit Jellyfish is particularly weak to Lightning damage, and it resists Strike damage.
12. How does the Jellyfish Shield interact with the Spirit Jellyfish Ashes?
While they aren’t directly linked, the Jellyfish Shield has the skill “Contagious Fury” which can boost the attack damage of both the player and the jellyfish. It can boost the damage of Sorceries and Incantations as well.
13. Is the Spirit Jellyfish considered an “underrated” summon?
Yes, it is considered underrated by some, but is a solid early to mid game summon. Some might pass over them because they are not the most powerful option but their ranged damage and survivability make them a very good choice.
14. What are the best Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring?
The best Spirit Ashes are subjective to player and build, but some of the strongest include Mimic Tear, Lhutel the Headless, and Black Knife Tiche.
15. When should I replace the Spirit Jellyfish with a different summon?
You may want to consider swapping to more powerful summons when you begin encountering more difficult, late-game bosses. However, the jellyfish is still effective even later in the game so it should not be discarded completely.