Unlocking the Power of the Banished Knight: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining and Utilizing Their Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring
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The Banished Knight Spirit Ashes are some of the most sought-after allies in Elden Ring, offering significant advantages in combat. To acquire these powerful companions, you must venture into specific areas and overcome perilous challenges. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining both Banished Knight Oleg and Banished Knight Engvall, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal usage in the Lands Between.
How to Acquire Banished Knight Spirit Ashes
The process of acquiring Banished Knight Spirit Ashes varies depending on which knight you seek. Banished Knight Oleg is arguably the easier one to obtain early in the game.
Obtaining Banished Knight Oleg
To acquire Banished Knight Oleg, you must navigate the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave, which is located in the Stranded Graveyard, the very first area you encounter after the tutorial. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Accessing the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave: This requires two Stonesword Keys. Interact with the imp statue next to the Stranded Graveyard Site of Grace and use the keys to unlock the path.
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Navigating the Grave: The Fringefolk Hero’s Grave is filled with challenges, most notably a chariot that patrols the main corridor. You need to time your movements carefully and use the alcoves to avoid being crushed. Watch out for the lesser Cemetery Shade enemies that will appear out of the dark.
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Defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit: At the end of the grave, you’ll face an Ulcerated Tree Spirit boss. This is a challenging fight, especially early in the game. Consider summoning spirit ashes (if you have them) to help you. Upon defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit, you will be rewarded with the Banished Knight Oleg Spirit Ashes.
Obtaining Banished Knight Engvall
Banished Knight Engvall is acquired in a slightly different, but not necessarily harder, way. Here’s how:
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Location: You can find Banished Knight Engvall within the Murkwater Catacombs, located in the Murkwater area of Limgrave, accessible early in the game.
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Navigating the Catacombs: The Murkwater Catacombs are filled with Skeleton enemies. These enemies can revive unless you defeat them while they are down after you kill them or destroy them with Holy Damage.
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Defeating the Burial Tree Watchdog: At the end of the catacombs, you will have to defeat the Burial Tree Watchdog boss. The Burial Tree Watchdog is a nimble enemy that attacks with fire damage. Upon defeating this boss, you will obtain the Banished Knight Engvall Spirit Ashes.
Utilizing the Banished Knight Spirit Ashes
Both Oleg and Engvall are powerful allies, but they have slightly different strengths:
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Banished Knight Oleg: Wields two greatswords and is known for aggressive, high-damage output. He excels at drawing enemy aggro and dealing significant DPS.
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Banished Knight Engvall: Wields a halberd and is more focused on staggering enemies with powerful thrusting attacks. He’s slightly tankier than Oleg but deals less raw damage.
Both require a moderate amount of FP (Focus Points) to summon, making them accessible to most builds. They are particularly effective in boss fights and challenging areas where you need a distraction or extra damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Banished Knight Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring:
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Which Banished Knight Spirit Ash is better, Oleg or Engvall?
- This depends on your play style. Oleg offers higher DPS, while Engvall is slightly tankier and specializes in staggering enemies. Many players find Oleg’s aggressive nature more beneficial in most situations.
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What are the FP costs to summon Oleg and Engvall?
- Both Oleg and Engvall have a relatively low FP cost for their effectiveness. You can expect them to cost around 100 FP each.
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Can I upgrade the Banished Knight Spirit Ashes?
- Yes, you can upgrade them using Grave Gloveworts at Roderika in the Roundtable Hold. Upgrading them significantly increases their health, damage, and overall effectiveness.
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Are the Banished Knights weak to any particular damage type?
- Banished Knights in general, including their spirit ashes, don’t have any significant weaknesses. However, enemies they face may be vulnerable to certain damage types.
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Where can I find more Stonesword Keys to open the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave?
- Stonesword Keys can be found throughout the Lands Between, often in chests, on corpses, or sold by merchants. Explore carefully!
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Is it possible to solo the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave at a low level?
- Yes, it’s possible, but challenging. Utilizing strategic dodging, exploiting openings, and using fire damage can help.
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Can I use Oleg or Engvall against late-game bosses?
- Yes, especially if they are fully upgraded. While they might not be as dominant as some other summons like the Mimic Tear, they can still provide valuable support and distraction.
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What other Spirit Ashes synergize well with the Banished Knights?
- Summons that provide support buffs or healing, like the Kindred Rot Ashes, can enhance their survivability. Alternatively, summons that deal ranged damage can complement their melee focus.
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Do the Banished Knight Spirit Ashes benefit from my character’s stats?
- No, the spirit ashes’ stats are fixed and do not scale directly with your character’s attributes. However, buffs and debuffs you apply can affect them.
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Can I obtain both Oleg and Engvall in a single playthrough?
- Yes, you can obtain both Oleg and Engvall in a single playthrough, allowing you to switch between them based on the situation.
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What are some good early-game weapons to use alongside Banished Knight Oleg?
- Weapons that scale well with strength or dexterity, such as the Lordsworn’s Greatsword or the Uchigatana, work well.
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How do I summon Spirit Ashes?
- You need the Spirit Calling Bell, given to you by Renna at the Church of Elleh early in the game (if you visit at night). You also need sufficient FP and must be in an area where summoning is allowed (indicated by a blue gravestone icon on the left side of your screen).
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What if I missed Renna at the Church of Elleh?
- If you missed Renna, you can purchase the Spirit Calling Bell from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold after progressing through some of the game’s early areas.
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Are there any downsides to using Spirit Ashes?
- Using Spirit Ashes disables summoning other players for co-op assistance in that area. They can also make the game easier, which some players might find less enjoyable.
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Where can I learn more about the lore of the Banished Knights?
- Examine their armor, weapons, and item descriptions, and explore areas like Stormveil Castle, where many Banished Knights reside. You can also learn more about the world of Elden Ring and its fascinating lore by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
The Banished Knight Spirit Ashes are valuable assets in Elden Ring, offering a blend of damage and survivability that can significantly aid you in your journey. By understanding how to obtain them and utilizing their strengths effectively, you can overcome even the most challenging encounters in the Lands Between. So, grab your Stonesword Keys, brave the dungeons, and unleash the power of the Banished Knights!