Ashes to Ashes, Dust to… Victory? Summoning Spirits in Boss Fights Explained!
Ah, the sweet sting of defeat, the gnashing of teeth against a brick wall of a boss, and the desperate, whispered plea: “Please, just someone, anyone, help me!” Fear not, Tarnished, for the Lands Between offer solace in the form of Spirit Ashes! But how many of these spectral saviors can you actually call upon in your hour of need?
The answer, in most cases, is a firm and unwavering ONE.
You can summon only one Spirit Ash at a time during a boss fight (or in specific open-world areas that allow summoning). Trying to summon another while one is already active will simply fail. This rule isn’t entirely universal, however, as certain game mechanics or items might temporarily bend it. Still, for the vast majority of your Elden Ring experience, remember that you’re limited to a single spectral companion. Understanding this limitation is crucial for planning your boss strategies and choosing the right Ash for the job.
Understanding the Summoning System
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty FAQs, let’s quickly review the fundamental mechanics of summoning Spirit Ashes:
- The Spirit Calling Bell: You need this item, obtained early in the game from Renna the Witch at the Church of Elleh. Without it, you’re just holding a fancy rock.
- FP Cost: Each Ash requires a certain amount of Focus Points (FP) to summon. Ensure you have enough FP available before attempting to summon. Some Ashes have surprisingly high FP costs.
- Available Summoning Pool: You’ll see a small tombstone icon on the left side of your screen when you’re in an area where summoning is permitted. Without this icon, you’re on your own.
- Re-Summoning: If your summoned Spirit Ash is defeated, you can re-summon it as long as you still have FP and remain within the summoning pool area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spirit Ash Summoning
Here are the questions you were looking for.
1. Can I summon more than one Spirit Ash simultaneously without glitches or exploits?
No. The intended game mechanic restricts you to one active Spirit Ash at any given time. Any attempts to bypass this restriction (through glitches, mods, or other unintended means) are outside the scope of standard gameplay and might lead to unexpected consequences or game instability.
2. Are there any exceptions to the one-Ash rule?
Technically, no, but the Mimic Tear Ash can create a clone of yourself, effectively doubling your presence in the fight. Certain items or temporary buffs might create phantom copies of yourself, but these aren’t technically Spirit Ashes. Therefore, the core rule of one Spirit Ash stands.
3. What happens if I try to summon another Spirit Ash while one is already active?
Nothing. Your character will perform the summoning animation, but nothing will happen. The second Ash won’t appear, and your FP will not be consumed (thankfully!).
4. How do I choose the best Spirit Ash for a particular boss fight?
Consider the boss’s weaknesses and your own playstyle. Tanky Ashes like the Lhutel the Headless are great for drawing aggro, while damage-dealing Ashes like the Black Knife Tiche can provide significant DPS. Support Ashes like the Mausoleum Soldiers can provide buffs, and ranged Ashes like the Marionette Soldiers can keep a safe distance. Experiment and find what works best for you!
5. Does my Spirit Ash’s level affect how many I can summon?
No. The level of your Spirit Ash only affects its stats (health, damage, etc.) and has no bearing on the number you can summon. You’re still limited to one, regardless of how powerful it is.
6. Can my co-op partner summon a Spirit Ash in addition to me?
Yes, your co-op partner can also summon a Spirit Ash, provided they meet the necessary requirements (Spirit Calling Bell, FP, and being in a summonable area). This means you could have up to three combatants in a boss fight: you, your co-op partner, and two Spirit Ashes. However, the boss’s health and damage will be scaled accordingly to compensate for the additional players.
7. Does summoning a Spirit Ash make the boss harder?
Yes, summoning a Spirit Ash will increase the boss’s health. This scaling is designed to ensure that the fight remains challenging even with the added assistance. The increase in difficulty is usually worth the benefit provided by the Ash, but it’s something to consider.
8. Can I summon Spirit Ashes in every area of the game?
No. Summoning is restricted to specific areas, primarily boss arenas and certain open-world locations. You’ll know if summoning is allowed by the presence of the tombstone icon on your screen. Many dungeons and legacy dungeons do not allow spirit ashes.
9. What happens if I run out of FP during a boss fight after summoning a Spirit Ash?
Your Spirit Ash will remain active until it is defeated or you dismiss it. However, you won’t be able to re-summon it if it dies, so manage your FP carefully!
10. How do I upgrade my Spirit Ashes?
You upgrade your Spirit Ashes by talking to Roderika in the Roundtable Hold after completing her questline. She’ll require Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort to upgrade them. Upgrading your Ashes significantly increases their survivability and damage output.
11. Can I dismiss my Spirit Ash if I want to?
Yes. You can dismiss your Spirit Ash at any time by using the “Dismiss Spirit” option in your inventory or by unequipping the Ash. This can be useful if you want to conserve FP or change your strategy mid-fight.
12. Are some Spirit Ashes considered “overpowered” or better than others?
Yes, certain Spirit Ashes are generally considered more effective than others due to their unique abilities, high damage output, or exceptional survivability. The Black Knife Tiche and the Mimic Tear are often cited as some of the most powerful Ashes in the game.
13. Does the weather affect Spirit Ash summoning?
No, the weather does not affect your ability to summon Spirit Ashes. The only requirements are the Spirit Calling Bell, sufficient FP, and being in a summonable area.
14. Can I use Spirit Ashes in PvP combat?
No. Spirit Ashes cannot be summoned in PvP combat scenarios, such as invasions or duels (except when using the white cipher ring). This prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage in player-versus-player situations.
15. Is there any educational value to playing games like Elden Ring that include summoning mechanics and strategic decision-making?
Absolutely! Games like Elden Ring, with their intricate summoning systems, encourage strategic thinking, resource management, and problem-solving. Players learn to analyze enemy weaknesses, adapt their tactics, and collaborate effectively (especially when using co-op). These skills can be transferable to various real-world situations, from project management to teamwork. To learn more about the intersection of games and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
So there you have it, Tarnished! A comprehensive guide to understanding the nuances of Spirit Ash summoning in Elden Ring. Remember, one is the magic number (in most cases), and choosing the right Ash for the job can make all the difference between glorious victory and crushing defeat. Now go forth and conquer!