Is There a Dragon Spirit in Elden Ring? Unveiling the Truth and Draconic Allies
Yes, while there isn’t a Spirit Ash that directly is a dragon, Elden Ring offers several Spirit Ashes that summon characters closely associated with dragons, capable of wielding dragon-related abilities, or are powerful knights who have taken down dragons. These summons can provide valuable assistance in combat, exhibiting dragon-like resilience, or using lightning-infused attacks often linked to dragon encounters. So, while you won’t find a miniature dragon to summon, you can summon spirits connected to the legacy and power of dragons. Let’s dive deeper into the world of Spirit Ashes and their connection to the draconic elements of the Lands Between.
Delving into the World of Spirit Ashes
Spirit Ashes are essentially summonable allies that you can call upon in many of Elden Ring’s challenging battles. These spirits range from simple soldiers to powerful knights and even bizarre creatures, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. They can be a game-changer, providing you with much-needed support against formidable foes. Learning to choose the right Spirit Ash for the situation is a crucial skill for any Tarnished One.
How Spirit Ashes Work
To use a Spirit Ash, you need to have the Spirit Calling Bell, which you receive early in the game from Renna the Witch at the Church of Elleh after you get Torrent. Once you have the bell, you can equip Spirit Ashes in your quick item slots and summon them when the appropriate icon appears on the left side of your screen. Keep in mind that you can only summon spirits in specific areas, usually boss arenas or areas designated for assistance. Summoning also consumes FP (Focus Points), so make sure you have enough before attempting to call upon your spectral allies.
Notable Dragon-Associated Spirit Ashes
While a direct “dragon spirit” doesn’t exist, some Spirit Ashes provide a connection to the lore and power associated with dragons.
- Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff Ashes: Kristoff, as mentioned in the prompt, wields a greatshield and a spear imbued with lightning, a common element associated with dragons in Elden Ring. His tankiness and lightning attacks make him a valuable asset against many enemies. He is a very useful Spirit Ash that some players consider to be one of the best.
- Lhutel the Headless Ashes: While not directly dragon-related, Lhutel’s tankiness and spear attacks are reminiscent of the tactics one might use against a dragon. She’s equipped with heavy armor and a greatshield, making her incredibly resilient.
It’s important to note that effectiveness of any spirit summon depends on how you have leveled your character as well as the level of the spirit summon itself.
FAQs About Spirit Ashes and Dragons in Elden Ring
Here are some frequently asked questions about Spirit Ashes, dragons, and their interplay in Elden Ring, to help you understand this aspect of the game better:
1. Are there any Spirit Ashes that are baby dragons?
No, unfortunately, there are no Spirit Ashes that summon baby dragons or any kind of dragon. The game features spirits of humanoid characters or creatures, but not direct dragon summons.
2. Can Spirit Ashes use Dragon Communion Incantations?
No. Spirit Ashes have preset attack patterns and abilities. They cannot learn or use Dragon Communion Incantations, which are exclusive to the player character.
3. Where can I find the Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff Ashes?
The Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff Ashes are found within the Sainted Hero’s Grave in the Altus Plateau. You’ll need to navigate the dungeon and defeat the boss to obtain them.
4. What makes a Spirit Ash “good” or “bad”?
A “good” Spirit Ash typically has high survivability, deals significant damage, and can effectively draw aggro from enemies. A “bad” Spirit Ash might be too fragile, deal minimal damage, or have ineffective AI.
5. How do I upgrade my Spirit Ashes?
You can upgrade your Spirit Ashes by speaking to Roderika at the Roundtable Hold. After completing a short quest for her, she will become a Spirit Tuner, allowing you to upgrade your Spirit Ashes using Gloveworts and Runes.
6. What is the strongest Spirit Ash in Elden Ring?
The Mimic Tear is often considered the strongest Spirit Ash due to its ability to copy your character’s build and gear. However, other strong contenders include Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless, and Cleanrot Knight Finlay.
7. Are Legendary Spirit Ashes worth the effort to find?
Yes! Legendary Spirit Ashes are generally very powerful and offer unique abilities. Finding them is well worth the effort, as they can significantly aid you in challenging encounters.
8. Can I summon Spirit Ashes during every boss fight?
No, you can only summon Spirit Ashes in specific boss arenas or areas designated for summoning. The availability is indicated by a small blue icon on the left side of the screen.
9. Do Spirit Ashes scale with my stats?
No, Spirit Ashes do not directly scale with your stats. Their effectiveness is primarily determined by their upgrade level and their inherent abilities.
10. What is the best Spirit Ash for tanking?
Lhutel the Headless is an excellent choice for tanking due to her heavy armor, greatshield, and teleportation abilities, which make her difficult to hit. Also, the Greatshield Soldier spirit is an effective choice.
11. How do I defeat dragons effectively in Elden Ring?
Dragons are often weak to specific types of damage, such as lightning or fire. Targeting their head is usually the most effective way to deal damage. Using Spirit Ashes that can distract the dragon and draw its aggro can also be helpful. The original article included some tips on killing the dragons of Elden Ring.
12. What is the significance of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion?
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion is a location where you can consume Dragon Hearts obtained from defeating dragons. Consuming Dragon Hearts allows you to learn Dragon Communion Incantations, which grant you dragon-like abilities.
13. How many dragon bosses are there in Elden Ring?
There are a total of 13 named dragon bosses in Elden Ring, each with unique abilities and challenges. These bosses offer significant rewards upon defeat, including Runes and Dragon Hearts.
14. Are there any items that boost the power of Spirit Ashes?
Yes, there are several items that can boost the power of Spirit Ashes. The Ritual Sword Talisman increases attack power when HP is full, and the Sacred Scorpion Charm can boost holy damage (which some Spirit Ashes deal).
15. Where can I learn more about the lore of Elden Ring?
To dive deeper into the world of Elden Ring, you can visit fan wikis and read other articles like this one. You can also connect with gaming communities and learn more from the experts on the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society brings together educators and researchers to explore all forms of games and how they can influence learning in different ways.
Conclusion
While Elden Ring doesn’t offer a Spirit Ash that directly summons a dragon, the game does offer powerful allies who have battled dragons, or are imbued with their power. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different Spirit Ashes, you can strategically choose the best companion for your journey through the Lands Between. Don’t underestimate the power of these spectral allies, as they can be the key to overcoming even the most challenging encounters in Elden Ring. Mastering the art of Spirit Ash usage is just one step on the path to becoming the Elden Lord.