Embarking on your journey through the Lands Between in Elden Ring can be a daunting task. The world is vast, the enemies are unforgiving, and survival often feels like a distant dream. Thankfully, the game offers a powerful tool to even the odds: Spirit Ashes. These summons can provide valuable support, whether it’s drawing enemy aggro, dishing out extra damage, or offering much-needed healing. Here at supremeduelist.blog, we’ve meticulously explored the options to bring you the ultimate guide to the best early game summons in Elden Ring, helping you navigate the challenging beginning.
This guide aims to not only list the strongest early game summons, but also explain why they’re so effective, and how best to use them to conquer the early areas of the game. We’ll cover location, upgrade potential, and strategic use cases, arming you with the knowledge needed to make the best choice. Whether you’re struggling with Margit, the Fell Omen, or just looking for a companion to explore the wilderness, we’ve got you covered.
Why Spirit Ashes are Crucial in Early Elden Ring
Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand why Spirit Ashes are so pivotal, especially in the early stages of Elden Ring. They aren’t merely a temporary distraction for enemies; they can completely change how you approach combat. Early game bosses, even basic mobs, often boast high aggression and damage output. Having a summon to absorb some of that pressure gives you the opportunity to breathe, heal, and plan your attack. The ability to distract foes alone makes them invaluable tools.
Furthermore, certain Spirit Ashes provide unique utility. Some can inflict status ailments such as poison, bleed, or frostbite, assisting you in dealing more damage over time. Others possess ranged attacks, allowing you to damage enemies from a safe distance, which can be especially useful when dealing with larger groups or boss fights where melee combat is riskier. Ultimately, finding the right Spirit Ash will vastly increase your survivability and damage output in the early game, making your progression through Limgrave much smoother.
Elden Ring Early Spirit Ashes Guide
Top Tier Elden Ring Early Game Summons
Let’s delve into the crème de la crème of early game Spirit Ashes. These summons are highly effective, relatively easy to obtain, and remain useful throughout your early adventures.
Lone Wolf Ashes: The Reliable Vanguard
The Lone Wolf Ashes are often the first Spirit Ash many players acquire, and for good reason. These three spectral wolves are incredibly versatile. They’re quick, they’re agile, and they do a decent amount of damage. They also distract enemies quite effectively, allowing you to flank or heal as needed. Their relatively low FP cost makes them accessible in the early game.
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Location: Obtained from Renna the Witch at the Church of Elleh, shortly after meeting Melina for the first time.
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Upgrades: Can be upgraded using Grave Glovewort, improving their health and damage output.
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Tactical Use: Excellent for crowd control and distracting bosses. Use them as a vanguard while you deal damage from a distance or exploit openings.
Skeletal Militiaman Ashes: Persistent Support
The Skeletal Militiaman Ashes offer a different type of support: persistent, if not slightly less aggressive, combat assistance. These two skeletal soldiers have a unique ability – they revive themselves unless destroyed while in the middle of their “reconstitution” phase. This provides a relentless presence on the battlefield, diverting enemy attention and taking some of the pressure off the player. While they may not pack as much punch as the wolves, they’re great for keeping enemies occupied.
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Location: Found in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave, requiring a bit of exploration.
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Upgrades: Use Grave Glovewort to enhance their health and damage, making their persistence even more valuable.
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Tactical Use: Ideal for protracted battles and situations where staying power is needed. They consistently occupy enemies, giving you space to attack and retreat.
Jellyfish Ashes: Poison Support
For players looking to inflict status effects, the Jellyfish Ashes are an excellent early option. This single jellyfish summon has ranged, poison-based attacks that can gradually whittle down enemy health. Though its damage output might not seem immediately impressive, the poison adds up, making it useful against tougher foes. Plus, it can occasionally stagger enemies, providing brief openings.
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Location: Given by Roderika at the Stormhill Shack after she moves to the Roundtable Hold.
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Upgrades: Strengthening the jellyfish will improve both its damage output and survivability, further enhancing the poison effect.
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Tactical Use: Best suited for drawing agro, providing ranged support, and dealing damage against enemies with larger health pools. The poison effect also gives an edge in drawn-out fights.
Elden Ring Jellyfish Ashes Summon
Early Game Summons: FAQ
Here are some common questions players have about early game summons in Elden Ring.
When Should I Use Spirit Ashes?
Spirit Ashes are most effective during boss fights and when facing large groups of enemies. They’re also useful when exploring dangerous areas, acting as a buffer. Use them strategically based on the enemy you’re facing. For example, Wolves might be excellent for smaller, faster enemies, and the Skeletal Militiamen might be better for larger, slower foes.
How Do I Upgrade Spirit Ashes?
Spirit Ashes can be upgraded at the Roundtable Hold by Roderika, after she settles in. You’ll need Grave Gloveworts, which are found throughout the game world, often in catacombs and graveyards.
Is There a Level Limit on Spirit Ashes?
No, there’s no level limit on Spirit Ashes. You can continue to upgrade them to increase their health, damage, and effectiveness.
Can Spirit Ashes be Used Everywhere?
No, Spirit Ashes can only be used in specific areas where the summoning icon is available on the left side of the screen. These tend to be areas with more challenging encounters and boss fights.
Which summons are best for beginners?
The Lone Wolf Ashes are excellent for beginners due to their versatility, ease of use, and availability early in the game.
Expert Insights
“The early game in Elden Ring can feel incredibly unforgiving. However, the careful use of Spirit Ashes can dramatically shift the power dynamic. Prioritizing the upgrades for your summons, especially early on, is crucial for long-term success.” – Dr. Eleanor Vance, Lead Game Analyst, PhD in Digital Narrative.
“While high damage output is tempting, do not underestimate the utility of certain summons. Something like the Jellyfish’s poison can significantly help in drawn out boss battles, showcasing how unique summons can completely change strategy.” – Kenji Tanaka, Senior Game Designer, MEng in Game Development.
Maximizing Your Summons Effectiveness
To fully leverage your summons, consider these points:
- Upgrade Regularly: Prioritize upgrading your favorite summons with Grave Glovewort as soon as you can access Roderika’s services at the Roundtable Hold.
- Learn Their Strengths: Some summons perform better against specific types of enemies. Experiment to find what works best.
- Combine with Your Build: Consider how the summons complement your character’s build and playstyle. Do you need a meat-shield, or someone to do damage from range?
- Don’t Over-Rely: Summons are invaluable tools, but don’t let them make you complacent. Continue to develop your skills and learn the game’s combat mechanics.
Conclusion
Mastering Spirit Ashes is essential to a successful early game in Elden Ring. The Lone Wolf Ashes, Skeletal Militiaman Ashes, and Jellyfish Ashes stand out as the best options for their effectiveness and utility. By understanding their strengths, upgrading them regularly, and using them strategically, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome the initial challenges that await you in the Lands Between. Here at supremeduelist.blog, we’re committed to guiding you through your gaming journey, and we hope this guide has been a valuable resource in your quest as a Tarnished. Stay tuned for more in-depth guides and analyses to help you conquer the Elden Ring. Now go forth, and claim your place as Elden Lord.
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