how to get summons elden ring

In the vast and perilous Lands Between of Elden Ring, the Tarnished are not always alone. Mastering the art of summoning allies is not merely a helpful tactic; it is a fundamental pillar of survival and success. This guide delves into the essential methods for acquiring Spirit Ashes and other summons, transforming a solitary struggle into a concerted campaign against the demigods.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Summoning Spectrum
The First Step: Acquiring the Spirit Calling Bell
A World of Spirits: Key Locations for Spirit Ashes
The Hunt for Legendary Ashes
Enhancing Your Spectral Army: Spirit Tuning
Beyond Spirits: Cooperators and NPC Summons
Strategic Summoning: Choosing the Right Ally

Understanding the Summoning Spectrum

Elden Ring offers two primary forms of assistance. Spirit Ashes are spectral allies conjured from collected ashes, usable in most areas marked by a tombstone icon. These spirits fight independently and do not increase enemy health pools. Conversely, cooperative multiplayer summons involve recruiting other players or NPCs for specific battles, typically against major bosses. This guide focuses predominantly on the acquisition and use of Spirit Ashes, a self-contained system within the player's journey.

The First Step: Acquiring the Spirit Calling Bell

Gaining the ability to summon spirits is the initial, critical hurdle. After encountering the first Site of Grace in Limgrave, players must rest at the Gatefront Site of Grace during the night cycle. This triggers an appearance from Renna the witch, who provides the Spirit Calling Bell and the Lone Wolf Ashes. Should this encounter be missed, the bell and the wolves can be purchased from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. Without this tool, all collected Spirit Ashes remain inert.

A World of Spirits: Key Locations for Spirit Ashes

Spirit Ashes are hidden throughout the world, rewarding exploration. They are commonly found in catacombs, caves, and ruins, often guarded by bosses or tucked away in secluded corners. Early game areas like Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula are rich with opportunities. The Skeletal Militiaman Ashes, found in a catacomb, provide a resilient summon that can self-resurrect. The Noble Sorcerer Ashes, located in the Waypoint Ruins, offer ranged magical support. Thoroughly investigating every dungeon is paramount, as the reward is often a new spectral companion.

Another reliable method is defeating specific field bosses. The Tibia Mariner field bosses, scattered across the map, each drop unique ashes upon defeat. Conquering the Night's Cavalry in Limgrave yields the invaluable Bloodhound Knight Floh, an aggressive and mobile fighter. The world itself is a treasure trove for summoners, with challenges directly translating into powerful tools.

The Hunt for Legendary Ashes

Beyond common spirits lie the Legendary Spirit Ashes, some of the most powerful summons available. These are typically tied to elaborate questlines or formidable late-game challenges. Latenna the Albinauric, for instance, is acquired by completing a significant portion of Latenna's own quest in Liurnia. She is a stationary but devastatingly powerful archer. The Mimic Tear, perhaps the most renowned summon, is found in Nokron, the Eternal City, and creates a duplicate of the player with their current equipment and spells, offering unparalleled strategic flexibility.

Other legendary ashes, like the Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff or the Black Knife Tiche, are rewards for overcoming some of the game's most demanding evergaol and boss encounters. Pursuing these powerful spirits often represents a significant investment of time and skill, but the payoff is a companion capable of turning the tide in the most brutal battles.

Enhancing Your Spectral Army: Spirit Tuning

Acquiring ashes is only half the battle. To keep them relevant against escalating threats, players must engage in Spirit Tuning. This upgrade system is managed by Roderika, a character found initially in Limgrave. After progressing her questline to the Roundtable Hold, she will become the Spirit Tuner. Using Grave Glovewort found in catacombs and caves, she can increase the health, damage, and resilience of standard Spirit Ashes. Ghost Glovewort, located in underground areas, is used to upgrade legendary spirits. Regular investment in tuning is essential; an upgraded common spirit can often outperform an untuned legendary one.

Beyond Spirits: Cooperators and NPC Summons

While Spirit Ashes provide constant aid, the traditional summoning signs for cooperative play remain. Using a Furcalling Finger Remedy reveals gold signs left by other players seeking cooperation. Furthermore, many major story bosses feature NPC summon signs directly outside the fog gate, provided certain conditions are met. These NPCs, like Iron Fist Alexander for the Fire Giant or Great Horned Tragoth for the Magma Wyrm, offer substantial combat support and are integral to their respective narratives. Their presence often signifies a developer-intended path or a narrative reward for aiding these characters in the world.

Strategic Summoning: Choosing the Right Ally

The final mastery of summoning lies in strategic selection. Different spirits excel in different scenarios. A large, tanky spirit like the Banished Knight Oleg or the Greatshield Soldiers is ideal for drawing aggro from a relentless boss, allowing the player to cast spells or heal. For groups of weaker enemies, area-of-effect summons like the Rotten Stray or the Mad Pumpkin Head can create chaos. Ranged spirits like the Ancestral Follower or Latenna provide sustained damage from a safe distance. Understanding both the enemy's weaknesses and the spirit's behavior pattern is key. The Mimic Tear's strength, for example, is directly proportional to the player's own build, making it a versatile but build-dependent choice.

Ultimately, learning how to get summons in Elden Ring is a journey parallel to the main narrative. It demands exploration, perseverance in combat, and strategic foresight. From the humble Lone Wolves to the legendary Mimic Tear, each spirit ash represents a story conquered and a new tactical option unlocked. By diligently seeking these spectral allies and empowering them through tuning, the Tarnished transforms from a lone warrior into a commander of legends, ready to reclaim the Elden Ring.

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