Highlights

• The world of Elden Ring is treacherous with dangerous enemies, so summoning powerful Spirit Ashes can be a game-changer.
• Powerful summons like Skeletal Militiaman and Ancestral Follower are key allies for creating opportunities in challenging battles.
• Mimic Tear stands out as the most powerful summon, replicating your character's gear and skills to dominate foes late in the game.

The world of Elden Ring is unforgiving. Traveling across The Lands Between is a treacherous task from the very start, with horrific and dangerous enemies lurking around every corner. And although grinding it out alone can be surprisingly fun, it can help to have a little backup out there.

Thankfully, Elden Ring has designated areas that allow you to summon help in the form of Spirit Ashes. These spectral beings take the forms of various individuals and creatures inhabiting the game's world, allowing you to call on them when the odds aren't in your favor. The game is packed full of different Spirit Ashes to find, and some definitely stand out from the crowd. Here are our picks for the most powerful summons in the game.

Updated April 14, 2024, by Marco Vito Oddo: Elden Ring remains extremely popular among those who enjoy medieval fantasy, challenging gameplay loop, and the possibility to explore a world filled with interesting lore. The fact that Elden Ring introduced Spirit Ashes to the Dark Souls formula also makes the game the most accessible in FromSoftware's history. That's because these Spirit Ashes allow you to summon a partner to fight by your side. Choosing the right tools to upgrade and tackle specific bosses can be overwhelming, which is why we highlight the pros of the best Spirit Ashes.

18 Skeletal Militiaman

The Skeletal Militiaman can be easily acquired by defeating the Tibia Mariner at the Summonwater Village in East Limgrave. Tibia Mariners go down quite easily, which might lead you to overlook the Skeletal Militiaman Spirit Ash. You shouldn't, though, as this is one of the best tools for distracting bosses and creating windows for healing and buffs.

As part of Those Who Live in Death, the Skeletal Militiaman rises with a full health bar after being taken down. They have an infinite number of revivals until they are hit while in the process of regenerating themselves or if they are killed by Holy damage. Still, for any boss that doesn't deal with powerful AOW attacks, the Militiaman can give you a lot of breathing space by offering a target that respawns after being destroyed.

17 Lone Wolf

The Lone Wolf is most likely the first Spirit Ash you'll receive during your Elden Ring journey. That's because the Lone Wolf is gifted to you by Ranni at the same time as you receive the Spirit Calling Bell. If, by any chance, you miss Ranni's encounter at the Church of Elleh, both items become available at the Roundtable Hold, where the Twin Maiden Husks will sell them.

As a beginner's Spirit Ash, the Lone Wolf is quickly discarded by most Tarnished, as you understandably prefer to use your resources to upgrade to a more powerful tool. However, the Lone Wolf is quite useful even for end-game bosses. The Lone Wolf summons three wolves that jump around the arena, evading blows, which prolong their usefulness as decoy targets. In addition, the wolves' bites do a lot of poise damage, helping you to stagger tough enemies.

16 Banished Knight Engvall

Engvall is one of the best tanks you could have by your side during a challenging battle. So, if you are looking for a Spirit Ash that can distract bosses for a long time, Engvall's resistance and health pool already make him your ideal companion.

In addition to taking a lot of damage, Engvall's special skill also allows him to cross the arena and deal Lightning damage to his target. As a Banished Knight, Engvall is blessed with the power of storms, which means he can perform a quick forward dash helped by a gulf of wind. This attack is great for closing the distance between this Spirit Ash and an enemy, giving you the time to reposition. Finally, Engvall's Ashes can be acquired quite early in the game as the prize for finishing the Murkwater Catacombs in Limgrave.

15 Ancestral Follower

The Ancestral Follower Ash allows you to summon one of the large, horned beings found in the starry catacombs near Nokron The Eternal City. These hefty warriors will attack using surprisingly accurate arrows, but what sets them apart from other ranged summons is their ability to draw a large axe and defend themselves at close range if necessary. A well rounded Spirit Ash, the Ancestral Follower can be extremely handy in a pinch.

You'll get your hands on the Ancestral Follower Ashes by defeating the Ancestor Spirit boss, located underground in the Siofra River region. You'll need to light the eight obelisks located in the area to gain access to the boss.

14 Radahn Soldier

The Radahn Soldier Ashes will summon a pair of Starscourge Radahn's loyal followers. These two knights are instantly aggressive, charging out to find the nearest enemy before you even engage in battle. Their powerful weapons, overwhelming attack patterns, and fire-based damage dealing make them a threat throughout the entire game.

To find the Radahn Soldier Ashes, you'll need to have defeated Radahn in the upper corner of Caelid. Once you've cleared the sizable boss from the field that he inhabits, head all the way north to the War-Dead Catacombs. The summon can be found deep in this area, guarded by a Greatsword Knight.

13 Crystallian

While the Crystallian doesn't deal much damage, its usefulness is quickly evident as it's arguably the best tank that you can summon in the game. Much like the enemies and mini bosses of the same variety that you'll encounter, the Crystallian has an extremely high resistance to damage, allowing it to serve as a distraction and withstand attacks while you confront your foes.

You can get your hands on the Crystallian Ashes in the Sellia Highway area of Caelid. The Ash is in a chest near the Trio Putrid Crystalline boss, though you'll need to defeat three sorcerers to reach it.

12 Nepheli Loux Puppet

Nepheli is a character that you're able to meet early on in your journey, as she'll turn up regularly at the Roundtable Hold and even aid you during a few boss encounters. Later in the game, you'll have an opportunity to turn her into a summon using the same method for Dung Eater above, as she was the intended recipient of Seluvis' potion.

If you do turn her into a puppet, you'll be granted a powerful new Spirit to summon, as Nepheli's two axes deal a significant amount of damage to most enemies you'll run into.

11 Azula Beastman

The Azula Beastman Ashes summon a pair of powerful beasts who fight foes with enormous greatswords. If you've fought either of the optional Beastman of Farum Azula bosses, these Spirit Ashes essentially give you two of them to fight by your side. They're capable of taking on groups of enemies and bosses alike, knocking away large chunks of health with their attacks.

The Azula Beastman Ashes can be found in the Crumbling Farum Azula area, appropriately enough. You'll find it on the path behind the Dragon Temple site of grace after doing a little platforming down the nearby rock ledges. Continue along this path until it leads you into a building with a room full of crypts, and you'll find the summon attached to a corpse toward the back of the room.

10 Dung Eater Puppet

The Dung Eater Puppet is the spirit form of a particularly unpleasant character that you may meet in your travels. Dung Eater essentially trash-talks your character for most of your interactions together, claiming that they'll take you out next. You'll even have the opportunity to fight him as a part of his questline, but he makes a far more useful Spirit Ash, as he packs a surprisingly hefty punch, has a wide range of moves and can take a hit or two as well.

In order to acquire the Dung Eater Puppet, you need to begin Ranni's questline at Ranni's Rise, then head over to Seluvis' Rise to begin Seluvis' mission. He'll hand you a potion meant for another character, but if you give it to Dung Eater instead, he'll be turned into one of Seluvis' puppets and be available for purchase as a Spirit Ash. This will effectively end his storyline, so make sure you complete your business with the living Dung Eater first.

9 Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets

The Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets are a powerful combination of summons that's found in a chest in Nokstella, the Eternal City. The chest is near the Dragonkin Soldier site of grace and is guarded by a handful of enemies.

Despite being guarded by a group, the battle to acquire these powerful and elusive spirits is worth it. They attack quickly, avoid damage well, and are strong enough to take on multiple bosses together. Their alternating attack pattern can disorient foes, leading to large windows of opportunity to attack.

8 Banished Knight Oleg

Banished Knight Oleg is one of the earlier special summons you're able to access, and he's also quite a powerhouse. Quick and strong, his wild attack patterns and fairly average 100 FP summon cost make him a reliable powerhouse for most of the game.

Oleg can be found in Fringefolk Hero's Grave, near the Stranded Graveyard site of grace. You'll need two Stonesword Keys to unlock this grave, and after traveling its dangerous depths, you'll have to defeat the Ulcerated Tree Spirit boss before getting your hands on this summon.

7 Redmane Knight Ogha

One of the game's more well-rounded summons is the Redmane Knight Ogha. A powerful knight, Ogha will aggressively charge at enemies with his sword and shield, but also has the capability of firing off powerful arrows when at a distance. After defeating his enemies, Ogha will patrol the area in which he's summoned and run down any enemies that enter his range of aggression, rather than following you directly into battle.

Like the Radahn Soldier Ashes, Redmane Knight Ogha can be found in the War-Dead Catacombs in Caelid. Rather than having to venture around in the catacombs to track him down, however, Ogha is dropped by the Putrid Tree spirit located in the area's boss room.

6 Latenna The Albinauric

Latenna the Albinauric may initially turn some players off given that she is a stationary archer, remaining planted in the spot she's summoned as she fires off volleys of powerful arrows. Despite this, she proves to be extremely useful, especially against large bosses or in sizable arenas. If she's placed in the right spot, she will steadily and consistently deal considerable damage with her incredibly accurate shots, and if she's summoned near one of the game's large Direwolves, she will actually ride it.

Latenna's Spirit Ashes are located in the Liurnia of the Lakes area, inside the Slumbering Wolf's Shack. However, you'll only be able to make Latenna into a summon if you've already acquired the right side of the Haligtree Secret Medallion.

5 Omenkiller Rollo

Omenkiller Rollo is another summon with the potential to deal serious damage, even to bosses. Rollo is unique due to his utilization of attacks that can inflict either a bleeding or burning effect. Both status effects can tear a significant chunk of HP away from enemies when utilized properly.

You'll find the Omenkiller Rollo Ashes on the East Atlus Bridge leading to the Divine Tower. The bridge is located right next to the Capital Outskirts site of grace. You'll need to defeat the Fell Twins boss located in the area in order to snatch up the summon.

4 Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff

Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff is a very powerful summon with an amazing balance of offensive, defensive, and ranged capabilities. On offense, he packs a major punch, and he comes equipped with a gigantic shield that makes him one of the most damage-resistant summons available.

He's also able to perform a long-ranged attack where he raises his weapon to the skies, bringing down a lightning bolt that's surprisingly effective. Kristoff can be found in the Sainted Hero's Grave, located just outside the royal capital of Leyndell.

3 Black Knife Tiche

If you're able to progress the storyline of Ranni the Snow Witch, you'll gain access to the Moonlight Plateau area. In this high rising section of Liurnia of the Lakes, you have the option to take on the Ringleader's Evergaol, allowing you to fight Alecto, the Black Knife Ringleader. Defeat her, and she'll drop the Black Knife Tiche Spirit Ash.

This summon is another monstrously powerful entity, but in a unique way. Not only is Tiche agile with high attack power, but she also comes with a knife imbued with the Rune of Death. She'll toss her knife at enemies, and it will continuously drain them of massive amounts of health for a brief time. The sheer volume at which she seeps HP from foes is astounding enough to make her one of the game's top summons.

The amount of health drained by Tiche's special attacks is proportional to the total health pool of her targets. That means the Death Rune attacks always deal the same proportional amount of damage, making Tiche ideally suited to taking down bosses with huge health bars, such as the Fire Giant and the Elden Beast.

2 Lhutel The Headless

Lhutel is an absolute powerhouse of a summon. Not only does she inflict incredible amounts of damage, but her lance is also capable of slowly causing the instant death status effect, which is pretty self-explanatory. She can also throw the lance. Oh, and she's equipped with a greatshield and heavy armor, making her a huge tank on top of being a major damage dealer. And did we mention that she can teleport away from incoming attacks, making her one of the most evasive characters in the entire game?

Costing just 104 FP to summon, this monstrous Spirit Ash is a great fit for any play style. You can get your hands on Lhutel after defeating the Cemetery Shade in the Tombsward Catacombs. The catacombs are located on the Weeping Peninsula, just north of the area's Minor Erdtree.

1 Mimic Tear

If there's one bit of consensus among Elden Ring's fans, it's that the Mimic Tear is the most powerful summon in the game. Put simply, the Mimic Tear creates an exact copy of your character - your equipment, moveset, and even your spells and abilities are duplicated. You can even change clothes before summoning it, altering its gear and skills. As powerful as Elden Ring's enemies can be, there is nothing as strong as your character, especially late in the game.

The Mimic tear will use the consumables you have equipped when you summon it. That means you should have powerful Perfumes and Pots on your item slots, as the Mimic Tear do not expend resources to use these tools.

To get the Mimic Tear summon, you'll need to make your way to the Ancestral Woods site of grace in Nokron, the Eternal City. Jump onto a nearby rooftop and make your way through the city to find the Ashes in a chest located behind a Stonesword Key door.