In Elden Ring, mastering Spirit Ashes can be a game-changer, especially when facing overwhelming enemies or exploring dangerous dungeons solo. As someone who has spent over 300 hours traversing the Lands Between, I can say without a doubt that upgrading your Spirit Ashes not only improves survivability but opens up new strategies. Early on, I made the decision to Buy Elden Ring Runes to support faster progression, which allowed me to focus more on upgrading key spirits rather than grinding endlessly for runes.

Upgrading Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring isn’t just about raw power—it’s about optimizing your build and tactics. Whether you’re a strength-heavy tank or a nimble sorcerer, the right spirit can change the flow of battle. Below are six practical ways to enhance your spirits and your overall experience.

1. Unlock Roderika’s Upgrading Abilities

To start upgrading your Spirit Ashes, you need to find Roderika at Stormhill Shack and eventually guide her to Roundtable Hold. After a few interactions and resting at the Site of Grace, she’ll become the primary spirit tuner. Don’t underestimate this step—it unlocks the entire progression system for your ashes.

2. Collect and Use Grave Glovewort & Ghost Glovewort

These flowers are essential materials used to upgrade your Spirit Ashes. Grave Glovewort upgrades standard ashes, while Ghost Glovewort upgrades legendary spirits. The higher the tier of the glovewort, the stronger your spirits become. I recommend farming these in underground areas like the Siofra River or Nokron for higher-tier gloveworts.

3. Prioritize the Right Spirits for Your Build

Not all spirits suit all builds. For example, if you're running a bleed-focused dexterity build, the Black Knife Tiche or Redmane Knight Ogha work well with your fast-paced offense. Test different options early, and invest in those that support your playstyle. My personal favorite has been the Mimic Tear, which effectively doubles your strength in battle.

4. Utilize Spirit Ashes in PvP Practice

While Spirit Ashes aren’t allowed in real PvP duels, using them in PvE to simulate chaotic encounters can improve your real player combat tactics. I used this approach before diving into competitive invasions and arena matches. When you Elden Ring PVP runes fast buy from trusted sources, you can immediately test different builds and spirit synergies without the time drain of grinding.

5. Don’t Ignore Spirit Tactics

Spirit Ashes aren't just tanks. Some draw aggro, others support with ranged damage or magic, and a few can even heal. Learning their timing, aggro behavior, and abilities will help you use them more effectively. For example, I often deploy the Latenna the Albinauric on high ground to snipe enemies from a distance while I deal with melee threats.

6. Upgrade Strategically, Not Excessively

Resources are limited, especially in early game. I found myself wasting gloveworts on suboptimal spirits before realizing it was smarter to focus upgrades on two or three key ashes. Consider your long-term build and plan your upgrades around your evolving strategy.

Spirit Ashes are an often underrated aspect of Elden Ring, but when upgraded correctly, they can tip the scales in even the toughest boss fights. Whether you’re just starting out or returning for New Game+, integrating them into your strategy can save you both time and frustration. If you're looking to skip the grind, Buy Elden Ring Runes early on to streamline your spirit upgrading process and free yourself to focus on exploring and experimenting.

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