Elden Ring: Upgrade Summons Guide
Hey guys! So, you're diving deep into the Lands Between, huh? You've probably figured out by now that having a trusty spirit summon by your side can be a total game-changer in Elden Ring. Whether you're facing a tough boss, exploring a tricky dungeon, or just want some extra firepower, summons are incredibly valuable. But did you know you can actually upgrade your summons to make them even more powerful? That's right! Your spectral buddies can become absolute beasts with the right upgrades. In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about upgrading your summons in Elden Ring, from finding the right NPCs to gathering the necessary materials. Trust me, it's a game-changer!
Why Upgrade Your Summons?
Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about the why. You might be thinking, “My summons are doing okay as is.” And that’s cool, they probably are! But upgrading your summons can seriously amplify their effectiveness in combat, turning them from helpful sidekicks into formidable allies. Think of it this way: early-game bosses might crumble before your un-upgraded summons, but as you progress, the enemies get tougher, their health pools larger, and their attacks more devastating. Your trusty summons that once felt like a powerhouse might start feeling like they're made of tissue paper.
Upgrading your summons boosts several key attributes. First and foremost, it increases their HP, allowing them to withstand more damage. This is huge, especially in prolonged fights or against bosses with heavy-hitting attacks. No one wants their summon to vanish halfway through a fight, right? Secondly, upgrades boost their attack power. More damage output means enemies go down faster, and you're dealing more overall DPS. This can be the difference between a drawn-out, nail-biting encounter and a swift victory. Imagine your summon dealing significantly more damage – it’s like having an extra player in the fight! And finally, some upgrades can even improve their defensive capabilities and resistance to certain types of damage, making them even more resilient against specific threats.
Basically, upgrading your summons is like giving them a super buff. They become tankier, hit harder, and can stay in the fight longer. This not only makes your own life easier but also allows for new strategies and approaches to combat. Plus, let’s be honest, watching your upgraded summons decimate enemies is incredibly satisfying. So, if you want to maximize your potential in the Lands Between, upgrading your summons is a must.
Who Can Upgrade Your Summons? Meet Roderika
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of upgrading your summons. Awesome! The next question is, who do you go to? In Elden Ring, the key NPC (Non-Player Character) you'll need to find is Roderika. She's a crucial character for anyone looking to enhance their spirit ashes, and her storyline is well worth exploring. Roderika isn't just any NPC; she's a spirit tuner, someone who can channel the power of spirit ashes to make them stronger.
You’ll first encounter Roderika at the Stormhill Shack, a small, rundown building located on the way to Stormveil Castle. This is early in the game, so chances are you've stumbled across this shack already. When you meet her, she’s clearly troubled and seems to be grappling with some inner turmoil. She’ll give you a spirit ash called the Jellyfish Spirit Ash. This is your first clue that she has a connection to the spirits and their power. Talk to her thoroughly, and listen to her story. It's important to exhaust her dialogue options to advance her questline.
However, Roderika won't be able to upgrade your summons right away. She needs a bit of… well, let's call it inspiration first. To unlock her spirit tuning abilities, you need to progress further in the game and meet another important NPC: Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold. Master Hewg is the blacksmith, and he’s another vital character for upgrading your weapons. Once you've spoken to Master Hewg a few times, you’ll want to return to Roderika at the Stormhill Shack and tell her about him. This conversation sparks a turning point in her quest.
After this, Roderika will relocate to the Roundtable Hold herself, setting up shop in the same area as Master Hewg. This is where the magic happens! Once she’s settled in the Roundtable Hold, she’ll officially take on the role of a Spirit Tuner. Now, you can finally upgrade your summons by talking to her. It’s a bit of a journey to get her there, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. Roderika is your go-to gal for turning your summons into absolute powerhouses, so make sure you follow her questline to unlock her full potential.
Gathering the Goods: Materials for Upgrading
Okay, so you've met Roderika at the Roundtable Hold, and she's ready to upgrade your spirit ashes. Awesome! But before you get too excited, there's another crucial piece of the puzzle: materials. Upgrading your summons isn't free; it requires specific resources, and you'll need to gather them to make your spectral buddies stronger. The primary materials you’ll need are Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort. Think of these as the magical fuel that powers up your summons.
Grave Glovewort is used to upgrade the more common spirit ashes – the ones you'll likely acquire early in the game. You can find Grave Glovewort growing in catacombs, graveyards, and other underground areas. These spectral flowers often appear near tombstones and in dimly lit corridors, so keep your eyes peeled when you're exploring dungeons and crypts. The higher the tier of Grave Glovewort (Grave Glovewort [1], Grave Glovewort [2], and so on), the higher the upgrade level you can achieve for your common spirit ashes.
Ghost Glovewort, on the other hand, is used to upgrade the rarer, more unique spirit ashes. These are the summons that tend to have special abilities or are generally more powerful. Ghost Glovewort is found in similar locations to Grave Glovewort – catacombs and underground areas – but they are often in more hidden or challenging spots. You might find them in secret rooms, at the end of optional paths, or guarded by tough enemies. Like Grave Glovewort, Ghost Glovewort comes in different tiers, each corresponding to a specific upgrade level for your rare summons.
Finding these Gloveworts can feel like a scavenger hunt, but there are a few strategies you can employ to make it easier. First, explore every nook and cranny of catacombs and dungeons. Check behind illusory walls, search side passages, and don't be afraid to backtrack. Second, keep an eye out for the distinctive glow of the Glovewort flowers. They emit a faint light that can help them stand out in the dark. Finally, consider using a guide or map if you're really struggling to find specific Glovewort tiers. There are plenty of resources online that can point you in the right direction. Gathering these materials is a key part of the upgrading process, so get ready to explore the darker corners of the Lands Between!
The Upgrade Process: Turning Summons into Powerhouses
Alright, you’ve got Roderika ready and waiting at the Roundtable Hold, and you've stocked up on Grave and Ghost Glovewort. Now comes the fun part: actually upgrading your summons! The process is pretty straightforward, but let’s walk through it step-by-step to make sure you don’t miss anything.
First, head to the Roundtable Hold and speak with Roderika. Choose the option to talk to her about spirit tuning. This will open up the menu where you can see all of your available spirit ashes and the option to upgrade them. You’ll see a list of your summons, and next to each one, you’ll see the option to upgrade if you have the necessary materials.
When you select a spirit ash to upgrade, you’ll see the cost in Glovewort. The required Glovewort type and tier will depend on the specific summon and the upgrade level. For example, upgrading a common spirit ash early on might require Grave Glovewort [1], while upgrading a rare spirit ash later in the game could require Ghost Glovewort [5] or higher. Make sure you have the correct Glovewort in your inventory before attempting the upgrade. If you don't have enough, you'll need to venture out and find more.
Each spirit ash can be upgraded multiple times, typically up to +10. With each upgrade, the summon’s stats will increase, making it stronger and more resilient. The stat boosts are usually significant, so each upgrade makes a noticeable difference in combat. Don’t underestimate the power of incremental upgrades! They really add up over time.
It’s worth noting that some spirit ashes benefit more from upgrades than others. Experiment with different summons and see which ones resonate with your playstyle. Some summons are tankier and better at drawing enemy aggro, while others are more focused on damage output. Upgrading the summons that complement your build and strategy will give you the best results. So, dive into that menu, spend those Gloveworts, and watch your summons transform into true powerhouses!
Which Summons to Upgrade First? Top Recommendations
Now that you know how to upgrade your summons, the next big question is: which ones should you prioritize? With so many spirit ashes to collect in Elden Ring, it can be tough to decide where to spend your precious Glovewort. Don’t worry, guys, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few top recommendations for summons that are particularly strong when upgraded, and which ones might fit your play style.
One of the best early-game summons to upgrade is the Lone Wolf Ashes. These spectral wolves are fast, aggressive, and come in a pack of three, making them excellent at staggering enemies and drawing aggro. Upgrading them early on can make a huge difference in your survivability. They’re especially effective against bosses that are vulnerable to being staggered, as the wolves can quickly break their stance and leave them open to critical hits. Plus, they’re relatively easy to obtain, making them a great choice for players who are just starting out.
Another fantastic summon to consider is the Banished Knight Engvall. This spirit ash is a tanky melee fighter who can withstand a ton of damage. Engvall is great for drawing enemy attention away from you, giving you breathing room to cast spells or land attacks. Upgrading Engvall makes him even more durable, allowing him to stay in the fight longer and take on some serious punishment. If you’re playing a mage or a character who needs to keep their distance, Engvall is an excellent choice.
For players looking for a more offensive option, the Ogha, the Bloodied Finger is a fantastic choice. This spirit ash is an offensive powerhouse, capable of dealing significant damage with its dual swords. Ogha is particularly effective against bosses and enemies that are resistant to physical damage, as it deals a mix of physical and bleed damage. Upgrading Ogha will greatly increase its damage output, making it a formidable ally in any fight. However, Ogha is a bit squishier than Engvall, so you’ll need to be mindful of its positioning.
Finally, one of the most popular and powerful summons in the game is the Mimic Tear Ashes. This spirit ash summons a clone of your own character, complete with your weapons, armor, and spells. The Mimic Tear is incredibly versatile and can adapt to a wide range of situations. Upgrading the Mimic Tear makes it even more durable and effective, essentially giving you a second version of yourself in battle. However, the Mimic Tear does require FP (Focus Points) to summon, so keep that in mind if you’re playing a build with limited FP.
Ultimately, the best summons to upgrade will depend on your playstyle and the challenges you’re facing. Experiment with different spirit ashes and see which ones you enjoy using the most. But these recommendations are a great starting point for anyone looking to boost their summon game in Elden Ring. Happy upgrading!
Advanced Strategies: Optimizing Your Summons
So, you've upgraded your summons, and they're kicking some serious butt. Awesome! But if you really want to take your summon game to the next level, there are a few advanced strategies you can use to optimize their performance. These tips can make a significant difference in how effective your summons are in combat, turning them from powerful allies into unstoppable forces.
First up, consider your summon's AI and behavior. Different summons have different fighting styles and priorities. Some are aggressive attackers, while others are more defensive. Some focus on drawing aggro, while others prioritize dealing damage. Understanding how your summon behaves in combat is crucial for using it effectively. For example, if you’re using a tanky summon like the Banished Knight Engvall, you’ll want to let it draw enemy attention while you attack from a safe distance. On the other hand, if you’re using an aggressive summon like the Ogha, the Bloodied Finger, you might want to join the fray and coordinate your attacks to maximize damage output.
Another important factor to consider is the elemental resistances and vulnerabilities of your summons and the enemies you're facing. Some summons are resistant to certain types of damage, such as fire or magic, while others are vulnerable to specific elements. Similarly, enemies have their own resistances and vulnerabilities. Choosing a summon that has an advantage against the enemy you're fighting can make a huge difference. For example, if you’re fighting a fire-based boss, using a summon that is resistant to fire damage can significantly increase its survivability.
Equipment is another aspect to think about. While you can't directly equip your summons with weapons or armor, your own equipment and stats can indirectly affect their performance. For example, if you’re using a summon that deals physical damage, having high Strength or Dexterity can boost their attack power. Similarly, if you’re using a summon that relies on FP, having high Mind can allow you to summon them more frequently. Experiment with different builds and equipment combinations to see how they affect your summons.
Lastly, don’t forget about the Spirit Calling Bell. This item allows you to summon your spirit ashes, but it also has a hidden effect: it slightly boosts your summon’s stats. The Spirit Calling Bell is essential for any summon-focused build, so make sure you have it equipped. Also, pay attention to the FP cost of your summons. Summoning powerful spirit ashes can drain your FP quickly, so you’ll need to manage your resources carefully. Using talismans or equipment that boost your FP or reduce FP consumption can be helpful. By mastering these advanced strategies, you can truly optimize your summons and become a force to be reckoned with in the Lands Between. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun!
Conclusion: Unleash the Power of Upgraded Summons
So there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know about upgrading your summons in Elden Ring. From finding Roderika and gathering Glovewort to understanding summon AI and elemental resistances, you’re now equipped to transform your spectral buddies into absolute powerhouses. Upgrading your summons is a game-changer in Elden Ring, allowing you to tackle tough bosses, explore challenging areas, and ultimately, become the Elden Lord.
Remember, the journey through the Lands Between is a long and perilous one, but with a trusty spirit summon by your side, you’ll be much better equipped to face whatever challenges come your way. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-upgraded summon. They can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially in the later stages of the game. So, take the time to explore, gather resources, and experiment with different summons. Find the ones that fit your playstyle and upgrade them to their full potential.
And most importantly, have fun! Elden Ring is a vast and rewarding game, and upgrading your summons is just one of the many ways to enhance your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Souls player or a newcomer to the genre, spirit ashes can add a whole new dimension to your gameplay. So, go out there, summon your spectral allies, and conquer the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your summons always be by your side!
