Spirit Ashes have been a game-changer in Elden Ring, offering an invaluable edge for both PvE and PvP encounters. With the Nightreign expansion introducing a fresh batch of powerful summons, players now have even more options to tailor their combat strategies. Whether you’re looking to hold the line against a brutal boss, distract invaders in PvP, or simply add a layer of tactical depth to your playthrough, Spirit Ashes play an essential role. But not all summons are created equal. Some stand out as the best of the best, and knowing how to wield them effectively can make all the difference.
The Best Spirit Ashes in Nightreign
Nightreign has brought a variety of new Spirit Ashes, some of which push the boundaries of what was previously possible in Elden Ring. Here are the top-tier choices that have already made a significant impact:
1. Abyssal Knight
A monstrous summon clad in darkened armor, this Spirit Ash wields a colossal cleaver and relentlessly hunts enemies. The Abyssal Knight excels at staggering foes, making it one of the best picks for melee-heavy encounters.
Why it’s top-tier:
– High poise and durability make it a tanky frontline option.
– Wide-sweeping attacks that interrupt enemy movesets.
– A powerful stomp ability that can break stances quickly.
Best use case:
Great for one-on-one duels with aggressive bosses like Maliketh or Malenia. It draws agro effectively, giving players precious moments to heal or line up attacks.
2. Moonveil Phantom
Inspired by the ever-popular Moonveil katana, this summon is a spectral warrior with lightning-fast slashes and a devastating magic-infused sheathe attack.
Why it’s top-tier:
– Fast and relentless attacks make it difficult for enemies to respond.
– A unique ability that deals massive posture damage.
– Perfect synergy with intelligence-based builds.
Best use case:
Against fast-moving humanoid enemies that struggle with reaction time, the Moonveil Phantom shines. In PvP, it can put outrageous pressure on opponents due to its speed and magic-infused strikes.
3. Vengeful Spirit of Ithil
This spectral knight harnesses sorcerous energy to unleash an unpredictable mix of melee and ranged magic attacks.
Why it’s top-tier:
– Capable of switching between melee and spells dynamically.
– Glintstone sorcery attacks force enemies to stay on their toes.
– Advanced AI makes the summon harder to predict in PvP battles.
Best use case:
It’s a great pick for players who favor versatility. The ability to swap between ranged and melee options helps against enemies with unpredictable attack patterns.
Strategies for Effective Spirit Ash Use
Getting the most out of your Spirit Ashes isn’t just about summoning them and hoping for the best. Strategic deployment can make the difference between victory and soul-crushing defeat.
Choosing the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Many players make the mistake of summoning their Spirit Ashes at the start of a battle without considering the fight’s pacing. If you’re dealing with a two-phase boss, it’s often best to hold off until the second phase when attack patterns become more erratic.
Positioning Matters
Spirit Ashes are AI-controlled, but that doesn’t mean their effectiveness is beyond your control. If possible, summon them in a space where they won’t be immediately overwhelmed. This keeps them alive longer, maximizing the benefits they provide.
Combining Spirit Ashes with Your Playstyle
A summon that works perfectly for one player might not fit another’s approach. If you’re a sorcerer, pairing yourself with an aggressive melee summon like the Abyssal Knight is an excellent way to balance your damage output. On the other hand, if you prefer dual-wielding colossal swords, a magic-based summon can cover your ranged deficiencies.
Comparing Old vs. New Spirit Ashes
With Nightreign’s new additions, some classic Spirit Ashes now have serious competition. Here’s how they stack up:
| Spirit Ash | Old Best | Nightreign Challenger | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mimic Tear | Unparalleled self-sustain | Abyssal Knight | Abyssal Knight wins for tanking tough bosses. |
| Lhutel the Headless | Strong defensive summon | Vengeful Spirit of Ithil | Ithil offers more versatility with ranged options. |
| Black Knife Tiche | High-speed assassin | Moonveil Phantom | Moonveil provides more consistent stagger potential. |
While old favorites like Mimic Tear are still viable, the newer summons provide more specialized roles that can better suit certain situations.
Upgrading and Maximizing Spirit Ashes
Just like weapons, Spirit Ashes can be upgraded for better survivability and damage output.
How to Upgrade
To power up your summons, you’ll need Grave Gloveworts for standard ashes and Ghost Gloveworts for legendary summons. These materials can be found across the Lands Between, particularly in underground areas like Ainsel River and the depths of Nokron.
Most Important Upgrades to Prioritize
If you’re new to using Spirit Ashes, upgrading just one or two summons to their max level is better than spreading resources thin. Prioritize summons that match your playstyle and deal with the toughest fights in your playthrough.
Best Spirit Ashes for Solo vs. Co-op Play
The way you use Spirit Ashes differs whether you’re tackling the world alone or with friends.
For Solo Players
If you’re running the game without summoning friends, you’ll need a Spirit Ash that can compensate for any weaknesses in your build.
Best Picks:
– Abyssal Knight – Tanks damage while you recover.
– Black Knife Tiche (Still viable!) – Chunks enemy health bars from a distance.
– Moonveil Phantom – Puts insane pressure on ultra-aggressive bosses.
For Co-op Players
When playing with others, Spirit Ashes serve more as distractions than essential tools for survival.
Best Picks:
– Vengeful Spirit of Ithil – Provides a strong support role without taking too much attention from the fight.
– Skeletal Militiamen – Their resurrection ability makes them a nuisance for PvE encounters.
– Lone Shadow Fighter – A faster combatant that complements aggressive melee builds.
Final Thoughts
Spirit Ashes add another layer of depth to Elden Ring’s already intricate combat system, and Nightreign’s new summons only push that to new heights. Whether you’re summoning the Abyssal Knight to endure brutal assaults or unleashing Moonveil Phantom’s relentless swordplay, finding the Spirit Ash that complements your playstyle is key.
Which Spirit Ash do you swear by? Have any standout stories of a summon saving your skin in a fight? Drop your thoughts below. Let’s talk builds and strategies!
