Elden Ring: How To Upgrade Your Summons

Hey, Tarnished! Ready to take your Elden Ring game to the next level? If you're anything like me, you've probably come to rely on your Spirit Ashes to give you that extra edge in battles. But are you getting the most out of them? Did you know you can actually upgrade your summons? That's right, you can make your spectral buddies even more formidable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to upgrade summons in Elden Ring, so you can dominate the Lands Between and become the Elden Lord! Let's dive in, shall we?

Understanding the Importance of Upgrading Summons in Elden Ring

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's chat about why upgrading your summons is so crucial. Think of your Spirit Ashes as an extension of your own character. They're not just distractions; they're your allies in a fight! Upgrading summons in Elden Ring significantly boosts their stats, making them hit harder, last longer, and generally be more effective. This is especially important in the late game, where enemies hit like a truck and can one-shot you if you're not careful. A well-upgraded summon can draw aggro, deal consistent damage, and even stagger enemies, giving you precious breathing room to heal, buff, or unleash your own attacks. Furthermore, as you progress, the difficulty ramps up, and bosses become increasingly challenging. Having a weak summon is like bringing a water pistol to a gunfight. So, if you're struggling with a particular boss, or just want to make your life easier, upgrading your summons is a game-changer. It’s a fantastic way to optimize your build and adapt to different combat scenarios. Whether you're a melee build, a spellcaster, or somewhere in between, having a powerful summon can level the playing field and make even the toughest encounters manageable. It can also be a great way to learn the boss patterns, since the summon provides a helpful distraction that lets you observe from a distance. — Chris Powell: Hilarious Comedian - Bio, Career, And More

Upgrading summons not only increases their individual combat effectiveness but also enhances your overall strategic options. You can tailor your spirit ashes to specific encounters and even create synergy with your own build. For example, a tanky summon can absorb damage, allowing you to cast spells safely or go for powerful critical hits. A damage-focused summon can quickly deplete an enemy's health, making the fight much shorter. You can also choose summons that are effective against certain enemy types. For example, a summon that inflicts frost can be very effective against certain bosses, while a summon with high poise can withstand hits and keep the enemy staggered. Considering the variety of summons in Elden Ring, from wolves and skeletons to more unique options, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different combinations, adapt to your playstyle, and even create specific builds focused on maximizing summon capabilities. In the end, the decision to upgrade your summons is more than just a convenience. It is a core element of your build progression. With more powerful allies, you'll conquer the most challenging bosses and overcome the perilous trials of the Lands Between.

Finding the Right Materials to Upgrade Summons

Alright, so you're sold on the idea of upgrading your Spirit Ashes. Awesome! Now, let's talk about the materials you'll need. Upgrading summons in Elden Ring requires a specific resource called Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort. These materials come in different tiers, and the higher the tier, the more you can upgrade your summons. Where do you find these elusive Gloveworts, you ask? Well, they're scattered throughout the Lands Between, often hidden in caves, catacombs, and underground areas. Grave Glovewort is typically used for upgrading standard Spirit Ashes, while Ghost Glovewort is for special ones, such as the Black Knife Tiche or Lhutel the Headless.

So, how do you find them? First off, explore! Caves and catacombs are your best bet. Keep an eye out for glowing, plant-like objects, as these are often Glovewort bushes. Be sure to thoroughly search any areas you explore, as they are often hidden in crevices, behind pillars, and other spots that are easy to miss. Also, be aware that some areas contain higher-tier Gloveworts, so exploring areas with increased difficulty can reward you with improved materials. Look for areas with boss fights, as they frequently feature Gloveworts as rewards. While you can find them by simple exploration, the location of these materials is usually fixed, meaning that each Glovewort bush can only be harvested once per playthrough. You'll want to make sure you get them all. Additionally, some merchants sell Gloveworts, so keep an eye out for them when you visit Roundtable Hold and other key locations. Remember to always prioritize areas with high Glovewort density, and plan your exploration accordingly. Some players might also want to use online resources such as maps or guides to pinpoint the location of Gloveworts. While this can diminish the sense of discovery that is part of Elden Ring's charm, it can also greatly increase your efficiency, especially if you need to upgrade your summons fast before an upcoming boss fight.

Remember, higher-level summons require higher-tier Gloveworts. This means you'll need to venture into more dangerous areas as you progress. Keep an eye out for the Grave Glovewort [x] and Ghost Glovewort [x], where [x] indicates the upgrade level. The Gloveworts you find will vary based on the area you are exploring and your level. As a general rule, the deeper you get into the game, the higher the tier of Gloveworts you'll find. Therefore, explore new areas, and you'll find the Gloveworts that you need to keep your Spirit Ashes at their peak performance. It’s a continuous process of exploration, discovery, and optimization! The most important thing is to have a plan, and to know where to look to get the most out of upgrading your Spirit Ashes.

Using Roderika and the Spirit Tuning to Upgrade Summons

Okay, you've got your Gloveworts, now what? You need to find someone who can actually upgrade your summons. Luckily, there's a lovely NPC for that: Roderika. You'll first encounter her in the Stormhill Shack in Limgrave. After speaking with her and progressing through her questline, she'll eventually move to the Roundtable Hold. Once she's there, she'll start offering Spirit Tuning, the service you need to upgrade your Spirit Ashes. This is how you truly upgrade summons in Elden Ring. — Scott McGillivray Net Worth: Real Estate & TV Success

To begin the process, locate Roderika in the Roundtable Hold. Speak to her, and select the option to upgrade your Spirit Ashes. From there, you'll see a list of all your summons. Select the one you want to upgrade, and you'll be prompted to use the appropriate Glovewort to increase its level. Each upgrade requires a specific number and tier of Gloveworts, so make sure you have enough before you start. Additionally, the amount of resources needed to upgrade your Spirit Ashes increases with each upgrade level. So, always make sure to stock up on materials as you progress. The higher level the summon is, the more resources it needs. Consider stocking up on Gloveworts while exploring areas and making sure you always have a backup if you need to enhance one of your summons at any point. — Jack Matthew Lauer's College Journey

It's important to note that Roderika's ability to tune Spirit Ashes is not available immediately upon finding her in Roundtable Hold. You need to complete her questline. This involves finding a Chrysalid's Memento for her, which can be found in the Stormhill Shack. Once she has this, she will begin her apprenticeship with the blacksmith Hewg, who is also in Roundtable Hold. After you speak with Hewg, Roderika will be able to tune your Spirit Ashes. So, you can see, there are a few steps involved, but it's a simple process overall. The most important thing is to get Roderika to the Roundtable Hold. Once she is there, you can upgrade your Spirit Ashes to the best of their potential. Be sure to check back with Roderika frequently after defeating major bosses, as this is when you might need the extra support that your summons provide.

Tips and Tricks for Efficiently Upgrading Summons

Alright, let's wrap things up with some handy tips and tricks to make the process of upgrading your summons as smooth as possible. First, always prioritize getting Roderika to the Roundtable Hold early on. She is absolutely essential for upgrading summons in Elden Ring, so get her there ASAP. Secondly, explore thoroughly and often. Look for hidden paths, caves, and catacombs. These are your primary sources of Glovewort. Consider using online resources to locate areas with Gloveworts and to minimize wasted time.

Next, keep an eye on your inventory and make sure you always have a good stock of Gloveworts, and prioritize exploring areas where you're more likely to find the materials you need. While finding Grave Gloveworts is relatively easy, Ghost Gloveworts are a bit trickier to come by, so pay extra attention when exploring areas where they might be located. Finally, keep in mind that not all summons are created equal. Some Spirit Ashes are simply better than others, and their effectiveness can vary depending on your build and play style. So, experiment with different summons and find the ones that best suit your needs. For example, if you have a melee-focused build, a tanky summon like the Lhutel the Headless can be very effective. If you're a mage, the Bloodhound Knight Floh can provide good damage and distraction. There are a variety of summons available in Elden Ring. So, keep experimenting, and you will find the perfect allies to take on the many challenges of the Lands Between.

Consider upgrading summons strategically to gain an advantage in challenging encounters. Prioritize those summons that complement your build or excel against specific enemy types. For instance, if you're struggling with a particular boss, consider upgrading a summon that resists their attacks or inflicts a weakness they have. Moreover, don't be afraid to experiment with different upgrade levels to find the right balance. Sometimes, a few upgrades can make a significant difference, while others require more investment. By carefully managing your resources and upgrading your summons intelligently, you'll be well on your way to conquering Elden Ring. Also, keep up to date with the latest patches and changes. The balance of the summons may change at any time, so make sure you're always on the top of your game!