Upgrading Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring Runes can be a game-changing tactic, especially when you're facing some of the game’s toughest bosses or navigating through densely packed enemy zones. As someone who has spent over 200 hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve found Spirit Ashes to be essential companions—not just for their combat assistance but also for the strategic advantages they bring in battle.

If you’re looking to maximize the potential of your summoned allies, here are 7 reliable and practical steps to help you upgrade your Spirit Ashes efficiently.

1. Unlock Spirit Tuning

The first step is to unlock the ability to upgrade Spirit Ashes. Early in the game, you’ll meet Roderika at Stormhill Shack. Speak with her multiple times, then progress to Roundtable Hold and talk to her again. Next, speak with Smithing Master Hewg about Roderika. After a few interactions, Roderika will relocate to the Roundtable Hold and become your Spirit Tuner.

Personal Tip: Don’t overlook her questline. I missed this on my first playthrough and struggled with underpowered ashes until halfway through the game.

2. Collect Glovewort Materials

To upgrade Spirit Ashes, you’ll need either Grave Glovewort or Ghost Glovewort, depending on the type of Spirit Ash. Grave Glovewort upgrades common Spirit Ashes, while Ghost Glovewort upgrades renowned ones.

You can find these materials in catacombs and underground areas throughout the Lands Between. Some areas are easy to miss, so always keep an eye out for glowing white flowers.

3. Use the Bell Bearings

To make upgrades more convenient, collect Glovewort Picker's Bell Bearings and give them to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. This allows you to buy upgrade materials directly with Elden Ring runes, saving time and travel.

Pro Tip: Always stockpile runes before buying or upgrading. Farming in areas like Mohgwyn Palace or the Haligtree can quickly build your rune count. Alternatively, you can buy Elden Ring runes instant checkout through trusted sources like U4GM to save time if you're short on hours but want to stay competitive.

4. Choose the Right Spirit Ash

Not all Spirit Ashes are created equal. Some, like the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche, are superior due to their AI behavior and damage potential. Choose one that fits your build and playstyle before investing heavily in upgrades.

Personal Experience: I used the Mimic Tear during my strength build playthrough. It essentially gave me a clone that matched my exact gear, which turned many boss fights into manageable duels.

5. Upgrade in Stages

Roderika can upgrade Spirit Ashes up to +10, but each level requires higher-tier Glovewort. Don’t rush to max out immediately—prioritize going from +0 to +5 first, as the early upgrades significantly increase durability and damage output.

As the difficulty scales, then start investing in higher-level Gloveworts for max upgrades.

6. Farm Efficiently

If you’re set on upgrading multiple Spirit Ashes, you’ll need a solid rune farming method. Areas like the Palace Approach Ledge-Road site in Mohgwyn Palace offer efficient farming routes that can net hundreds of thousands of Elden Ring runes per hour.

Or, if you’d rather skip the grind, you can buy Elden Ring runes instant checkout from verified sellers like U4GM to speed things up without risking your account’s integrity.

7. Test and Refine

After upgrading, take your Spirit Ashes into various encounters to evaluate their performance. Different situations call for different allies—some Spirit Ashes are better at tanking, others excel at ranged attacks. Understanding how they behave in real combat will help you use them more strategically.

Upgrading Spirit Ashes isn’t just about making the game easier—it’s about enhancing your tactical toolkit. The time and resources you invest in your Spirit Allies can pay off big in tight battles and overwhelming situations.

From my experience, properly upgraded Spirit Ashes made Elden Ring feel less punishing and more engaging. Whether you’re grinding out Elden Ring runes manually or choosing to buy Elden Ring runes instant checkout to save time, upgrading your Spirit Ashes is a worthy investment for any Tarnished.

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