Elden Ring is notoriously difficult much like other FromSoftware games, so it's no surprise that some players might wish to employ the help of Spirit Summons. These magical abilities, also known as Spirit Ashes, allow the Tarnished to call for the help of a spectral companion that can ease the challenge of battle. With 64 different Ashes to choose from, however, it can be difficult to gauge which Spirit Summons in Elden Ring are actually best.
The release of the Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, will likely only increase the importance of a good Spirit Summon. Though little is known so far, it could very well be even more arduous than the base game. After all, Shadow of the Erdtree looks like it might have ties to Miquella; if his twin sister Malenia comes anywhere close to his level of power, the Tarnished will be in for another rough match. Thus, even if players find they don't need Elden Ring's best Spirit Summons for the base game, it's worth becoming familiar with them in anticipation of Shadow of the Erdtree's probable 2023 release.
10 Nightmaiden And Swordstress
The Nightmaiden and Swordstress aren't much in the way of stable defenses, but this Spirit Summon in Elden Ring is still plenty useful for inflicting different types of physical damage. The Nightmaiden and Swordstress throw out a combination of great ranged and melee attacks, and their repertoire of offenses help stagger enemies, opening them up for critical strikes. As such, they're most useful to tanky close-range players, who can maintain the attention of the enemy while the duo whittles down its health.
9 Kaiden Sellsword
The Kaiden Sellsword isn't as stable as some of the other best Spirit Summons in Elden Ring, but can certainly still pull its weight in encounters. His focus lies in heavy attacks, which deal considerable damage and can frequently cause enemies to stagger. The trade-off is a smaller health pool, but the Kaiden Sellsword can pack a punch in even Elden Ring's hardest boss battles for the time that he remains alive.
8 Omenkiller Rollo
The Omenkiller Rollo Spirit Ash does everything that the Kaiden Sellsword does, but better, being a direct counter to enemies or bosses that are staunchly defensive fighters. Omenkiller Rollo's machetes do a fantastic job at breaking defensive stances, allowing for a free critical strike. He also has a fire-breathing crowd-control attack if enough enemies pounce on him at once, making him ideal for clearing dense mobs and tough bosses alike.
7 Bloodhound Knight Floh
Bloodhound Knight Floh isn't as durable as the likes of Black Knife Tiche, but he offers something that's still rewarding in the form of aggression. He has similar versatility when it comes to dodging enemy attacks and keeping up with their pace, but he is also willing to take more offensive risks. This, of course, comes with the caveat of not being as defensively durable in combat, and dying faster as a result - but if players are able to keep him alive, Bloodhound Knight Foh is among one of Elden Ring's best Spirit Summons.
6 Dung Eater Puppet
The Dung Eater Puppet may not have the most appealing name, but many players will find its ability to soak up damage quite enticing. Taking a boss' attention off the player is one of the most valuable things a Spirit Ash can do, and the Dung Eater Puppet's attributes fill this role rather nicely. On top of its tanky nature, it has a few useful offensive moves, one of which includes a long-range scream attack that causes Bleed buildup. This Bleed is great for inflicting continuous damage, which makes up for the Dung Eater Puppet not being the most physical or potent of damage dealers.
5 Lhutel The Headless
Lhutel the Headless is another one of the best Spirit Summons in Elden Ring when it comes to tanking damage. Given Lhutel's equipment loadout, it becomes apparent as to why that is. She comes in geared up in durable heavy armor, a Great Shield, and a spear - and while she isn't the heaviest of hitters, her ability to throw her spear for reliable ranged damage and teleport around her enemies proves how valuable endurance is in a boss fight. Lhutel the Headless' arsenal makes her an excellent distraction for almost any encounter, allowing players to chip away the health of bosses with greater ease.
4 Latenna The Albinauric
A big part of what makes Latenna the Albinauric such an effective Spirit Summon is her incredible range in combat, as her spectral bow is capable of firing off ranged attacks from shocking distances. Deploying Latenna in some difficult-to-reach places can make her a nuisance for enemies, which is especially helpful in prolonging her health pool. The Tarnished can focus on dealing heavy damage to a boss while Latenna the Albinauric showers them in magic arrows from afar, or they can even sit back to let Latenna clean up a boss if they're in a pinch.
3 Banished Knight Oleg
For those wanting a tanky ally who's willing to take the brunt of the battle, summoning Banished Knight Oleg is one of Elden Ring's best Spirit Ash options. Despite being one of the first Ashes that players can find in the Lands Between, Oleg makes himself useful for far longer than just the early game. As his name would suggest, he wears sturdy heavy armor, allowing him to absorb damage and hold his own for surprisingly long, even against tougher bosses. Combined with his wind attacks, which frequently stagger smaller enemies, Banished Knight Oleg is an option that players can never go wrong with.
2 Mimic Tear
The Mimic Tear Ash is commonly regarded as one of the best Spirit Summons in Elden Ring, and it's no surprise why. This strong companion takes the shape of the player character and assumes their own current build, essentially becoming a bloodthirsty doppelgänger that (naturally) always has synergy with the Tarnished. While it doesn't have as large of a health pool as other Spirit Summons, it's great for taking a boss' aggro off the player. Especially when equipped with strong armor, powerful spells, and the best weapons in Elden Ring, it can become a true menace.
1 Black Knife Tiche
However, Black Knife Tiche is the best Spirit Summon in Elden Ring. With a hefty health pool and impressive mobility in dodging attacks, she's surprisingly durable in a fight. But aside from the defensive attributes at her disposal, Tiche also deals incredible amounts of damage, since her blades are coated with the Rune of Death's power. This causes a good number of her attacks to reduce enemy health over time, making her invaluable against bosses with large health pools. With her well-rounded abilities and combat prowess, she's Elden Ring's best Spirit Summon and well worth the high FP cost.