Elden Ring Runes and Spirit Ash Upgrades
In Elden Ring, players are constantly seeking ways to gain an edge in battle, whether through leveling up, acquiring powerful gear, or summoning helpful allies. Two essential aspects of progression in the game are Elden Ring runes and Spirit Ash upgrades. Understanding how these mechanics work and how they interact can greatly improve your survivability and effectiveness in combat.
What Are Elden Ring Runes?
Elden Ring runes are the core currency of the game. They are used to level up your character’s stats, purchase Elden Ring items from merchants, and upgrade your gear. Runes can be acquired in several ways:
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Defeating enemies and bosses
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Selling unwanted items to merchants
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Using consumable items like Golden Runes
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Discovering rune-rich farming locations such as Mohgwyn Palace or the Haligtree
Because you lose all your collected runes upon death (unless retrieved from your corpse), managing and spending them wisely is a key part of game strategy.
What Are Spirit Ashes?
Spirit Ashes are unique Elden Ring items that allow players to summon powerful allies during battles. These spectral companions range from packs of wolves to legendary warriors and can be upgraded to become even more effective.
Spirit Ashes are especially useful for solo players or for dealing with tough bosses. Each Spirit Ash has unique stats, cost, and summoning requirements. Upgrading them ensures they remain viable as the game progresses into higher difficulty areas.
How to Upgrade Spirit Ashes
To upgrade your Spirit Ashes, you need to speak with Roderika at Roundtable Hold after completing her questline. She will become a Spirit Tuner and offer upgrade services in exchange for Grave Gloveworts and Ghost Gloveworts—key Elden Ring items found throughout the world in catacombs and hidden dungeons.
Here is how the upgrade process works:
| Upgrade Material | Spirit Type | Upgrade Levels | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grave Glovewort (1–9) | Standard Spirits | +1 to +9 | Catacombs, underground dungeons |
| Great Grave Glovewort | Standard Spirits | +10 (max) | Late-game areas like Consecrated Snowfield |
| Ghost Glovewort (1–9) | Elite Spirits | +1 to +9 | Nokron, Ainsel River, and other secret zones |
| Great Ghost Glovewort | Elite Spirits | +10 (max) | Endgame zones such as Miquella’s Haligtree |
Balancing Rune Spending Between Stats and Upgrades
Many players struggle to decide how to allocate their Elden Ring runes. Should you prioritize leveling your character, buying weapons and talismans, or investing in Spirit Ashes? The answer depends on your playstyle.
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Melee builds may focus more on leveling Vigor, Endurance, and Strength or Dexterity, and may not rely as much on Spirit Ashes.
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Magic builds can benefit greatly from upgraded Spirit Ashes as distractions while they cast spells.
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Solo players may want to put significant effort into Spirit Ash upgrades to provide backup during boss fights.
A balanced approach is generally best—make sure you are strong enough to survive, but don’t neglect your Spirit allies, as they can often turn the tide of battle.
Final Tips
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Visit Roderika often to keep your Spirit Ashes in peak condition.
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Always keep some Elden Ring runes in reserve so you can upgrade Spirit Ashes as soon as you find better ones.
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Farm Elden Ring items and runes in efficient spots like Palace Approach Ledge-Road.
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Experiment with different Spirit Ashes to find the ones that best suit your build and combat needs.
Upgrading your Spirit Ashes is just as vital as improving your character stats. By wisely managing your Elden Ring runes and investing in key Elden Ring items, you’ll be better equipped to face the challenges that await in the Lands Between.
Whether you're a veteran Tarnished or just beginning your journey, mastering the use of Spirit Ashes and managing your rune economy will take you one step closer to becoming the Elden Lord.