In the treacherous world of Elden Ring, players often encounter a mysterious tombstone icon on their screens. This symbol signifies a crucial gameplay mechanic: the ability to summon spirits for assistance in battle. Appearing primarily in challenging areas, such as boss arenas and enemy camps, the tombstone serves as a beacon of hope, indicating that help is at hand. Understanding its significance can turn the tide in fierce encounters, allowing players to strategically deploy their ashes and call forth powerful allies to aid them in their quest.
What does the tombstone icon mean?
The tombstone icon in Elden Ring signifies that players can summon spirits to assist them in battle. This icon appears on the left side of the screen, indicating that the player has access to summoning ashes, which can be used to call forth ghostly allies during challenging encounters, such as boss fights or areas filled with powerful enemies. To utilize this feature, players must spend some of their Focus Points (FP) and ensure they are in a location where summoning is permitted, typically marked by the presence of the tombstone icon.
The tombstone icon appearing to the left of the screen means you can use the ashes to summon reinforcements. It depends on what kind of summoning ashes you have and how much mana you have, as you must spend it to summon someone.
How to summon?
To summon spirits in Elden Ring, players must first obtain the Spirit Calling Bell, which is given by Renna the Witch at the Church of Elleh. After acquiring the bell, resting at a Site of Grace and selecting night as the time of day will trigger Renna’s appearance. She will explain how to use the bell to summon spirits during gameplay. Once you have the bell, look for the tombstone icon on your screen, indicating that you can summon reinforcements in specific areas, particularly during challenging encounters such as boss fights or enemy camps. Summoning requires spending Focus Points (FP), so ensure you have enough available to call upon your spirits effectively.
To unlock the possibility of summoning spirits you must head to the Church of Elleh after obtaining a whistle that summons your mount, then rest at a Site of Grace and choose night as the time of day. Renna the Witch will appear – you must talk to her and confirm that you can summon a mount. She’ll reward you with a bell used to summon spirits.
When does the tombstone icon appear?
The tombstone icon appears on the left side of the screen in Elden Ring when players are in areas where they can summon spirits for assistance. This typically occurs in challenging locations, such as enemy camps, boss arenas, or other difficult environments. The icon signifies that players can utilize their summoning ashes to call for reinforcements, which can be crucial for overcoming tough battles. However, it’s important to note that the ability to summon is contingent on having the appropriate ashes and sufficient mana to perform the summoning action.
Even though you already have the bell and some of the spirit ashes, you won’t always be able to summon allies. Summons are only available when the tombstone icon appears on the screen.
How do I obtain summoning ashes in Elden Ring
Obtaining summoning ashes in Elden Ring involves acquiring the necessary tools and progressing through the game accordingly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Acquire the Horse: First, ensure you have obtained your mount, Torrent, by speaking with Melina at the Church of Elleh. Accept her request to receive the Spectral Steed Whistle, which unlocks your mount2.
- Reach the Church of Elleh: Fast travel back to the Church of Elleh, located west of Limgrave. At night, rest at the Gatefront Ruins Site of Grace in front of Stormgate. This triggers an encounter with Melina, confirming your ability to summon a mount2.
- Meet Renna the Witch: Once you have confirmed your ability to summon a mount, exit the site of grace and approach Renna, who sits on a crumbling wall to the east. Speak with her and exhaust her dialogue. Confirming that you can summon a mount will prompt her to give you the Spirit Calling Bell and the Lone Wolf Ashes2.
- Equip Spirit Ashes: With the Spirit Calling Bell in hand, equip your chosen Spirit Ashes in your inventory. Make sure you are near a Rebirth Monument, indicated by a small white gravestone icon on the left side of your screen. This is essential for activating the Spirit Calling Bell and summoning your allies.
By following these steps, you will be equipped to use Spirit Ashes effectively during challenging parts of the game. Remember to manage your FP levels, as using Spirit Ashes consumes magical energy, especially for more powerful summons.
What are the best Spirit Ashes for boss battles
When facing the formidable bosses in Elden Ring, selecting the right Spirit Ashes can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some of the best Spirit Ashes to consider for boss battles:
- Mimic Tear: Often regarded as one of the strongest Spirit Ashes, the Mimic Tear duplicates your character’s build, allowing it to wield your weapons and spells. This versatility can overwhelm bosses quickly, especially if you have a bleed build, as it doubles the rate at which you inflict that status effect.
- Black Knife Tiche: Known for her agility and damage output, Tiche can effectively dodge many attacks while dealing consistent damage. She is particularly useful against bosses like Malenia, where her survivability and offensive capabilities shine.
- Banished Knight Oleg: This Spirit Ash is a powerful melee fighter with high health and a strong attack pattern. Oleg excels at holding enemy aggro and can dish out significant damage, making him a reliable choice for prolonged encounters.
- Lhutel the Headless: A great option for players focusing on magic builds, Lhutel combines tankiness with ranged attacks. Her ability to teleport helps her avoid damage while keeping pressure on enemies, allowing you to heal or recharge spells safely.
- Bloodhound Knight Floh: This Spirit Ash is a beast against less tanky bosses, dealing substantial bleed damage. However, he has low health and can be easily stunned, so it’s crucial to manage his aggression during fights.
- Lone Wolf Ashes: While not as powerful as others, these wolves are excellent for distracting bosses and interrupting their attacks. They can swarm enemies effectively, providing openings for you to strike.
- Storm Hawk Dean: This summon offers a mix of ranged and melee attacks while providing buffs to your damage output through its war cry ability. Its mobility allows it to engage safely from a distance6.
These Spirit Ashes provide a blend of offensive capabilities and strategic advantages that can help turn the tide in challenging boss encounters throughout Elden Ring.
