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In Elden Ring, the role of a summoner isn’t just about staying back while your Spirit Ashes do the work — it’s about crafting a strategic playstyle that lets you control the battlefield, punish enemies when they’re distracted, and thrive in chaos. Whether you favor mimicry, undead warriors, or magical beasts, this guide breaks down 10 core tactics to help you create a truly powerful summoner build.

From maximizing Spirit Ash effectiveness to optimizing your FP management, these strategies are based on real gameplay experience and designed for both PvE and PvP encounters.

1. Prioritize Mind and Summoning Gear Early

Mind directly influences your FP pool, which determines how often you can summon and cast support spells. Aim for at least 25 Mind by mid-game if you're relying on Spirit Ashes. Combine this with talismans like the Primal Glintstone Blade or the Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce FP costs and cast more frequently.

2. Use Spirit Ashes Strategically, Not Just Offensively

Summons like Lhutel the Headless or Omenkiller Rollo provide more than just damage — they create aggro pressure. When you summon, use that window to buff, heal, or cast high-damage spells while enemies are distracted. Timing is crucial — don’t waste your summons at the start of every fight; wait for boss transformations or tight mobs.

3. Enhance Your Ashes with Upgrades

Spirit Ashes scale significantly with upgrades via Roderika at Roundtable Hold. If you're planning to lean into this build, investing in Ghost Gloveworts and Grave Gloveworts is essential. You don’t need to max out every Spirit Ash — just focus on your top two or three.

Tip: Having some cheap Elden Ring runes on hand can speed up the upgrade process without the need for constant farming.

4. Choose Summons that Complement Your Style

If you're a spellcaster, use tanky Spirit Ashes like the Banished Knights to hold the line. If you're melee-heavy, faster or ranged summons like Black Knife Tiche can help you stay in the fight longer without absorbing aggro. It's about synergy — not just raw damage.

5. Buff Your Ashes with Support Incantations

Golden Vow, Blessing of the Erdtree, and Flame, Grant Me Strength apply to your summons too, as long as they’re in range when cast. Don’t overlook this — a buffed summon can last significantly longer and deal more damage, especially in prolonged boss fights.

6. Leverage Status Effect Synergy

If your summons inflict bleed, frost, or rot, choose weapons or spells that stack with their effects. For example, pairing Black Knife Tiche (who applies bleed) with Swarm of Flies can overwhelm enemies quickly. This kind of status layering is brutal when timed right.

7. Use Terrain and Boss Arenas to Your Advantage

Spirit Ashes are affected by the environment. In cramped spaces, larger summons like the Mimic Tear can struggle, while ranged summons excel. In wide-open boss arenas, tanky or multi-unit summons like the Ancestral Followers shine. Always scout the arena first and plan accordingly.

8. Manage Aggro and Positioning

If you're using ranged or fragile summons, stay close enough to keep them active but far enough to avoid aggro. You can also use distraction tools like the Shabriri's Woe talisman to redirect attention temporarily and keep your summons alive longer.

9. Pair Ashes with Crowd Control or AoE Magic

Summons aren't just for DPS — they’re excellent crowd controllers. Use that to your advantage with AoE spells like Night Maiden’s Mist or Meteorite of Astel while your Spirit Ashes occupy targets. The goal is to overwhelm enemies with simultaneous threats they can’t respond to.

10. Keep Backup Ashes for Different Situations

Don't stick to one summon for everything. Keep a few upgraded Spirit Ashes in your inventory for different challenges — like ranged mobs, rot-inflicting enemies, or multiple foes. Being adaptable is what separates a good summoner from a great one.

A dedicated summoner build in Elden Ring isn’t just viable — it can be one of the most rewarding ways to play, especially once you understand the nuances of your support toolkit. With the right Spirit Ashes, support spells, and battlefield awareness, your build can feel like commanding a small army.

And while building the perfect setup can take time and resources, many players streamline the process by securing Elden Ring Items for sale or picking up cheap Elden Ring runes to unlock upgrades faster. The real key, though, is learning how to use what you’ve got to the fullest.