Hey everyone! Buckle up, because today I'm going to give you the ultimate lowdown on Glovewort in Elden Ring. This isn't just another 'go here, get that' guide. I want to talk about why these glowing flowers are more than just upgrade materials—they're literal game-changers for your solo journey through the Lands Between. Whether you're a new Tarnished in 2026 still finding your footing, or a returning veteran looking to min-max your Spirit Ash collection, understanding Glovewort is like finding a secret map in a complex maze. Let's get into it!
The very first time I saw a Grave Glovewort, I thought it was just a pretty background plant. Little did I know, these luminous, pale flowers are the secret sauce to turning your Spirit Ashes from mere distractions into absolute powerhouses. Think of them as the special, high-octane fuel for your spectral companions. In Elden Ring, you've got two main types: Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort. Grave Glovewort is for your Standard Spirit Ashes—your Lone Wolves, your Shield Soldiers, your dependable early-game buddies. Ghost Glovewort, on the other hand, is the premium stuff, reserved exclusively for the fancy Renowned Spirit Ashes like the Mimic Tear or Latenna the Albinauric. Each upgrade doesn't just boost their stats; it's like watching a timid puppy grow into a battle-hardened direwolf. The damage increases, their health pool gets meatier, and their AI sometimes even gets smarter!
But here's the catch—you can't just pick them up and use them. Oh no, FromSoftware wouldn't make it that easy. First, you need to unlock the upgrade service. This is where our favorite gloomy girl, Roderika, comes in. You'll first find her shivering in the Stormhill Shack. Her quest to retrieve the Chrysalid's Memento from Stormveil Castle is your key. Once you've helped her and she moves to the Roundtable Hold, you've got to do a bit of social engineering and convince the grumpy old blacksmith, Smithing Master Hewg, to take her on as an apprentice. It's a bit like negotiating a trade deal between two grumpy, celestial beings. After that, Roderika sets up her own little spirit-tuning shop right next to Hewg.
Now for the fun part: collecting and using the Glovewort. Each type has nine normal levels, plus a 'Greater' version that pushes your Spirit Ash to the mythical +10.
-
Grave Glovewort [1] → Standard Spirit Ash +1
-
Ghost Glovewort [1] → Renowned Spirit Ash +1
-
...and so on up to [9] and the Greater versions.
Upgrading with Roderika is simple: have the right Glovewort, pay the Rune cost, and bam—your spectral buddy gets a power-up. It's one of the most satisfying progression systems in the game.
🌼 Where to Find Them All: The Great Glovewort Hunt
This is where most guides just dump a list, but I want to give you the strategy. Finding Glovewort is like being a cosmic gardener—you need to know which stones to look under. They are primarily found in catacombs and caves across the map. While they look similar, Ghost Glovewort tends to have more blooms on its stalk and is often tucked away in more dangerous, late-game areas. Here’s a quick breakdown of the hunting grounds:
| Region | Grave Glovewort Hotspots | Ghost Glovewort Hotspots |
|---|---|---|
| Limgrave / Weeping Peninsula | Tombsward Catacombs, Impaler's Catacombs | Rare. Try coastal caves. |
| Liurnia of the Lakes | Stillwater Cave, Road's End Catacombs | Stillwater Cave (deeper parts) |
| Caelid | Caelid Catacombs, Minor Erdtree Catacombs | Same locations, but riskier! |
| Altus Plateau / Mt. Gelmir | Wyndham Catacombs, Gelmir Hero's Grave | Sealed Tunnel, Volcano Manor areas |
| Leyndell & Beyond | Auriza Hero's Grave, Leyndell Catacombs | Deeproot Depths, Consecrated Snowfield |
My personal advice? Don't just rush for them. As you explore dungeons for their main rewards, keep a sharp eye on corners, ledges, and behind false walls. The glow is your best friend. Exploring catacombs without grabbing the Glovewort is like eating a burger without the patty—you're missing the main event!
💰 To Buy or Not to Buy? The Bell Bearing Dilemma
Ah, the age-old question. You can find special key items called Grave-Glovewort Picker's Bell Bearings (and their Ghost counterparts). Take these to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, and you can buy infinite amounts of specific Glovewort tiers for 800 Runes each. Super convenient, right?
Well, yes and no. Here’s my take:
Pros of Buying:
-
Saves tons of time if you just want to power-level a specific Spirit Ash.
-
Perfect for completionists in the endgame who don't want to backtrack.
Cons of Buying:
-
800 Runes per flower adds up FAST, especially in the early game. Those Runes could be levels or weapon upgrades.
-
Finding the Bell Bearings themselves often requires exploring the very dungeons that contain the Glovewort. It's a self-solving puzzle!
For new players, I recommend gathering them manually. It forces you to explore the brilliant world design, and you'll naturally collect more than enough for your core Spirit Ashes. Think of it as a treasure hunt where the treasure makes your ghostly friends hit harder. For veterans on a new build, buying can streamline the process beautifully.
🚀 Strategic Tips & Final Thoughts
So, how do you make the most of this system in 2026? Here are my personal pro-tips:
-
Focus Fire: Don't spread your Glovewort thin. Pick one or two Spirit Ashes that suit your playstyle (like the Mimic Tear for aggro-tanking or the Black Knife Tiche for boss DPS) and max them out first. A +10 specialist is better than five +5 generalists.
-
Location Scouting: If you need a specific tier, use the interactive maps online (they've only gotten better over the years) to plan efficient farming routes. Combine it with a rune-farming spot to cover costs if you plan to buy.
-
The Mimic Tear Exception: Remember, the legendary Mimic Tear Spirit Ash uses Ghost Glovewort. Don't waste your precious Grave Glovewort on it! That mistake is a rite of passage we've all suffered.
In the end, mastering Glovewort is about mastering your own journey. These glowing flowers are more than just items; they are catalysts for friendship in a lonely, punishing world. They transform your spectral allies from faint echoes into steadfast comrades who can turn the tide against a demigod. So get out there, explore every creepy tomb, and power up your ghostly squad. Trust me, when you finally take down that boss that's been stomping you for hours with the help of your maxed-out Spirits, it'll feel as satisfying as landing the final, perfect parry. Good luck, Tarnished! \[T]/
P.S. If you found this guide helpful, smash that like button and let me know in the comments which Spirit Ash is your favorite to upgrade!