Let's be real, traversing The Lands Between solo can be a brutal, unforgiving experience. FromSoftware's masterpiece, Elden Ring, is packed with nightmarish creatures and demigods waiting to turn you into a red stain on the grass. While the challenge is part of the charm, sometimes you just need a little backup. Enter Spirit Ashes, your spectral homies ready to turn the tide when the odds are stacked against you. The game is absolutely stacked with different summons to discover, but let's cut through the noise. With the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC now fully integrated into the experience, here’s the definitive 2026 breakdown of the most powerful and meta-defining Spirit Ashes you need in your arsenal. Trust me, these picks are total game-changers.

🦴 Skeletal Militiaman: The Unkillable Distraction

Don't sleep on these bony boys just because you get them early from the Tibia Mariner in Summonwater Village. The Skeletal Militiaman Ashes are low-key one of the most clutch tools in the game. Their whole vibe is being an annoying, regenerating nuisance. As part of Those Who Live in Death, they get back up with a full health bar after being taken down. They'll keep reviving indefinitely unless hit during their regeneration animation or wiped out with Holy damage. For any boss that isn't spamming huge area-of-effect attacks, these guys create insane breathing room for you to heal, rebuff, or just unleash a charged R2. They are the ultimate aggro magnets.

🐺 Lone Wolf Ashes: The Early Game MVPs

Your first Spirit Ash, gifted by the enigmatic Ranni at the Church of Elleh (or bought later if you miss her). Most Tarnished ditch these good bois for flashier options, but that's a major mistake. The Lone Wolf Ashes summon a pack of three agile wolves that are experts at evading attacks, making them surprisingly durable decoys even against late-game bosses. Their real secret weapon? Their bites do massive poise damage. They can stagger tough enemies, creating critical openings for you to land your own big hits. Never underestimate the OG.

⚔️ Banished Knight Engvall: The Unbreakable Tank

If you're looking for a summon that can just eat damage for days, Engvall is your guy. Found after conquering the Murkwater Catacombs in Limgrave, he's an early-game treasure. His massive health pool and resistance make him a premier tank. But he's not just a meat shield. As a Banished Knight, he commands the storm. His special skill lets him dash across the arena with a gust of wind to deliver a Lightning-infused strike. This is perfect for closing gaps and keeping pressure on mobile bosses, giving you precious time to reposition or cast spells.

🏹 Ancestral Follower: The Versatile All-Rounder

This hefty, horned warrior from the Siofra River is the definition of a well-rounded summon. You earn the Ancestral Follower Ashes by defeating the Ancestor Spirit boss (light those eight obelisks!). What makes him so special is his hybrid approach. He starts by pelting enemies with surprisingly accurate and powerful arrows from range. But if an enemy gets too close? No problem. He'll pull out a massive axe and brawl with the best of them. This adaptability makes him incredibly handy in unpredictable, pinch-me-I'm-dying situations.

🔥 Radahn Soldier Ashes: The Aggressive Duo

Acquired in the War-Dead Catacombs after you've conquered Starscourge Radahn himself, these two knights are the definition of aggressive. They don't wait for commands; they spawn and immediately charge the nearest enemy. Wielding powerful weapons and dealing fire damage, their overwhelming and relentless attack patterns make them a threat from early game to NG+. They are perfect for players who want their summons to take the initiative and apply constant pressure.

💎 Crystallian: The Ultimate Damage Sponge

Found in a chest near the Trio Putrid Crystalline boss in Caelid, the Crystallian is not your damage dealer. Its strength lies in its absurdly high damage resistance, mirroring the tough crystal enemies you fight. This makes it arguably the best pure tank summon in the game. It can withstand a staggering amount of punishment, serving as a nearly immovable object to distract bosses while you handle your business. When you just need something to hold the line, this is your go-to.

🪆 Legendary Puppets: Nepheli Loux & Dung Eater

These two represent a morally grey but incredibly powerful path. By progressing Ranni's and Seluvis' questlines, you can acquire a special potion. Giving it to Dung Eater turns the vile, trash-talking madman into a brutally strong puppet summon. He hits like a truck and has a wide moveset. Alternatively, you can give the potion to Nepheli Loux, the warrior who aids you, transforming her into a dual-axe-wielding powerhouse. Both choices grant you top-tier Spirit Ashes, but they come at the cost of ending those characters' stories. Choose wisely, but know the power is immense.

🐲 Azula Beastman: The Late-Game Brawlers

Appropriately found in the crumbling, storm-tossed ruins of Farum Azula, this ash summons two Beastmen, each wielding a colossal greatsword. If you've faced the optional Beastman bosses, you know what to expect: relentless, high-damage aggression. This duo excels at crowd control and can carve through boss health bars with terrifying efficiency. They are the embodiment of overwhelming force.

👯 Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets: The Elite Duet

Found in a well-guarded chest in the ethereal Nokstella, Eternal City, this pair is worth the fight. The Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets are a masterclass in coordinated aggression. They attack with blinding speed, dodge deftly, and their alternating, disorienting attack patterns can stun-lock enemies and create huge damage windows. They are elusive, powerful, and can handle multiple threats or single bosses with equal grace. Securing them is a challenge, but having them by your side is a major flex.

🎯 Final Verdict for 2026

The Spirit Ash meta in Elden Ring remains rich and varied. Whether you need an unkillable tank (Crystallian, Engvall), relentless damage dealers (Azula Beastman, Radahn Soldiers), or versatile all-rounders (Ancestral Follower, Puppets), there's a perfect spectral companion for every Tarnished's playstyle. Remember, a great summon isn't just about DPS; it's about creating the opportunities you need to secure victory. Now go forth, summon wisely, and claim your throne.