Spirit Ashes are one of the most impactful tools available to players in Elden Ring. These spectral companions can dramatically shift the tide of a battle, whether you're fighting a relentless boss or clearing out groups of enemies. But not all Spirit Summons are created equal—some are far more valuable than others depending on your build, playstyle, and where you are in the game.

After spending countless hours experimenting with different summons throughout multiple playthroughs, I’ve put together a tier list ranking ten of the most useful Spirit Ashes. This list reflects a balance between raw power, survivability, utility, and overall game impact. Whether you're early in your journey or deep into New Game Plus, knowing which summons to rely on can make all the difference.

1. Mimic Tear Ashes

The Mimic Tear has earned its reputation as one of the strongest Spirit Summons in the game, and for good reason. It literally becomes a copy of your character, using the same weapons, armor, and abilities. If you’re equipped with powerful Elden Ring Items, the Mimic will mirror that strength. It’s especially useful for builds centered around bleed or status effects.

2. Black Knife Tiche

Tiche offers high mobility and deals consistent damage with her spectral blade. She also reduces enemy health over time with her unique attack, making her especially effective against bosses with large health pools. I found her most useful during late-game fights where timing and positioning are critical.

3. Lhutel the Headless

Lhutel is tanky, persistent, and unpredictable—in a good way. She teleports frequently, which makes her hard to target and ensures she's always putting pressure on enemies. I relied on her heavily during my first run through Leyndell, and her durability never let me down.

4. Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff

A solid all-around tank who also deals lightning damage, Kristoff excels at holding aggro in boss fights. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done, and his ability to soak damage makes him a dependable option in both solo exploration and major encounters.

5. Cleanrot Knight Finlay

Finlay brings both damage and support, offering buffs and some healing utility. She’s especially valuable for players who want to keep some distance while their summon handles frontline combat. I found her particularly helpful in Haligtree and other late-game zones.

6. Banished Knight Oleg

Oleg is a heavy-hitting summon who excels in early-to-mid game content. His aggressive style helps to disrupt enemies and bosses alike. With the right support, he can still hold his own in late-game areas as well.

7. Redmane Knight Ogha

If you prefer a ranged summon, Ogha’s powerful greatbow attacks can deliver serious damage from afar. I used him often when I needed backup in open-field fights, especially when exploring the Mountaintops of the Giants.

8. Kaiden Sellsword Ashes

An underrated melee summon that swings hard and fast. He’s great for early-game dungeons and even holds up decently against some bosses. While he lacks the survivability of higher-tier summons, his raw offense makes him a strong early option.

9. Skeletal Militiamen Ashes

Their unique ability to resurrect after death makes them surprisingly effective at distracting enemies. They’re not meant to win battles on their own, but in the right context, especially in areas swarming with enemies, they’re more useful than they appear.

10. Greatshield Soldiers Ashes

These five shield-bearing spirits act as a living wall. They’re incredibly good at drawing attention away from the player, which can be vital in chaotic boss fights. While they don't deal much damage, their team-based durability is a unique asset in group engagements.

Choosing the right Spirit Summon in Elden Ring isn’t just about stats—it’s about synergy with your build, the situation you’re in, and what kind of support you need. Whether you're stacking Elden Ring Runes to level up or carefully optimizing your gear with top-tier Elden Ring Items, having the right summon in your toolkit can elevate your gameplay in major ways.

Throughout my experience, I’ve found that experimenting with different ashes in various scenarios is key to learning how to use them effectively. The U4GM community has also provided tons of insights and feedback on summon strategies, making it easier to refine your approach to both PvE and PvP challenges.