If you’ve spent any time summoning spirits in Elden Ring, you know just how satisfying it is to have them fight alongside you. But getting your favorite summon to max level can feel like a grind if you’re not sure where to focus. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to make your companions as strong as possible, with some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Understanding Spirit Summons

First things first, not all summons are created equal. Some spirits are better for tanking, others shine in ranged attacks or magic damage. Before you start leveling them, decide which ones suit your playstyle. Personally, I like mixing a defensive summon with a high-damage one—it makes boss fights a lot more manageable.

To upgrade your spirits, you’ll need Spirit Ashes and materials called Grave Gloveworts. These items are scattered across the Lands Between, often in catacombs or in hidden corners near sites of grace. Early on, it’s tempting to just level whichever summon you find first, but focusing on your favorite spirits saves a lot of time and runes in the long run.

Gathering the Right Materials

Upgrading a summon requires different tiers of Gloveworts. Basic summons need regular Grave Gloveworts, while higher-level upgrades demand more rare variants, such as Ghost Gloveworts. I like to make a routine of checking nearby dungeons or farming enemies that drop these items—it feels like a small adventure every time you do it.

One tip: don’t waste all your elden ring runes on leveling your character exclusively. You’ll need a decent stash of runes to upgrade summons efficiently. Even if you’re in the middle of a challenging area, spending a few thousand runes to push a summon up a level can make the next fight much smoother. If you’ve ever lost your summon in the middle of a tough fight, you know exactly what I mean—it’s worth the investment.

The Role of Special Items

Once you get past the early levels, upgrades require special items, like the Somber Grave Gloveworts. These are usually located in more dangerous areas, often guarded by mini-bosses or hidden behind tricky puzzles. I always try to plan my route so I can collect a batch in one run—it saves repeated trips and reduces frustration.

Also, don’t forget that certain merchants sell materials needed for upgrades. If you ever find yourself short, this is a safe fallback, though sometimes prices are steep. This leads into a question I’ve seen pop up a lot in forums: can you buy elden ring runes online? While there are services that offer in-game currency for purchase, I usually advise sticking with reputable sources like U4GM if you decide to go down that route. It’s a handy way to stock up on runes for upgrades without spending hours farming, but only if you’re comfortable and understand the risks involved.

Leveling Strategy

When it comes to actually upgrading your summons, don’t rush everything at once. It’s smarter to max out one or two spirits before spreading resources too thin. I like starting with my primary damage dealer, then focusing on support spirits. This approach makes bosses less stressful and gives you a better return on your materials.

One trick I picked up is to upgrade summons right before a major boss fight. Even a single level increase can change the outcome, especially if your summon has a unique ability that counters the boss’s mechanics. Trust me, watching your summon take down half a boss’s health while you stay safe is incredibly satisfying.

and Considerations

• Keep an eye on where special materials spawn. Some areas reset over time, so planning your farming route is key.

• Don’t forget your Spirit Ashes can be upgraded at any Site of Grace, so it’s not as complicated as it sounds—just make sure you have enough Gloveworts.

• Balance your resources. Upgrading your character and your summons together often works best.

Maxing out your summons in Elden Ring isn’t just about raw power—it’s about strategy, patience, and a little bit of planning. With the right approach, your spirits can become reliable partners in even the toughest battles, and the grind starts feeling more like a rewarding adventure than a chore.

Sneak Peek: Elden Ring 2025: Ultimate Weapon Tier List & Meta Picks