In Elden Ring, runes are more than just currency — they are the lifeblood of your progress and your strongest tool in battle. Among their many uses, one of the most essential is summoning Spirit Ashes, powerful spectral allies that can turn the tide of tough encounters. Drawing from hundreds of hours of personal gameplay and support from the Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting community, I’ve learned that using runes wisely for Spirit Ashes can make all the difference in your journey across the Lands Between.

Here are five tested and reliable ways to use your runes effectively for Spirit Ash summoning.

1. Level Up Your Spirit Ashes via Roderika

The first and most important way to use runes for Spirit Ashes is upgrading them through Roderika at the Roundtable Hold. Each upgrade boosts the HP, damage, and survivability of your summon. I made the mistake early on of ignoring this mechanic and struggled through mid-game bosses until I invested in my Mimic Tear. Once fully upgraded, it was like having a second version of myself in battle — a complete game-changer.

Upgrading requires both runes and Grave/ Ghost Gloveworts, so managing your rune income becomes essential. This is where some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes to fast-track their Ashes' development, especially when aiming to dominate in late-game zones like Nightreign.

2. Choose the Right Ash for the Right Boss

Different Spirit Ashes have unique strengths. For example, Lhutel the Headless can tank, while Black Knife Tiche excels at agility and dealing damage over time. Learning which Ash fits which boss saves countless rune-based deaths and resummons. During my run through the Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting challenge, I found that matching the summon’s style to the boss’s mechanics drastically improved my success rate. A balanced investment of runes into multiple Ashes gives you flexibility and power.

3. Use Runes to Fund Smithing and Gear for Synergy

Your summons are only as good as your own readiness. That means spending runes on your gear to match your Spirit Ash’s capabilities. For instance, when using a tanky summon like Banished Knight Oleg, I found great success in upgrading heavy armor and weapons to draw attention while Oleg dished out punishment. Investing your runes in this synergistic way makes both you and your summon more effective in tandem.

4. Reallocate Runes After Failed Summons

Not every summon is worth the investment, and that’s okay. If a Spirit Ash isn’t performing well in your current build or situation, use your remaining runes to respec or pivot. After several failed attempts with Skeletal Militiamen, I decided to stop investing in them and instead channeled those runes into upgrading Lone Wolf Ashes, which performed far better with my ranged magic build.

It’s smart to experiment early and adjust before you commit major rune resources. For players pressed for time or resources, some opt to buy Elden Ring runes to freely test different Spirit Ashes without the grind.

5. Save Runes for Boss Encounters with Spirit Reliance

In high-level areas like Nightreign, bosses are designed to overwhelm you. Here, Spirit Ashes aren’t optional — they’re essential. I often found myself saving up large amounts of runes before these fights to ensure I had the ability to summon, heal, or upgrade right before battle. It's a tactical resource pool that can mean the difference between success and failure.

During my Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting sessions, I would stockpile runes specifically to max out Spirit Ash upgrades before each major boss. The extra survivability from a fully upgraded summon often gave me the breathing room needed to win.

In conclusion, runes are a crucial resource that should be carefully managed to maximize your Spirit Ash effectiveness. Whether you're a first-time player or tackling Nightreign challenges, using your runes wisely ensures you're never facing the horrors of the Lands Between alone.

And if you're ever short on runes and want to focus on enjoying the game rather than grinding, there are safe and reliable services available where players can buy Elden Ring runes and get back to the action.

I've walked this path myself — and with smart rune use and the right Spirit Ash at your side, you’ll find that every fight becomes a little more manageable, and a lot more epic.

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