In Elden Ring, the Spirit Summons system adds a strategic layer to combat, allowing players to call upon spectral allies to support them in battle. While these spirits often act independently, their effectiveness can be significantly influenced by the use of buff items. Understanding how these interactions work can provide players with a competitive edge in both PvE and challenging boss encounters. Below are five key ways Spirit Summons interact with buff items in Elden Ring—knowledge that every Tarnished should take advantage of.
1. Buff Auras Can Benefit Spirit Summons
Certain buff items, like the Lord’s Divine Fortification or Flame, Grant Me Strength, affect an area around the player. If Spirit Summons are within the radius when the item is activated, they can also receive the buff. This includes increased resistances, attack power, or even elemental defense. Smart positioning before using these Elden Ring items can turn the tide of a fight by giving your summoned spirits a significant survivability boost.
2. Healing Items Work on Friendly Summons
Items such as Blessing of the Erdtree or Erdtree Heal can restore HP to Spirit Summons if they’re within range. In prolonged battles, especially against high-damage bosses, this interaction becomes a lifeline for keeping your allies active longer. It’s worth noting that not all healing spells or items will reach spirits depending on their range, so positioning and timing are crucial.
3. Defensive Buffs Provide Durability Against AoE Attacks
When using Spirit Summons during boss fights that involve frequent area-of-effect (AoE) damage, applying defensive buff items like Barrier of Gold can reduce incoming elemental damage for both you and your spirits. This synergy is particularly useful against bosses like Rykard or Astel, who deal heavy magic and fire damage. Equipping your character with these types of Elden Ring items ensures your summons don’t go down immediately in high-damage zones.
4. Offensive Buffs Amplify Summon Damage Output
Items that boost attack power—such as Exalted Flesh or Flame, Grant Me Strength—can indirectly increase your Spirit Summons’ effectiveness by accelerating your own ability to draw aggro or deal more damage while they assist. Some weapons also emit buffs that apply to nearby allies when used, and Spirit Summons can sometimes benefit from these effects depending on their proximity. Taking advantage of this mechanic makes crowd control and boss staggering more achievable.
5. Consumable Buffs Can Shape Summon Strategy
There are numerous consumable buff items available from an Elden Ring items store—whether in-game vendors like Twin Maiden Husks or external item guides. These include resistance-boosting boluses, attack-boosting resins, and more. While Spirit Summons don’t use consumables themselves, your use of these items can dictate which spirits to summon based on the situation. For example, using a Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear before summoning a spirit with magical attacks creates an effective synergy that enhances your overall damage output.
Mastering the relationship between Spirit Summons and buff items is a nuanced but rewarding endeavor in Elden Ring. By understanding how these elements interact, you can create a powerful synergy that maximizes your combat effectiveness. Whether you’re customizing your loadout from an in-game vendor or browsing an Elden Ring items store online, selecting the right buffs to complement your Spirit Summons is a game-changer in the Lands Between.
