Summary
Summoning has been a feature in FromSoftware’s soulsborne games for a while at this point, withElden Ringcontinuing it. However, a new summoning system was introduced withElden Ring, namely Spirit Summoning, allowing players to summon for boss fights with a predetermined list of numerous allies. All of these new summons can be found throughout the Lands Between, with naturally more powerful choices emerging.
WithShadow of the Erdtree, even more Spirit Summons have been introduced, some proving to be extremely strong. In addition to the new summons is the difficulty level ofShadow of the Erdtree, with many summons finding use in taking down the tough bosses present in the DLC. Some from the base game remain the best for defeating bosses, while some newer additions have proved to be arguably even stronger, and players should hunt these down if they are experiencing a challenging time against a boss.
1Banished Knight Oleg
Turning The Tables With His Seemingly Unending Combos
There’s always a discussion about the disappointment when a tough enemy sides with the player, and for some reason, is nowhere near as powerful.Banished Knight Oleglaughs at this, remaining as powerful as the same Banished Knight variant notorious for killing players in Castle Sol.
He is an aggressive summon that can keep the attention of a boss. More importantly, he can deal powerful damage with his combos, with never-ending attacks and whirlwind moves that turn him into a beyblade. Fans can plague enemies with a foe that plagues them just as much in Castle Sol.
2Nightmaiden And Swordstress Puppets
Two Spirit Summons To Bully Enemies With
Double spirits are going to be more of a hassle for bosses to deal with than one, and theNightmaiden and Swordstress Puppetsare comprised of two summoned puppets. Each has its own health and can be somewhat difficult for enemies to vanquish given their agility.
Both can deal melee damage, but that is more so in the realm of the Swordstress, attacking with a Nox Flowing Sword, which has a long reach. The Nightmaiden uses theNight Maiden’s Mist sorceryand melee attacks with a dagger, with both puppets dealing good damage, but are at their best when the player is also dealing damage.
3Lhutel The Headless
An Annoying Summon For Enemies To Deal With
For those who don’t want a summon to completely trivialize boss fights,Lhutel the Headlessis one of the better options. She can deal respectable damage via different attacks, as well as possessing good survivability.
She deals melee damage most of the time, but can also attack from range by throwing her spear, grabbing the attention of the boss from the player. She can be difficult to kill as well, as she can teleport, in addition to her heavy armor and greatshield, with which the latter can negate damage, making for a great ally on the battlefield.
4Omenkiller Rollo
A Chance To Fight Alongside A Capra Demon
WhileOmenkiller Rollomight not exactly be the Capra Demon, he nonethelessshares similarities in his movesetthat will make anyDark Soulsfan want to acquire him. Overall, he is an aggressive summon that can easily help the player in tough situations.
He can hit like a truck and is even able to deal bleed damage to the target, clearly a powerful ability. He also has high poise damage and can stagger and break the stance of normal-sized enemies quite easily. Additionally, he has a ranged fire breath attack that can hit bosses.
5Jolan And Anna
Summons Dedicated To Killing Bosses With Bleed
Bleed is one of the most notorious status effects inElden Ring, being extremely powerful, and a way to easily harm bosses.Jolan and Annaindulge in such a build, being summons meant to deal bleed damage to enemies.
As there are two summons, dealing bleed damage can be done quite easily, especially with the player attacking. The two aren’t too defensive and don’t deal too much damage without blood loss on their own, but combined with the player dealing damage, it can make for a strong team, particularly if the player can keep the attention of the boss.
6Ancient Dragon Florissax
A Great Summon For Those Wanting A Support Ally
A hyper-aggressive summon that can deal damage isn’t always desired, and at times, a support ally is all that’s needed.Florissaxworks well in this regard, focusing more on support than dealing enormous damage.
She can decrease damage received to herself and the player with the new Dragonbolt of Florissax incantations, making for a valuable summon. On top of that, she works well with lightning builds, as her weapon, theFlowerstone Gavel, decreases the lightning damage negation of an enemy. However, she is quite weak herself, not dealing too much damage, and is not too sturdy.
7Latenna The Albinauric
Paired Best With Melee Players
Latennacan be an awkward summon for specific reasons, being she has to be put in a good area where she can get a shot on the boss. She doesn’t move from where she’s placed, so positioning is a key aspect when summoning her.
However, if she’s set up correctly, she can be a monster, constantly barraging a boss with ranged attacks. If the player keeps up the pace on the boss with melee attacks, she won’t draw the attention of the boss, keeping her alive and valuable.
8Black Knife Tiche
A Pocket Maliketh
Throughout the game, the player will face off against the Black Knife Assassins,possessing extremely fast and agile movesets.Tiche, as a Black Knife Assassin, also has access to this moveset when summoned, easily zipping around bosses.
However, what makes her powerful is her ability to attack with Destined Death, instantly taking off the first 10% of a boss’s health bar. If that wasn’t enough, it also applies a damage-over-time effect, proving invaluable against tough encounters.
9Dung Eater Puppet
A Strong Tank Summon
While theDung Eaterhas been rendered a comical figure by the community,his Spirit Summoncan be quite effective. It can be a hassle to obtain him, as it involves going through several quests, but the reward is worth it.
He can serve as a strong tank, wielding some of the most defensive Armor in the game, on top of having a high health pool. He can also draw a boss' attention via his ranged and Ash of War attack, the latter of which debuffs enemies. And if that wasn’t enough, his weapon can cause blood loss, making for an extremely powerful summon.
10Horned Warrior
Extremely Powerful For A Regular Spirit Summon
There’s always going to be a powerful item that isn’t regarded as a legendary or rare acquisition by a game. TheHorned Warriorfits the bill inShadow of the Erdree,being an extremely strong summon.
For a regular summon, the Warrior can deal high amounts of damage and can break the stance of enemies often. He also never seems to get staggered, easily shrugging off attacks from foes and continuing his assault. Since the Warrior is a regular summon, it only requires Grave Glovewort and not Ghost Glovewort, making it easy in the way of upgrading.
