Elden Ring Runes has a bunch of spirit ashes, ethereal summons that you can invoke to help you in battle. Some, like Banished Knight Oleg are highly effective damage dealers, capable of taking out the most formidable bosses. Others, hm no, not as much. I'm looking at you, the spirit jellyfish dust. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and I've discovered plenty to experiment with However, my opinion is that none of them are as loyal or as awesome as the lonewolf's dust. The wolf pack that is ghostly has become my top summon, and is an excellent example of a Tarnished's best friend that exists within the Lands Between.



The summoning of a lone wolf is probably the earliest you'll encounter while playing FromSoft's new game. Found at the Church of Elleh, a decrepit structure that was among the very first church to be discovered within the Limgrave region, blue-skinned Renna will show you ways to call spirits after you've obtained the ethereal horse Torrent. Speak to her and she'll gift you both an Spirit Calling Bell, a vital item for beckoning spirits that are ghostly, and also the lone wolf ashes. Seriously, you can't miss it--unless you're one of the many folks speedrunning the game. If you happen to miss the game, you may be able to buy the spirit ashes at Twisted Maiden Husks, at Roundtable Hold.



The spirit ashes don't seem to be particularly powerful, though. The wolf trio can do moderate damage when leveled up, and can't serve as an armory in any way due to their modest health pool. However, what they are lacking in overall damage output what they do make up for in acting as a solid distractor during battles. Make them available and watch as the wolves in spectral leap, gnash, as they circle around their victims, picking them apart limb from leg while you sit in the background. It's a great experience while giving you time to relax and plan the next step.



The thing I like most about the spirit of the Lone Wolf ashes is their loyalty. Sure, all the summons come back to you once they've been called upon. But there's something especially endearing when you watch these big-ass phantom wolves strut around behind you, looking for the next target to attack with their paws. They're also known to strike together, coordinating strikes to keep the enemy at bay. They're helpful almost every day and are always with you even if they are eventually removed one by one.



I've become so attached to them to them that I've decided to name them after real***d doggos from Tim Burton films: Persephone and Sparky from Frankenweenie as well as Zero in The Nightmare Before Christmas. It's just a bummer you can't pet them or show them tricks. They are, after all, ghosts. I'm guessing that interaction with them would be impossible however, there might be an in Elden Ring Items buy game item that can be used for this.